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How to edit the hosts file in Mac OS X


HUSABER
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How to edit the hosts file in Mac OS X 10.7 – Lion,10.8ML

The hosts file is a text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. Upon typing a url address in the browser, the system first checks if there is a relevant entry in the hosts file and if exists gets the corresponding IP address. If no entries exists it resolves the IP via the active connection’s DNS servers.

The hosts file can be edited to block certain hostsnames, like ad-serving/malicious hosts,activation app or used for web development purposes, i.e. to redirect domains to local addresses.

 

Step 1 – Open the Terminal.app

Either start typing Terminal in the Spotlight search, or goto Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2 – Open the host file

Open the hosts file by typing the following in the Terminal window:

$ sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

Type your user password when prompted.

Step 3 – Edit the hosts file

The hosts file contains some comments (lines starting with the # symbol), as well as some default hostname mappings (e.g. 127.0.0.1 – local host). Simply append your new mappings underneath the default ones.

Step 4 – Save the hosts file

When done editing the hosts file, press Control+o to save the file.

Press Enter on the filename prompt, and

Control-x to exit the editor.

Step 5 – Flush the DNS cache

You can use a simple Terminal command to flush the DNS cache, and have your host file changes take immediate effect. Using the open Terminal window, then the following command:

$ dscacheutil -flushcache

Your new mappings should now take effect. :thumbsup_anim:

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