URL Blocker

URL Blocker is a software tool that manages the system's hosts file to restrict access to specific web addresses. The program modifies DNS entries at the system level, applying blocks to all programs and processes that attempt to access the prohibited URLs.

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• Hosts file management. URL Blocker directly modifies the operating system's hosts file, redirecting blocked web addresses to localhost (127.0.0.1). This method prevents any application, including browsers and background processes, from accessing the restricted domains.
• Profile system. The program allows creating multiple profiles with different sets of blocked URLs. Each profile contains an independent configuration that can be activated according to specific needs, facilitating switching between different blocking policies.
• Task scheduler. Includes a scheduler that automatically executes changes to blocks according to predefined schedules. The scheduler operates in the background and can activate or deactivate specific profiles at set times.
• Password protection. Offers the option to protect the configuration with password authentication. This feature restricts access to the program interface and prevents unauthorized modifications to the block list.
• Data import. Ability to import block lists from files with the .wub extension, existing hosts files, or DNS cache content. The import process skips duplicate data and uninterpretable items.
• Configuration export. Allows saving the current configuration in proprietary .wub format files. The export includes hostnames, assigned profiles, and associated comments.
• Input validation. A verification system that examines each imported item before its permanent incorporation. Unvalidated items are excluded from the active list and discarded when closing the application.
• Automatic startup. Integration with the Windows Task Scheduler to run automatically at system startup. This feature requires administrator privileges and allows setting custom delays.
• DNS cache management. Options to clear the system DNS cache after modifying the hosts file. Some applications with their own cache may require a restart to apply changes completely.
• Forced removal. Emergency mechanism that removes problematic hosts files during system reboot. This function resolves situations where excessively large hosts files prevent internet access.
• Attached hosts files. Possibility to combine the generated hosts file with existing hosts files. Attached items are incorporated without verification and appear separated by headers in the final file.
• Comment system. Allows adding descriptive annotations to each entry in the list. Comments are included in the generated hosts file and facilitate organization through grouping by categories.
• Visual indicators. Displays modified items with highlighted background colors to identify changes pending to be saved. This feature helps track unconfirmed alterations in the configuration.
• Auto-save. Option to automatically save changes before applying the hosts file. When activated, data is preserved even if the application closes unexpectedly.

The development of URL Blocker began in 2010 as part of the WinTools.Info suite. The programmers created the application using the C# language on the .NET Framework platform.

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