Checking in various fresh hosts files and readme.md.

alternates/gambling-porn-social/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **gambling, porn, social**.
+* Contains: **33,272 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

alternates/gambling-porn/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **gambling, porn**.
+* Contains: **33,217 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

alternates/gambling-social/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **gambling, social**.
+* Contains: **28,022 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

alternates/gambling/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **gambling**.
+* Contains: **27,967 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

alternates/porn-social/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **porn, social**.
+* Contains: **32,559 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

alternates/porn/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **porn**.
+* Contains: **32,504 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

alternates/social/readme.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+#Unified hosts file
+
+This repository consolidates several reputable `hosts` files, and merges them into a single unified hosts file
+with duplicates removed.
+
+**Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
+
+* Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **social**.
+* Contains: **27,309 unique entries**.
+
+You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
+
+## Sources of host data unified here
+
+Updated `hosts` files from the following locations are always unified and included:
+
+* The [Adaway hosts file](http://adaway.org/hosts.txt), updated regularly.
+* MVPs.org Hosts file at [http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm](http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm), updated
+monthly, or thereabouts.
+* Dan Pollock at [http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/](http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/) updated regularly.
+* Malware Domain List at [http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/](http://www.malwaredomainlist.com/), updated regularly.
+* Peter Lowe at [http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/](http://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/), updated regularly.
+* My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
+
+## Extensions
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
+
+## Generate your own unified hosts file
+
+The `updateHostsFile.py` script, which is python 2.7 and Python 3-compatible, will generate a unified hosts file
+based on the sources in the local `data/` subfolder.  The script will prompt you Whether it should fetch updated
+versions (from locations defined by the update.info text file in each source's folder), otherwise it will use the
+`hosts` file that's already there.
+
+### Usage
+
+#### Using Python 3:
+
+    python3 updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Using Python 2.7:
+
+    python updateHostsFile.py [--auto] [--replace] [--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn] [--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3]
+
+#### Command line options:
+
+`--auto`, or `-a`: run the script without prompting. When `--auto` is invoked,
+
+* Host data sources, including extensions, are updated.
+* No extensions are included by default.  Use the `--extensions` or `-e` flag to include any you want.
+* Your active hosts file is *not* replaced unless you include the `--replace` flag.
+
+`--replace`, or `-r`: trigger replacing your active hosts file with the new hosts file. Use along with `--auto` to
+force replacement.
+
+`--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
+
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
+
+`--help`, or `-h`: display help.
+
+## How do I control which sources are unified?
+
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
+`update.info` file.
+
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
+`update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
+
+## How do I incorporate my own hosts?
+
+If you have custom host records, place them in file `myhosts`.  The contents of this file are prepended to the
+unified hosts file during the update process.
+
+## What is a hosts file?
+
+A hosts file, named `hosts` (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating
+systems to map hostnames to IP addresses.
+
+In most operating systems, the `hosts` file is preferential to `DNS`.  Therefore if a host name is
+resolved by the `hosts` file, the request never leaves your computer.
+
+Having a smart `hosts` file goes a long way towards blocking malware, adware, and other irritants.
+
+For example, to nullify requests to some doubleclick.net servers, adding these lines to your hosts
+file will do it:
+
+    # block doubleClick's servers
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ae.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.ar.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.at.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.au.doubleclick.net
+    127.0.0.1 ad.be.doubleclick.net
+    # etc...
+
+
+## We recommend using `0.0.0.0` instead of `127.0.0.1`
+Using `0.0.0.0` is faster because you don't have to wait for a timeout. It also does not interfere
+with a web server that may be running on the local PC.
+
+## Why not use just `0` instead of `0.0.0.0`?
+We tried that.  Using `0` doesn't work universally.
+
+
+## Location of your hosts file
+To modify your current `hosts` file, look for it in the following places and modify it with a text
+editor.
+
+**Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux**: `/etc/hosts` folder.
+
+**Windows**: `%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts` folder.
+
+## Reloading hosts file
+Your operating system will cache DNS lookups. You can either reboot or run the following commands to
+manually flush your DNS cache once the new hosts file is in place.
+
+### Mac OS X
+Open a Terminal and run:
+
+`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
+
+### Windows
+Open a Command Prompt:
+
+**Windows XP**: Start -> Run -> `cmd`
+
+**Windows Vista, 7**: Start Button -> type `cmd` -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+**Windows 8**: Start -> Swipe Up -> All Apps -> Windows System -> right-click Command Prompt ->
+"Run as Administrator"
+
+and run:
+
+`ipconfig /flushdns`
+
+### Linux
+Open a Terminal and run with root privileges:
+
+**Debian/Ubuntu** `sudo /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart`
+
+**Linux with systemd**: `sudo systemctl restart network.service`
+
+**Fedora Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Network Manager**: `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service`
+
+**Arch Linux/Manjaro with Wicd**: `sudo systemctl restart wicd.service`
+
+**Others**: Consult [this wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_%28file%29#Location_in_the_file_system).
+
+
+## Goals of this unified hosts file
+
+The goals of this repo are to:
+
+1. automatically combine high-quality lists of hosts,
+
+2. provide easy extensions,
+
+3. de-dupe the resultant combined list,
+
+4. and keep the resultant file reasonably sized.
+
+A high-quality source is defined here as one that is actively curated.  A hosts source should be frequently
+updated by its maintainers with both additions and removals.  The larger the hosts file, the higher the level of
+curation is expected.
+
+For example, the (huge) hosts file from [hosts-file.net](http://hosts-file.net) is **not** included
+here because it is very large (300,000+ entries) and doesn't currently display a corresponding high level of curation
+activity.
+
+It is expected that this unified hosts file will serve both desktop and mobile devices under a variety of operating
+systems.

readme.md

@@ -6,10 +6,11 @@ with duplicates removed.
 **Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
 
 * Last updated: **March 13 2016**.
+* Extensions: **none**.
 * Contains: **27,254 unique entries**.
 
 You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
-or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python script provided.
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
 
 ## Sources of host data unified here
 
@@ -24,7 +25,7 @@ monthly, or thereabouts.
 * My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
 
 ## Extensions
-The unified hosts file is extensible .  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
 See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
 
 ## Generate your own unified hosts file
@@ -57,17 +58,23 @@ force replacement.
 
 `--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
 
-`--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3`, or `-e ext1 ext2 ext3`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder containing
-additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or `-e social porn`.
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
 
 `--help`, or `-h`: display help.
 
 ## How do I control which sources are unified?
 
-Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in 
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
 `update.info` file.
 
-Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in 
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
 `update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
 
 ## How do I incorporate my own hosts?

readme_template.md

@@ -6,10 +6,11 @@ with duplicates removed.
 **Expectation**: This unified hosts file should serve all devices, regardless of OS.
 
 * Last updated: **@GEN_DATE@**.
+@EXTENSIONS@
 * Contains: **@NUM_ENTRIES@ unique entries**.
 
 You can [download the resultant unified hosts file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts)
-or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python script provided.
+or clone this repo and generate your own using the Python or bash scripts provided.
 
 ## Sources of host data unified here
 
@@ -24,7 +25,7 @@ monthly, or thereabouts.
 * My own small list in raw form [here](https://raw.github.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/data/StevenBlack/hosts).
 
 ## Extensions
-The unified hosts file is extensible .  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
+The unified hosts file is extensible.  You manage extensions by curating the `extensions/` folder tree.
 See the `social`, `gambling`, and `porn` extension which are included in this repo, for example.
 
 ## Generate your own unified hosts file
@@ -57,17 +58,23 @@ force replacement.
 
 `--ip nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`, or `-i nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn`: the IP address to use as the target.  Default is `0.0.0.0`.
 
-`--extensions ext1 ext2 ext3`, or `-e ext1 ext2 ext3`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder containing
-additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or `-e social porn`.
+`--extensions <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`, or `-e <ext1> <ext2> <ext3>`: the names of subfolders below the `extensions` folder
+containing additional category-specific hosts files to include in the amalgamation. Example: `--extensions porn` or
+`-e social porn`.
+
+`--noupdate`, or `-n`: skip frtching updates from hosts data sources.
+
+`--output <subfolder>`, or `-o <subfolder>`: place the generated source file in a subfolder.  If the subfolder does not
+exist, it will be created.
 
 `--help`, or `-h`: display help.
 
 ## How do I control which sources are unified?
 
-Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in 
+Add one or more  *additional* sources, each in a subfolder of the `data/` folder, and specify its update url in
 `update.info` file.
 
-Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in 
+Add one or more *optional* extensions, which originate from subfolders of the `extensions/` folder.  Again the url in
 `update.info` controls where this extension finds its updates.
 
 ## How do I incorporate my own hosts?