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The HOSTS file maps the host names to their IP addresses, which basically means that it instructs the PC to locate and identify a host in a network. Handling the HOSTS file is a job assigned to experts, since modifications can alter the network configuration settings and prevent certain domains from being accessed by your browser.

Despite the complexity of the task, most host editing applications out there are very easy to use and one relevant example is Host Editor. Designed with simplicity in mind, this application provides a minimalistic GUI that allows you to assign custom DNS records with just a few clicks.

While it is not the best we've seen, the interface consists of a single window where all the options are neatly displayed. It allows you to read the content of the system hosts file, as well as register new domains.

This process is not difficult at all, requiring you to enter the desired IP address, along with the domain name and a custom alias, for fast identification purposes. The application prompts you to confirm the changes and if you agree, it proceeds to the registering process. Once this is finished, you are notified about the success of the operation using a small popup window.

If you are unsatisfied with the changes and want to reload the original hosts file, you can simply reset the host file with the push of a button.

Changing the HOSTS file is not for beginners, but this application makes the task really easy. Since its actions can perform modifications to important areas of your system, it is advisable to create a backup before using it.

Ease of use is one of the key characteristics of Host Editor, but there are some features that it lacks, compared to other similar applications. For instance, it would be nice to allow the user to create exclusion lists or check for duplicates within the HOSTS file.