maza-ad-blocking
Maza is a simple, native, and efficient local ad blocker using your system's hosts file. Runs on macOS, Linux, BSD, and WSL with just bash commands.
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One command to block ads system-wide, lighter than Pi-hole.
Core Features
- Block ads in all browsers and any installed app with one command
- No browser extensions or additional software required
- Automated daily updates of blocklists via cron
- Custom ignore and custom domain lists supported
- Dnsmasq integration for wildcard subdomain blocking
What It Can't Do
- •macOS users must install gnu-sed: brew install gnu-sed. 2. When using cron for auto-update, set PATH and TERM in crontab to avoid failures. 3. The hosts file does NOT support wildcard subdomains; use Dnsmasq if you need full subdomain blocking. 4. Critical domains like localhost are ignored by default to prevent system issues. 5. Some local development services may be affected; add them to the ignore list.
Use Cases
- System-wide ad blocking on personal computers
- Home network DNS filtering via Dnsmasq
- Lightweight Pi-hole alternative without dedicated hardware
Maza is a lightweight local ad blocker that works by modifying the system's hosts file to block ad-serving domains. It requires no browser extensions or additional software—just bash. With a single command (`sudo maza start`), it immediately blocks ads across all browsers and installed apps. It supports automated daily updates of blocked domains via cron, customizable ignore/block lists, and an optional Dnsmasq integration for wildcard subdomain blocking. Maza is perfect for users who want a system-wide ad blocker without running a separate server like Pi-hole. It's open source and works on macOS, Linux, BSD, and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
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Getting Started
Download installer
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Install the software
Double-click the downloaded installer and follow the prompts
Step 1: Open terminal and run the install command: curl -o maza https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tanrax/maza-ad-blocking/master/maza && sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/maza && chmod +x maza && sudo mv maza /usr/local/bin
Step 2: (Optional but recommended) Backup your hosts file: sudo cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts.backup
Step 3: Start blocking: sudo maza start
- Step 1: Open terminal and run the install command: curl -o maza https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tanrax/maza-ad-blocking/master/maza && sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/maza && chmod +x maza && sudo mv maza /usr/local/bin
- Step 2: (Optional but recommended) Backup your hosts file: sudo cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts.backup
- Step 3: Start blocking: sudo maza start
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Open Source Transparency
View GitHub SourceUninstall Info
Run 'sudo rm /usr/local/bin/maza && sudo rm -r /root/.config/maza' to fully uninstall.
No Extra Dependencies
Ready to use after download. No additional runtime required.
Having issues? Check the FAQ below
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