Maza

Maza is an open-source local ad blocker written in Bash that filters domains across all browsers and system software. It operates by utilizing the operating system's native tools to block ad-serving domains, removing the need for browser extensions or standalone applications. The software is deployed as a command line interface tool and is compatible with Linux, macOS, BSD, and Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Users manage the blocker through a set of simple commands to start, stop, and update the blocking database. It can be configured to run automatically via cron jobs to ensure the domain lists remain current. While it works with the system hosts file for basic blocking, it also supports integration with local DNS servers for more advanced filtering requirements. This approach ensures that network requests to known ad servers are intercepted before they reach the browser.

Key features

• System-wide ad blocking across all installed software and browsers
• Support for custom domain blocklists via external URLs
• Ability to add specific custom domains to a local blocklist
• Domain ignore list to prevent blocking of essential system addresses
• Integration with Dnsmasq to support wildcard sub-domain filtering
• Simple command line interface for status and database updates
• Compatibility with multiple Unix-like operating systems

Maza is designed for users who prefer a lightweight, script-based approach to network filtering. It relies on bash 4.0 or higher and curl for its core functionality, with macOS users requiring gsed for proper operation. For users requiring wildcard support, the software generates configuration files compatible with Dnsmasq, allowing the host to act as a local DNS server. This architecture enables the software to be used on a single desktop or deployed on a Raspberry Pi or VPS to serve as a network-wide filter for other connected devices.

By modifying the system hosts file or routing traffic through a local DNS server, Maza provides a way to manage network traffic without adding overhead to the browser. It allows for high customization of the blocking lists while maintaining a small footprint on the system resources.

This tool provides a minimalist, script-driven method for managing DNS-based ad blocking on a local machine.