Looking into the sporadic high power consumption and freezing issues might be linked to your hosts file.
Looking into the sporadic high power consumption and freezing issues might be linked to your hosts file.
Hi everyone, I just completed a fresh installation and overlooked backing up the hosts file I was using to block unwanted traffic. I downloaded a new one from Github (StevenBlack Unified hosts = adware + malware), which appears to be the same filter that comes by default on pi hole. I also adjusted browser privacy settings and added a privacy extension for Firefox. The hosts file seems significantly larger now, with 91,898 entries compared to my previous version. My main concern is whether my internet performance changes when I try new activities—like launching a game with online connectivity or switching off/pausing my VPN. I notice the DNS Client in Task Manager shows high CPU usage (16-17%) and power consumption spikes, usually resolving within a minute before returning to normal. Additionally, Windows Security gave me a warning about the hosts file, though it was on a different version I had saved temporarily. It might be that the size of my file or certain Firefox settings are forcing it to re-evaluate DNS/hosts constantly. I’m planning to try pi hole and unbound from a Pi-style device soon, but for now I’d like to see if I can improve this situation or confirm it’s normal. Thanks for any help!
I understood your point. Are there any alternatives you'd like to explore while you wait for the solution?
Browser add-on for Chrome with uBlock Origin support, but a Firefox release is needed. Use AdGuard DNS for better performance.
I also use ublock origin in Firefox, along with a few other tools to block unwanted tracking. I’m running NordVpn, which I got before the problems started about that single node issue. It offered a great deal plus cash back, so I paid around $30 after the rebate for a three-year plan—about six months remain. The service uses its own DNS when I connect and has what they call Cybersec to help with ads. Honestly, I might be overdoing it, but privacy has become more important lately. I’m managing bipolar type 2 well, though I tend to get very focused on certain tasks and need extra attention to staying private.