I just put this together to cover a question I was asked recently. Might be useful to someone…
Where is the /etc/hosts file in Mac OS X?
The hosts file used by Mac OS X is in /etc/. Windows users sometimes have problems finding it since there’s no %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc folder in the Mac OS. UNIX users might not expect /etc/ to be hidden by the Mac OS X Finder, so they often look in /Library/Application Support/
Accessing /etc/hosts
/etc/ is hidden by default. The easiest way of getting to the hosts file is to open /Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app. Then type:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
…you will need to type in your password. Your hots file will open in the text editor ‘nano.’
Adding entries to /etc/hosts
On a new line type the IP Address followed by at least one space or tab and then the hostname. Examples:
127.0.0.1 mydevsite.local
192.168.1.222 ads.shadycompany.biz
…hit ctrl + o to Save, and then ctrl + x to quit the text editor.
See here for more about using /etc/hosts for Virtual Servers: Adding an entry to /etc/hosts on OS X
Background: What is /etc/hosts used for?
The hosts file is a simple way of mapping IP Addresses to hostnames. It overrides mappings provided by the Domain Name System network. The hosts file is commonly used by network administrators to provide access to LAN resources when no name resolution is available. The other common usage is to block access to specified hosts by adding host entries resolving them to — for example — 127.0.0.1.
More Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_(file)
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Thanks! Whew!
You also also do the following:
1. On Finder, click on “GO” –> “Go to Folder”
2. Enter /etc
3. Hit Go
4. Copy the hosts file to another folder (not in /etc)
5. Amend and paste the hosts file back to /etc (need to authenticate)
how can I find the IP address for RTVE.es ?????? to open it?????
To lookup the IP Address type nslookup rtve.es into Terminal.app and hit enter. The IP address is near the bottom under ‘Address.’
Continuing the Discussion