HostsServer

HostsServer is a local HTTP server that enables users to work with a custom hosts file, and helps you speed up surfing and log blocked URLs.

The installation process is a piece of cake, while the interface you come across is pretty minimal. It encloses a menu bar, a few buttons and a pane in which to view logs. This paired with the well-drawn and extensive Help contents enable you to easily work with HostsServer, regardless of your previous experience with computers.

First and foremost, you should know it is possible to start the server with just a click of the button, while from the settings pane you can easily set it up to automatically start when the current or any user logs on. You can also enable or disable a protected mode, launch Control Panel when user logs on and display an icon in the system tray.

It is possible to display a custom message and image (e.g. JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, SVG) when a site is blocked, activate logs and view them in the main window with just a click of the button. You can also refresh them, filter them according to date, use a search function and clear them. No other noteworthy options are included.

HostsServer does not require many system resources in order to work properly, while all jobs are going to be completed in a fair amount of time.

Overall, it is safe to say that HostsServer is a pretty efficient local HTTP server, which can be used by everybody and did not pop any errors or freeze in our tests.