Spybot Immunize alternative?

[Chris Thomas]

Is there any other alternative to Spybot Immunize feature?

Other than Spyware Blaster

Is this really helpful?

DO I really need this?

[RZPogi]

spybot's immunize adds up entries in the hosts file.

You can use hostsman.
http://www.abelhadigital.com/

[computerfreaker]

You can also use the MVPS Hosts service: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Just a tip, you'll want to change 127.0.0.1 to 0.0.0.0 or 255.0.0.0, particularly if you have NoScript installed. Just make sure you leave the first 127.0.0.1 intact!

[YoKenny]

It has been a long time that I have given up on Spybot S&D as it has not kept up with the times like Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM) especially its HOSTS files that do not go through the frequent validation checks that hpHosts and MVPS HOSTS files do. 

I use HostsServer that is part of HostsMan package as a browser speedup proxy that can show the effectiveness of the HOSTS file if you Enable log and Log referrer in Preferences.

Please see:
Personal Web Servers and HOSTS file

Myth: there is no known documentation that proves a different prefix is faster than "127.0.0.1" ... yes "0.0.0.0" is a valid alternative for users that are running a Web Server. Over the years some people try to prove that (example - 255.255.255.255) one prefix if faster ... but they fail to see the big picture ... most major security products have the ability to scan the HOSTS file and they accept the prefix "127.0.0.1". What happens when one of these products has a fit when it encounters an unknown prefix? It's safer to stay with the "industry standard" of 127.0.0.1

I've tested "0.0.0.0" vs. "127.0.0.1" and see no noticeable difference when viewing various websites ... don't believe the hype that (example) "255.255.255.255" is a null address and therefore faster ... this is simply not true, as you can see here that is an assigned address.

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm#Personal