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Thread: Using a Hosts File as a Chromebook VPN

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    Default Using a Hosts File as a Chromebook VPN

    There's a simple no-root app called Strange VPN Hosts which adds a strong layer of security to your Internet, which can normally only be used if you have root on a Chromebook.

    Here's a quick tutorial:

    1. Search for Strange VPN Hosts on the Play Store and install it.

    (it has been removed from Google Play Store but I uploaded a backup APK here: https://www.epforums.org/showthread....66#post1959266)

    2. Right-click http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt and save it as Hosts.txt

    3. Import that list into Strange VPN and turn it on.

    4. Set it to be an Always-on VPN with this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...io.chimera.vpn

    It can be switched off from auto-start, you can set other VPN apps to auto-start with that app.

    You can compile your own Host.txt file or use one from another source and it'll work. I used the MVPS hosts as an example because it's lightweight, efficient and regularly updated. There are very few if any working free IP hiding VPNs aside for Bitmask that work for Chromebook, using a Hosts file as a VPN is a great use of a VPN on Chromebook to fortify its security.

    I've attached the HOSTS file I'm using with Strange VPN below, I merged MVPS with Adaway to block ads on the Internet and inside apps too. Simply extract the TXT file and import it into the VPN.

    AdawayMVPS.zip

    Here you can merge multiple HOSTS.txt files to create your own custom HOSTS for Strange VPN:
    https://www.ofoct.com/merge-text-files-online

    Duplicate entries from the resulting merged hosts files can be removed here to speed up and optimize VPN:
    https://textmechanic.co/Big-File-Too...ate-Lines.html

    edit

    This is the updated and merged file I'm using with Strange VPN, it includes MVPS, Adaway and all the exploit/malware/hijacked server blocking HOSTS:

    StrangeVPN.zip

    I will maintain this TXT file for Strange VPN with periodic updates in this thread. As the best possible file to import into it.
    Last edited by Till; 3rd-April-2020 at 07:36. Reason: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_(file)
    Free beer for everyone! --> How to upload files as ROM patches.


    reductio ad absurdum



  2. #2
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    UPDATE: 03/14/20

    StrangeVPN.zip

    HOSTS file was recompiled from scratch using all the best hosts lists, only thing it does not block is porn and warez.
    Last edited by Till; 15th-March-2020 at 03:53. Reason: Update...
    Free beer for everyone! --> How to upload files as ROM patches.


    reductio ad absurdum



  3. #3
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    Strange VPN Hosts is no longer available on Google Play Store, possibly because it can be used to block in-app ads. Here's a backup I made of the APK.

    Strange Vpn.zip
    Free beer for everyone! --> How to upload files as ROM patches.


    reductio ad absurdum



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