Well, I tried my best to make it as simple as possible, but some PC knowledge would help.

I released a new version (1.6), by the way.
I suppose what makes mine different is the fact that it's all in one installer, and the defaults have proven safe for pros and novices. For the HOSTS file, I haven't seen anything else out there with the configurability and ease of use that doesn't ovewrwrite the HOSTS file and removes the changes upon uninstallation. For the rest of it... well, I might as well put it this way. To do everything without my installer, you would need the following applications:
HOSTS file= download several HOSTS files and copy and paste the entries of each drectly into the HOSTS file, which would give you duplications.
block spyware and cookies= SpywareBlaster.
restrict about:blank protocol=??
block file:// protocol=??
restricted sites zone= IE-SPYAD
DCOM=DCOMbobulator
disable Windows Messenger= ShootTheMessenger
uninstall Windows Messenger= Uninstall Messenger tool or a command in a run dialog box.
configure the DNS client service to prevent lag with large HOSTS files= You would have to do it manually
Make google defaul search engine in IE= The google registry patch
CWShredder= CWShredder
HOSTSupdater= This I made, so it's no where else.
eDexter= eDexter (seperate installer)
IE powertweaks= search for and download IE powertweaks
The customized shortcuts= You would have to make them yourself
The HOSTS file switch and locker/unlocker= mvps.org, but mine are altered to work on different versions of Windows and have other optimizations.
You can either have all that seperately, but if you're lazy, you can just use Supertrick XG. I've ssid it before and I'll say it again. One of the main reasons I made the project was to make
my life easier, but someone said it had potential, so it kind of grew from there.

In the end, it's your choice.

-- Xero Grid --
Edited by Xero Grid, 21 July 2004 - 07:06 PM.