jdMorgan - 12:15 am on Dec 23, 2006 (gmt 0)

Nope, hosts files are dirt-simple text files, and handled as such by almost all 'net-capable operating systems.

If it's not too late; fire off a quick note to Santa, and ask him for a firewall or a firewall/router adequate for your needs. Many in the $75.00-and-up range will block domains and wildcard subdomains, although you may have to dig into the on-line user's manuals to see if their implementation is adequate. The more-expensive 'corporate' firewalls will certainly solve your problem, and filter e-mail to boot.

Jim