cross-posted from: https://kerala.party/post/347631
which is more effective, useful, and efficient?
Ideally you'd use both. Something like a pihole to serve as a first wall of defense for the entire network, and then additional things like uBlock Origin for any device with a browser that supports it, for some more granular control.
I'm the kind of person who also uses the hosts file from DivestOS on my PC, because why not. Always fun to see how the pihole doesn't have to block anything on that device because of this.
On that note, Safings' Portmaster is a nice app if you want to have a graphical overview of what's going on on a device.
Well DNS based blocking has its problems mainly devices bypassing your network defined DNS with some encrypted DNS(DoT,DoH) or using hardcoded custom DNS servers.
A. Device part of a business infrastructure:
Just don't change anything; those policy are there for a reason!B. Consumer device:
1/ If we're talking about proprietary hardware/software forcing your network to use a specific DNS, then you need to provide more details because you should be able to change it.2/ There is also the case for a malware:
A fresh start is preferable.
Disinfect the system while offline, then back up the needed files.
Reinstall the system on a new/old formatted drive.
With the exception of taking your privacy/security seriously this time.
What is local app based tracker blocking ? Like ublock origin?
The way Adaway works is similar to DNS blocking, it modifies the system hosts file which is like a local DNS. I would divide ad blockers into name resolution based (Pihole, Adguard, Adaway) and client side filters (Ublock origin etc).
I'm trying to find the article but it looks like just a question?
Local lets you customize what you want to block, which lists to subscribe to and quickly change settings or disable blocking which is useful for troubleshooting when something doesn't load. However local apps (I'm talking smartphone apps) can be blocked or routing https traffic through those apps can be refused by the apps you are filtering.
DNS filtering will let you filter all your devices at once but I don't think you have much control over what's exactly being blocked and it's less convenient to pause filtering (switch DNS).
If you're talking about tracker blocking on PC rather than mobile then it's a no brainer - use uBlock Origin addon your browser and you're golden.
open source proxy / DNS blocker don't (or shouldn't) have commercial agendas & obligations that commercial OS & Browsers may impose.
