Blocks Ads With Windows 10 Hosts File

Some web pages, such as Microsoft's Hotmail, often bring in ads from other domains which slow down use of the online email service. To speed up web browsing, either block the domains with your router, with a custom DNS, or on your PC. If using Microsoft Windows 10, add the domains to the hosts file.

Press Start button and type "notepad":

Right-click to run Notepad as administrator:

In the Notepad application, open the file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (or %WINDIR%\System32\drivers\etc)
At the bottom of the hosts file, enter lines to avoid the problem domains. Note the typical convention of the first identation is a "tab", and the spaces between the number and the domain name are spaces. The hash "#" indicates a comment.
#    127.0.0.1       localhost
    127.0.0.1       cdn-ssl.vidible.tv
    127.0.0.1       acds.prod.vidible.tv
    127.0.0.1       trk.vidible.tv
    127.0.0.1       dtm.advertising.com
    127.0.0.1       ad.lkqd.net
    127.0.0.1       t.lkqd.net
    127.0.0.1       p.vj-vid.com
    127.0.0.1       to.vj-vid.com
    127.0.0.1       px.moatads.com
    127.0.0.1       z.moatads.com
    127.0.0.1       vpaid.springserve.com
    127.0.0.1       tracker.departapp.com
    127.0.0.1       a.imprvdosrv.com
    127.0.0.1       s59.imprvdosrv.com
    127.0.0.1       cdn.altitude-arena.com
    127.0.0.1       static.shoofle.tv
In the Notepad application, click File -> Save

Unfortunately, the Microsoft Windows hosts file does not support wildcards. You are required to add entries for subdomains. Alternatively, you can run your own DNS service and use dnsmasq, or use a subscription DNS service which provides wildcards.

CDK Global Disallows Passwords With Numbers Greater Than Nine

CDK Global provides software solutions to the vehicle service industry. One of their cloud-based software solutions forces password changes on a short time frame (weeks). It apparently stores prior passwords to prevent password reuse. It also disallows passwords with numbers greater than 9. For example, password2 is ok while password28 is not allowed.

Inside Wiring For DSL

These pictures are of inside wiring for DSL internet service using VDSL. The blue / white pairs from the outside telephone cable connect to the red / green pair of the inside wiring.