This is far simpler because it doesn't require the hassle of frequent updates to your hosts file, which can become excessively large as a result:

[www.personalfirewall.comodo.com]

This is a free firewall replacement for the Win one, which is junk (it also needs to be disabled if you switch to this). You have to teach it which outgoing communications are legitimate and which aren't (selections can be either permanent or temporary). It also helps to use Forefox rather than Internet Exploder. The other solution is not to use any version of Windoze.