Chris Evans wrote: >> I'm not aware of any situation yet were using a host file would have useful. >> I gather some people swear by them but other swear at them! It may well be an abuse of the Hosts file but I use it to make it more convenient to use ping. eg 192.168,1.255 broadcast 212.58.251.207 bbc it is easier to type:- ping bbc than ping www.bbc.net.uk or ping 212.58.251.207 -- John Rickman - writing from A9home machine http://rickman.orpheusweb.co.uk --- To alter your preferences or leave the group, visit http://www.freelists.org/list/iyonix-support Other info via http://www.freelists.org/webpage/iyonix-support