Pi-hole

Date: 18-09-2024

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I've been rather busy with school lately, but I still have time to tinker! For a while now, I have wanted to use Pi-hole with my router, but I've either been busy with Gentoo or school. However, I have finally found the time and inspiration to install Pi-hole on my home server!

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What is Pi-hole ?

Pi-hole is a DNS sinkhole that can be used with your router to protect your other devices without installing any client-side software. For the most part, Pi-hole is used for only blocking ads, but there is more you can do with it, for example, logging internet activity and blocking websites. - -

benefits of using Pi-Hole

Network wide adblocker
Saves bandwith due to adblocker
Adblocker on all mobile apps
Free of cost
Can function as a DHCP server
Easy-to-install

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Installing

Since I'm using Arch Linux as my server OS, the only real option I had was to use the Docker container. It was relatively easy to install, though I did encounter some issues, mostly due to me not reading what to do. Overall, I'd say it was easy to set up and configure for all my devices to use.

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Blocklist

I have a number of websites blocked to avoid visiting suspicious sites or being tracked. The best source for blocklists from what I can tell is Firebog. I recommend using only the lists marked in green, as those coloured blue are either no longer maintained or may interfere with your normal day to day web browsing. Additionally I would just add the top three lists from each category to cover a good enought basis.

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Last thoughts

I really do like Pi-hole and I see myself using it for the forseeable future as it just does a whole bunch of intresting bits that help me be more secure online.

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