Hosts file to Create Browser Shortcuts

Use Windows Hosts file to Create Browser Shortcuts

Never type www.google.com again!

This tip by itself can save you enough time to allow you to read all the other tips in their entirety.

Windows operating systems have a file called hosts that allows you  connect any domain name to an ip address. For example, you can connect the letter g to the ip address for google and that will allow you just type g in the browser address bar to get to google.  Here are the steps you would take to do this:

Step 1: Find ip address for website - use this link to find the ip address for www.google.com - one ip address for google is 209.85.149.103

Step 2: Use NotePad to edit C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts   - add a new line in the file that looks like this: 209.85.149.103 g

Step 3: Type g in your browser address bar - it should take you to google. If you are using internet explorer and it does not work, click on settings in upper right-hand corner of browser; select manage add-ons; select search providers; then disable search suggestions.

Notes: - In addition to creating shortcuts to save time, you can use the windows hosts file to access a new domain name you have bought before it has had time to propagate throughout the internet.