If you've ever played a free-to-play game on your mobile device or web browser, you've probably fallen victim to an annoying ad that has disrupted your experience.
While most of us can accept that ads are a necessary evil, they can often be quite annoying. That's why some developers offer users the opportunity to pay a flat fee for an ad- free experience in a game, which isn't always a good idea. However, there are some affordable alternatives available.
Block external ads with a hosts file.
Essentially, a hosts file is a file built into your device's operating system that maps a host name (such as a domain name) to a specific IP address. By editing the hosts file, you can manually move specific domains and host names to different IP addresses.
This is especially handy in the case of malware and in-game ad servers, as you can map their domain names to unroutable IP addresses (like 0.0.0.0.). Instead of having to manually list every ad server you come across, there are several master block directories that are freely available to the public. To use a custom hosts file, you simply need to download it and replace the existing file on your operating system. Its exact location will vary depending on your device.
Of course, the hosts method isn't perfect, as it has several shortcomings. For example, some games will host ads on their own servers, so blocking individual domains doesn't really matter. In other cases, you may not have the required system permissions to access and edit the hosts file. This method is also not effective when it comes to ads and malware: companies continue to find ways to bypass edited hosts files, and sometimes refuse to let you play their game if they detect that you are redirecting access to ad servers .
Use adblocking software for full protection
For more advanced adblocking, it's best to rely on software dedicated to protecting you from ads and malware. One such product is Adlock for PC, which offers a number of advanced features that the hosts method simply can't, including the ability to detect potentially harmful links and protect your personal data using Secure Surfing, regulating traffic like a firewall while providing traffic and blocking reports.
users Android, as it can be installed without having to root a device. The software offers a range of subscription packages, depending on the number of devices you want to protect and the length of the license – either one year or lifetime.
