"... people who cannot edit /etc/hosts, but can change DNS server."
e.g., "mobile" or "tablet" users who choose Apple iPhone, iPad, etc.
The idea of an ARPA-networked devices that have no user-editable HOSTS file seems inferior to ones that do, i.e. the vast majority of ARPA-networked computers for three decades, but that's just my uninformed view.
The experts selling these things must know better.
DNS works very well for blocking ads. It allows for things that cannot be done with HOSTS alone.
But if you trust a third party for your DNS resolution needs (ad-supported search engine company "free" public DNS, ad-supported, corporate-sponsored browser, etc.), then all bets are off.
If and when advertisers complain and start to cut back on spending, then these third parties could remedy the situation, easily. In my opinion.
If the user is running her own DNS services, then it may be too much trouble for advertisers and the companies they prop up. It is a stretch to think that any ad-supported company could stop users from exchanging lists of names and numbers, whether through a HOSTS file, zone files, or some other mechanism.
e.g., "mobile" or "tablet" users who choose Apple iPhone, iPad, etc.
The idea of an ARPA-networked devices that have no user-editable HOSTS file seems inferior to ones that do, i.e. the vast majority of ARPA-networked computers for three decades, but that's just my uninformed view.
The experts selling these things must know better.
DNS works very well for blocking ads. It allows for things that cannot be done with HOSTS alone.
But if you trust a third party for your DNS resolution needs (ad-supported search engine company "free" public DNS, ad-supported, corporate-sponsored browser, etc.), then all bets are off.
If and when advertisers complain and start to cut back on spending, then these third parties could remedy the situation, easily. In my opinion.
If the user is running her own DNS services, then it may be too much trouble for advertisers and the companies they prop up. It is a stretch to think that any ad-supported company could stop users from exchanging lists of names and numbers, whether through a HOSTS file, zone files, or some other mechanism.