--------------------------------------- AGNIS for Outpost Personal Firewall Pro --------------------------------------- AGNIS for Outpost contains a set of ad block lists for use with Agnitum Outpost Personal Firewall Pro. These block lists are ports of the original AGNIS block lists for AtGuard, Norton Internet Security, and Norton Personal Firewall (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm) and are made available to Agnitum Outpost users. These block lists are based in part on info from: 1. discussions in major anti-spyware forums such as: SpywareInfo Forums: (http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums/) Spyware Warrior: (http://spywarewarrior.com/index.php) CastleCops: (http://castlecops.com/forums.html) 2. the latest updates to well-known anti-crapware programs such as: SpyBot Search & Destroy: (http://security.kolla.de/) Lavasoft Ad-aware: (http://www.lavasoft.de/) SpywareBlaster: (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html) 3. other crapware reference sites such as: and.doxdesk.com: (http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/) CounterExploitation: (http://cexx.org/adware.htm) Kephyr.com: (http://www.kephyr.com/) PestPatrol: (http://www.pestpatrol.com/) SpywareGuide.com: (http://www.spywareguide.com/) Webhelper:(http://www.webhelper4u.com/) 4. the latest updates to HOSTS files from: hpguru: (http://www.hosts-file.net/downloads.html) MVPS: (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) For a discussion of the reasons that sites and domains might be included in AGNIS, see the following web page: Targeting & Inclusion Policy http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/target-policy.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Compatibility ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The AGNIS for Outpost block lists can be used with any of the following versions of Agnitum Outpost Personal Firewall Pro: version 1.0 version 2.0 version 2.1 version 2.5 version 2.6 version 2.7 version 3.0 version 3.5 version 4.0 (2007) version 6.0 (2008) version 6.5 (2009) The current release of Outpost is version 6.5 (2009). It can be downloaded from: http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/ NOTE: .CTL files are for Outpost v. 4.0 and earlier. .LST files are for Outpost v. 5.0 and later. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Full" vs. "Lite" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AGNIS for Outpost ships with two different block list types, in two different versions for earlier and later versions of Outpost Firewall Pro. ---- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Type File Name File Format Outpost Ver Description ---- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- "Full" ag-ads.ctl plain text 4.0 & earlier complete text block list; includes all entries "Full" ag-ads.lst plain text 5.0 & later complete text block list; includes all entries "Lite" ag-lite.ctl plain text 4.0 & earlier lite text block list; excludes most "adult" sites, many smaller ad domains, and some misc. domains "Lite" ag-lite.lst plain text 5.0 & later lite text block list; excludes most "adult" sites, many smaller ad domains, and some misc. domains The AGNIS for Outpost lists are ports of the original AGNIS block lists for AtGuard, Norton Internet Security, and Norton Personal Firewall 2003. If you're interested in seeing just how domains (and other misc. entries) are classified, please have a look at the "full-original" AGNIS block list. Download the original AGNIS block list package from: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm After you unpack the archive file you downloaded, look in the \ORG sub-directory. Open the file AG-ADS-ORG.REG or NIS-ADS-ORG.REG (right-click on the .REG file & select "Edit" from the context menu) -- they're the same list, but for different programs. The "full-original" AGNIS list is divided into the following sections: PHRASES PREFIXES WEB BUGS EMAIL NASTIES BIG AD DOMAINS MISC AD DOMAINS CRAPWARE DOMAINS DIALERS ADULT NETWORKS\SERVICES ADULT HOSTING MISC SERVERS HYBRIDS NOT FOR EVERYONE REMOVED There are several sections of entries from the "full" version, however, that are NOT included in the "lite" version (AG-LITE-ORG.REG & NIS-LITE-ORG.REG, in the same directory): EMAIL NASTIES MISC AD DOMAINS DIALERS ADULT HOSTING MISC SERVERS HYBRIDS NOT FOR EVERYONE REMOVED When comparing the any of the "original" AGNIS lists with the block lists for AGNIS for Outpost, keep in mind that the "original" AGNIS lists are filtered through a series of scripts that strip out redundancies, so some entries in the "original" AGNIS lists may not show up in the AGNIS for Outpost lists. (Those filtering scripts, by the way, were developed for use with AGNIS for Outpost by "Cosmos.") Please note that there used to be a long list of misc., "run-of-the-mill" porn sites and adult domains in AGNIS. That section has now been moved to a separate file, which you can find in the \ADULT sub-directory of the main AGNIS installation directory. For instructions on how to install those misc. adult domains, if you so choose, see the file ADULT-NOTE.TXT in the \ADULT sub- directory. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Installation & Use ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In order to import a block list file do the following: 1. Open up the Outpost interface. 2. Select Plug-ins >> Ads from the menu tree (highlight it). 3. Right click and select Properties. 4. Click on the icon displayed here: http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=11968 5. Open the block list you wish to import from the directory where you saved your custom ad-blocking list files: ag-lite.ctl: basic ad list for Outpost 4.0 & earlier ag-ads.ctl: extended ad list for Oupost 4.0 & earlier ag-lite.lst: basic ad list for Outpost 5.0 & later ag-ads.lst: extended ad list for Oupost 5.0 & later * Note: these instructions apply to Outpost Firewall Pro versions 4.0 and earlier. Later versions use a slightly different interface. Ad strings can then be deleted or added using the properties menu. Or you can add items using the trash can. Below are the steps for restoring the default ad blocking list and removing ad list keywords. 1. Restoring the Default Outpost Ads Plugin Ad List: Open the Outpost window, right-click on the Ads Plugin and select Properties. Press the Default button and then apply this change by clicking on Apply. 2. Removing Ad List Keywords: In some cases you may find that a useful URL is matched by an ad-list entry, and is therefore blocked. You could go to the same Ads Properties dialog and locate the offending keyword, in the list displayed. Press Remove and apply the changes by clicking on Apply. Note: it is not strictly necessary to remove old AGNIS for Outpost block lists (or reset the current list to the default) before installing a new version of AGNIS for Outpost. The new list completely replaces your current list. For a more complete guide to using Agnitum Outpost (and Outpost block lists), see the following resources online: Ad Blocking Trick Outpost FAQ": http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=893 "Web Hiker's Guide to Outpost Firewall - The Ads Plug-in": http://www.outpostfirewall.com/guide/the_outpost_gui/plugins/ads.htm Note: By installing and using any of the AGNIS block lists, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in the "License Agreement," copies of which are included at the end of this ReadMe as well as in the LICENSE.TXT file included with this distribution package. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Using a Custom Block List ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When you import a new block list into Outpost, it completely replaces your current list, including any entries you may have added yourself. If you would like to preserve custom entries that you've added to your current block list, you should keep a custom block list and combine it with the AGNIS for Outpost list you intend to import. Here's how to do it: 1) Keep a separate block list file of your own (perhaps named CUSTOM.TXT). This custom.txt file should contain all block list entries that you add yourself. Whenever you add a new entry to Outpost's block list, also add it to your CUSTOM.TXT file for future use. 2) Combine your CUSTOM.TXT with an AGNIS for Outpost .CTL file When there's a new version of AGNIS for Outpost, simply copy and paste your custom list out of CUSTOM.TXT and into the .CTL file that you're going to import, appending to the top or bottom of the .CTL file. (.CTL files are, of course, just plain text files with the extension .CTL, so they're easy enough to build.) 3) Import the modified .CTL file. This process adds few extra steps to the task of importing AGNIS for Outpost, but it works. Moreover, you'll always have that CUSTOM.TXT file (which you can continue to customize) for the next time around. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Disclaimers ~~~~~~~~~~~ WARNING: For the time being and for all ads lists, EXCEPT the Outpost default (integrated) one, the following should be considered BEFORE proceeding to import them: 1. These lists are not provided by Agnitum. One of the consequences of this is that problems encountered, using an imported list, should/are not considered Outpost bugs. See below for further info. 2. Imported lists are provided as-is. By importing them you agree that if possible problems/damages arise then neither Agnitum nor the list's author/maintainer/provider will be held responsible. 3. Since problems associated with imported list are not considered as bugs, refrain from posting in the Outpost Bug reports forum. ~~~~~~~~~ More Info ~~~~~~~~~ For more info, have a look at the "Ad Blocking Trick Outpost FAQ": http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=893 ..as well as the "Web Hiker's Guide to Outpost Firewall - The Ads Plug-in": http://www.outpostfirewall.com/guide/the_outpost_gui/plugins/ads.htm Ports of the AGNIS block lists for Outpost were originally posted in the Agnitum Support forum for Outpost (now moved to the Outpost Firewall User's Support Forum): "Ad Blocker File" http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=486 "Ads plugin: New lists and related info" http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=4342 ~~~~~~~ Updates ~~~~~~~ The AGNIS block lists are regularly updated. You can download updated versions of AGNIS from the same page where you downloaded your original copy of AGNIS. http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm That page lists the last time that AGNIS was updated. I usually try to update AGNIS several times a month, though I may update more frequently if circumstances warrant. There is no special forum, newsgroup, or web board for AGNIS. I do hang out regularly in the following newsgroups and forums, however, and you can often find folks talking about AGNIS (and other things related to privacy & security) in these places: Outpost Firewall User's Support Forum - General Discussions http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=55 DSLR/BBR Security Forum http://www.dslreports.com/forum/security,1 http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/security,1 GRC Discussion Groups http://grc.com/discussions.htm Wilders Security Forum - Update Alerts http://www.wilderssecurity.com/index.php?board=26 I periodically announce updates to AGNIS and IE-SPYAD (my other main block list) in the Outpost Firewall forum, the DSLR forum, the Wilders forum, and the GRC "LatestVersions" newsgroup (grc.news.latestversions). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Problems & Questions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hope you find these ad block lists helpful in your use of Agnitum Outpost. If you run into serious problems with an ad block list, and you have made every attempt to address the problem but remain stumped, I can be reached at: eburger68@myrealbox.com Please keep in mind that my busy schedule may not allow me to respond immediately. I will attempt to get back to you, though, and address your questions. Other helpful resources for getting answers to questions about ad blocking and general privacy questions include the GRC Privacy & Security news groups, which are generously hosted by Steve Gibson of Gibson Research (GRC): http://grc.com/discussions.htm ...and the DSL Reports (Broadband Reports) Security Forum: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/security,1 http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/security,1 For questions and problems specific to Agnitum Outpost, an excellent resource is the Outpost Firewall User's Support Forum: http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/ I've found the folks who hang out in all of these groups to be helpful, knowledgeable, passionate, and more than wise to the wiles of the marketing droids which infest the Net. Finally, you might also check out my web site at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a site which contains a bevy of links to information and software relevant to Privacy & Security on the Internet: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/ There's even a list of Outpost related resources on this page: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/soft7a.htm#Outpost ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Credits & Acknowledgements ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks go to "Cosmos," a moderator in the Agnitum Outpost forums, for the scripts used to produce the "Straight" versions of the AGNIS block lists. "Cosmos" originally created the scripts in order to convert the AGNIS block lists for use with Agnitum's Outpost firewall. You can find the original Outpost versions of AGNIS in this thread on the Agnitum support groups: http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=4342 ------------------------------------------------- Date: 10/14/01, 7/28/02, 10/26/02, 12/22/02 3/9/03, 3/16/03, 4/22/03, 4/26/03, 7/2/03, 11/28/03, 12/6/03, 4/12/04, 6/21/04, 7/30/04, 8/13/04, 10/16/04, 3/28/05. 5/1/05, 6/15/05, 10/2/05 1/19/09 From: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/ Made By: Eric L. Howes (eburger68@myrealbox.com) ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- License Agreement: Terms & Conditions ------------------------------------- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, DISTRIBUTION, WARRANTY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AGNIS (including the block lists and the ReadMe) is Copyright (c) 2000-2004 Eric L. Howes. AGNIS can be downloaded from: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm If you distribute AGNIS, please include all the files. This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2, or (at your option) any later version. This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details. Some files distributed with this package may not be covered by the GNU GPL. Those files remain the property of their original owners and are covered by the licenses under which they were originally distributed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program; see the file COPYING. If not, write to the Free Software Foundation 59 Temple Place - Suite 330 Boston, MA 02111-1307, USA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTENT BLOCKING ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ By installing and using any of the AGNIS block lists, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to following terms and conditions: a) The AGNIS block lists contain lists of domains, web sites, and other URL information that your ad blocking program will use to block content from the sites and domains covered in the AGNIS block lists from being displayed in your web browser. b) By installing any of the AGNIS block lists included in this distribution package, you acknowledge that it is your decision to block advertisements and other content at the web sites and domains covered in the AGNIS block lists -- including sites and services that may prohibit you from blocking content or otherwise interfering with their services and software -- should you choose to use those sites, services, and domains. c) If you do not wish to block content at certain of those sites, you can selectively edit the AGNIS block lists -- either in their source file form or through your ad blocker's graphical user interface (GUI) -- to remove the list entries that block content at those sites. d) You agree to accept any and all legal responsibility for the consequences that may result from the blocking of content at the sites and domains covered in the AGNIS block lists when you use those domains and sites. e) If you have entered into contracts or agreements with the companies whose sites and domains are included in the AGNIS block lists, and those contracts or agreements prohibit you from blocking content at those sites or otherwise interfering with the companies' software or services, you agree that it is your responsibility to resolve those contractual obligations in a satisfactory manner. ---------------------------- Advice on Distributing AGNIS ---------------------------- As noted above, AGNIS is distributed under the terms of the Gnu General Public License, a copy of which is online HERE. That license gives you broad rights to modify and distribute AGNIS, but in order to exercise those rights, you must abide by the terms of the license. At a minimum, to distribute, modify, or distribute modified versions of AGNIS under the terms of the GPL: a) You must cause the modified files to carry prominent notices stating that you changed the files and the date of any change. b) You must cause any work that you distribute or publish, that in whole or in part contains or is derived from the Program or any part thereof, to be licensed as a whole at no charge to all third parties under the terms of this License. c) If the modified program normally reads commands interactively when run, you must cause it, when started running for such interactive use in the most ordinary way, to print or display an announcement including an appropriate copyright notice and a notice that there is no warranty (or else, saying that you provide a warranty) and that users may redistribute the program under these conditions, and telling the user how to view a copy of this License. (Exception: if the Program itself is interactive but does not normally print such an announcement, your work based on the Program is not required to print an announcement.) Furthermore, you must: a) Accompany it with the complete corresponding machine-readable source code, which must be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or, b) Accompany it with a written offer, valid for at least three years, to give any third party, for a charge no more than your cost of physically performing source distribution, a complete machine-readable copy of the corresponding source code, to be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or, c) Accompany it with the information you received as to the offer to distribute corresponding source code. (This alternative is allowed only for noncommercial distribution and only if you received the program in object code or executable form with such an offer, in accord with Subsection b above.) Since the AGNIS block list does not consist of binary code, the following would be sufficient: 1) Include a notice somewhere in the installation stating the following: This program makes use of a modified version of the AGNIS block list, which is available from: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm AGNIS is (C) Copyright 2000-2004 Eric L. Howes. AGNIS is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2, or (at your option) any later version. AGNIS is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details. You can obtain a copy of the GNU General Public License from the Free Software Foundation online: http://www.fsf.org/licenses/gpl.txt 2) Include something like above notice in the ReadMe as well. In fact, you could include the above notice with any other acknowledgements and "thank you's" in your standard documentation. 3) Make a plain text version of the list available If you've embedded the AGNIS block list in a binary program, make a separate plain text version of the list (including your own additions and modifications to the basic list) publicly available either on your web site or with the program itself. ------- CONTACT ------- The author of AGNIS can be contacted at: eburger68@myrealbox.com (Eric L. Howes) Jan. 19, 2009