Stay Safe With This Super DNS Server with NetBSD: Block Ads and Trackers with Dan Pollock’s Hosts File

Hey, Linux and BSD fans! Ready to transform your NetBSD into a super DNS server that zaps ads, trackers, and sketchy websites? We’re talking about pairing the lightweight power of NetBSD with Unbound and the legendary Dan Pollock’s hosts file from someonewhocares.org. This setup will make your network cleaner, faster, and safer – perfect for your home, homelab, or even a small office. Say goodbye to pop-ups and hello to a pristine internet! Let’s do this!

Why Dan Pollock’s Hosts File on NetBSD?

NetBSD is a lean, mean Unix-like machine – ideal for running a DNS server that doesn’t hog resources. Unbound is a fast, secure DNS resolver that pairs perfectly with NetBSD’s minimalist vibe. Add Dan Pollock’s hosts file, a battle-tested blocklist that nukes thousands of ad servers, trackers, and malicious domains, and you’ve got a super DNS server that keeps the internet’s junk at bay. It’s like giving your network a shield worthy of a sci-fi starship!

What You’ll Need

• NetBSD installed (version 10.1 or newer for simplicity).
• Root access.
• Internet connection to install packages and download the hosts file.
• Unbound installed (we’ll set it up if you don’t have it).
• 15 minutes to become the guardian of your network.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Super DNS Server

1. Install Unbound (if not already done)
   If you’ve got Unbound from a previous setup, skip this. Otherwise, let’s grab it via pkgsrc. Run as root:
   

   export PKG_PATH=http://cdn.netbsd.org/pub/pkgsrc/packages/NetBSD/$(uname -m)/$(uname -r)/All
   pkg_add pkgin
   pkgin update
   pkgin install unbound

   This installs Unbound, ready to power your DNS awesomeness.
2. Download Dan Pollock’s Hosts File
   Dan Pollock’s hosts file is a goldmine for blocking ads and trackers. Get it with wget (install with pkgin install wget if needed):
   

   wget https://someonewhocares.org/hosts/zero/hosts -O /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/pollock-hosts

   This grabs the “zero” version of the hosts file (redirects to 0.0.0.0) and saves it in Unbound’s directory.
3. Convert the Hosts File for Unbound
   Unbound needs the hosts file in its own format (local-data entries). Create a script to convert it. Save this as /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/convert-pollock.sh:
   

   #!/bin/sh
   # Convert Dan Pollock's hosts to Unbound format
   INPUT="/usr/pkg/etc/unbound/pollock-hosts"
   OUTPUT="/usr/pkg/etc/unbound/blocklist.conf"
   echo 'server:' > $OUTPUT
   grep '^0\.0\.0\.0' $INPUT | awk '{print "local-data: \"" $2 " A 0.0.0.0\""}' >> $OUTPUT
   

   Make it executable:
   

   chmod +x /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/convert-pollock.sh

   Run it to generate the blocklist:
   

   /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/convert-pollock.sh

   This creates blocklist.conf with domains redirected to 0.0.0.0.
4. Configure Unbound to Use the Blocklist
   Edit /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/unbound.conf:
   

   vi /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/unbound.conf

   Add this for a basic DNS server with the blocklist:
   

   server:
       interface: 0.0.0.0
       access-control: 192.168.1.0/24 allow
       do-ip6: no
       cache-max-ttl: 86400
       verbosity: 1
       do-dnssec: yes
   include: "/usr/pkg/etc/unbound/blocklist.conf"
   forward-zone:
       name: "."
       forward-addr: 8.8.8.8
       forward-addr: 8.8.4.4
   

   This enables DNSSEC for extra security, allows your local network (adjust 192.168.1.0/24 for your network), and includes Dan Pollock’s blocklist.
5. Enable and Restart Unbound
   Ensure Unbound runs on boot:
   

   echo "unbound=YES" >> /etc/rc.conf

   Restart Unbound to apply changes:
   

   service unbound restart

6. Test Your Super DNS Server
   Install bind-tools for testing:
   

   pkgin install bind-tools

   Test a blocked domain (e.g., an ad server):
   

   dig @127.0.0.1 doubleclick.net

   You should see 0.0.0.0, meaning the ad server is blocked. Test a legit domain:
   

   dig @127.0.0.1 google.com

   You’ll get Google’s real IP. Your super DNS server is ready to fight the internet’s dark side!

Pro Tips for Your Super DNS Server

• Automate Updates: Keep the blocklist fresh with a cron job. Add to /etc/crontab:
  

  0 0 * * * root /usr/pkg/etc/unbound/convert-pollock.sh && service unbound reload

  This updates the blocklist daily at midnight.
• Extra Security: Use NetBSD’s npf firewall to lock down DNS traffic. Example rule:
  

  pass in on $ext_if proto udp to any port 53

• Low Resource Usage: Unbound with Dan Pollock’s hosts file uses ~20-30 MB RAM, making it ideal for old PCs or Raspberry Pis running NetBSD.

Why NetBSD is Awesome for This

NetBSD’s tiny footprint means your DNS server runs smoothly without the bloat of some Linux distros. Dan Pollock’s hosts file blocks thousands of nasty domains, keeping your network ad-free and secure. NetBSD’s legendary stability ensures your server stays up for ages. Dive into man unbound or the NetBSD docs for more techy details.

Your Turn!

Your super DNS server is now blasting away ads and trackers! Noticing fewer pop-ups on your devices? Got other blocklists you swear by? Share your setup in the comments below. Want more NetBSD tutorials, like adding a firewall or running a web server? Let me know! Sources: NetBSD documentation, Dan Pollock’s someonewhocares.org, and X posts about DNS setups. Catch you next time!