How to Edit the HOSTS file
==========================
    - Use any text editor.
    - Make sure it does not save the file with any extension - such as '.txt'
    - The file has to be named only 'hosts'.

Macintosh
----------
  - location of file: /private/etc/hosts
  - permissions to edit file: You must be able to sudo


Windows XP
----------
  - location of file: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
  - permissions to edit file: Any administrator user.


Windows Vista/Win7
------------------
  - location of file: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

  - permissions to edit file:
      You need to open your text editor with Administrative privileges:
         Right-click on your editor icon, and select "Run as administrator"/
         If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, 
             type the password, or click Allow or Yes.


linux
-----
  - location of file: /etc/hosts/
  - permissions to edit file:  You must be root (fedora), or be able to sudo (ubuntu).


Example of editing hosts file
=============================
  http://www.question-defense.com/2009/06/21/windows-vista-hosts-file-location-add-local-dns-entries-to-windows-vista


More to know
============

* If you can't find the hosts file on Windows, go here:
-------------------------------------------------------
  The registry tells the OS where the "hosts" file is stored:

  HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\DataBasePath=%SystemRoot%System32\drivers\etc
  
  The %SystemRoot%System32\drivers\etc is the usual place. If your registry
  says something different - look there ... but also find out why!
  
  Nothing should be touching your hosts file; the fact that your hosts file disappeared 
  or is moved, may be a symptom that your computer is infected.
  
  http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-security/articles/56592.aspx

* Learn more about the hosts file:
----------------------------------
  Hosts file FAQ: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm

  Hosts file, at Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file


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