Switch on to OpenDNS, Really Take Back the Internet

Brit blogger and regular Sig Fig’s commentator Wayne Smallman of Blah! Blah! Technology turned me on to a system known as OpenDNS. Now, you may or may not know that usually your web browser and other internet applications use your ISP’s system to look up the numerical, IP, address of any domain you are trying to access. Most times, the DNS server settings are done automatically when you boot up your modem, whether that is a cable, adsl, or dial-up modem (perish the thought). Occasionally though, you have to open your TCP/IP properties and add the DNS server IP addresses provided by your internet service provider manually.

However, those settings are not necessarily the best ones you could hope for, for your internet connection, and lack many features that are available if you switch to a different service, such as OpenDNS. So what is OpenDNS and how does it benefit you when you are surfing?

OpenDNS helps you navigate the Internet in a safer, faster, smarter and more reliable way. The service is free and requires no downloads. All you have to do is change the DNS server entries, either in your network settings, or better still in your router, to the IP addresses provided by the OpenDNS system.

The first big benefit of using OpenDNS is that it can make surfing the net faster. Two things make OpenDNS faster than similar services. First, OpenDNS runs a really big, smart cache, so every OpenDNS user benefits from the activities of the broader OpenDNS user base. Second, OpenDNS runs a high-performance network which is geographically distributed and serviced by several redundant connections. OpenDNS responds to your query from the nearest location. That means it is very fast and reliable.

Another major benefit is that it intercepts phishing attacks. You get a warning as soon as you try to open a phishing site, regardless of your email client or web browser and whether or not they have antiphishing plugins installed.

But here is the first clincher for me. OpenDNS fixes typos in the URLs you tap into your browser address bar. Ever typed craigslist.og instead of craigslist.org, the smart system recognizes your foolish ways and corrects them on the fly, with no further intervention. It is this feature that leads to the monetization of the OpenDNS system. If a domain cannot be resolved, then clearly labeled ads appear alongside the organic search results for said domain. You can ignore those ads if you like, or use them to help support OpenDNS as you see fit. Either way, it seems to be a better option than relying on your slow, old ISP DNS servers to serve you the sites you want.

So, how do you get started. Simply add or change your DNS settings to the OpenDNS servers: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 and reboot your computer. Click here for more details if you need them and don’t forget to come back to let us know how you get on if you do. You can do it either via the TCP/IP settings on your standalone computer in network settings, or else update the DNS server settings in your router.

A word of warning. Do not do this if you are not the owner/sysop of your network. If you have an IT department, send them a memo, or speak to the main guy and persuade them of the benefits.