SOPA is coming, or at least my inner cynic says it is (more on that side of me later). Fortunately congress is populated with people who, in the vein of the late Sen. Ted Stevens, have absofarkinglutely no clue how the internet works. The bad part: they write the rules. The good part: they don't know how to write effective rules. Follow below and learn how to edit your computer's HOSTS file and create your own micro Domain Name Server (DNS).
A few warnings:
First, this is easy.
Second, this requires administrator privileges. If you don't have those (or are scared about text editing) this Reddit thread has the IP addresses of several popular websites. If you'd like a a Google Docs version, well we've got you covered there too.
Third, this works in Windows. If you use another OS, use some Google Fu and find the location for your corresponding files. Onward!
How The Internet Works
When you enter a web address (like this site's) in your web browser the software takes that name and goes first to a DNS provider. This computer says "Oh, you want to go to Daily Kos, OK, that's at 173.231.134.22". It's kinda like the switchboard operators from the 50's(?) that would take the call, say "Oh, you want Mr. Schmidstlesteinsberg, one moment please" and move cables around to connect the call.
SOPA seeks to block websites by forcing their removal from US based DNS systems. But that's OK, the sites are still up, they're just on the DarkNet now and have to go there by IP address. The problem is now the hotlinks and everything else on the site have to either be rewritten to reference IP address numbers (instead of the DNS name). Editing the hosts file can create a micro DNS on your computer and alleviate this little problem.
What We're Doing
We're editing your computer's "hosts" file. This works as a first option for redirecting user input. Commonly it's used for local network redirection (so typing in "Jukebox" into the browser address bar takes you to a local NAS (or, evilly, typing in a porn address takes your teenager to a local file of something of your choosing)). We're going to edit so that when SOPA hits and the DNS servers get whacked, we're not really that affected. The steps are simple
1. Obtain the IP address of the website you're looking for
2. Enter it in the hosts file.
I'm using www.dailykos.com in all the examples, substitute with the website you need
How To Do It
1. There's a couple ways to find the website's IP address (e.g. 173.231.134.22 for DailyKos). Simplest is to open a command prompt (cmd.exe) and type "ping www.dailykos.com". You'll get a series of replies from 173.231.134.22 in this case. That series of numbers is the IP address. Now that we've got it, time to edit!
2. Click the start menu and get to "Notepad" by search or navigation. Right click Notepad and select "Run As Administrator". This is important, if you don't do this you won't be able to save the hosts file.
With Notepad open, select "File->Open" and navigate to "C: \ Windows \ System32 \ Drivers \ etc " and select the file called "Hosts". You'll see the commented part giving you a background on the file and its purpose. Go to the bottom and type
"173.231.134.22 www.dailykos.com". This tells your computer that whenever it sees "www.dailykos.com" to go to IP address "173.231.134.22". This works regardless of the status of the DNS system.
... and that's it! Repeat for however many websites you need.
Two quick caveats
I've done some testing, but nothing incredibly extensive. This worked with Fark's subfolders, so I see no reason why it wouldn't work with the rest of the internet, but then again the DNS system is currently live so I don't know if it was my superior basic hacking or the DNS system.
Also, there is a remote chance that Congress will get hip to the http and modify SOPA to take IPs offline instead of merely the DNS directions. Of course that would require physical seizure of assets so hopefully some basic evidence standards will keep that from happening.
Good luck, stay connected.
