OpenDNS is a free DNS service. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is the hierarchical naming scheme for computers, services, and resources on the internet. Normally, your Internet Service Provider will provide you with a DNS service. However, you can switch to OpenDNS. It is free, it is fast, and it has lots of options that your normal DNS service may not have.
OpenDNS allows you to block certain categories of websites. For example, you can block adware or phishing sites. You can also create shortcuts that allow you to, for example, type “wp” in your web browser to access “www.washingtonpost.com”. And, if you want, you can get charts and statistics about your network activities. OpenDNS will even correct some of your spelling mistakes for you.
It is really easy to set up OpenDNS. They have an online tutorial that guides you through the steps. They claim it only takes two minutes, and I think they are right. It is that easy.
The simplest way to switch to OpenDNS is by modifying your router’s DNS settings. This allows all computers on your home network to benefit from OpenDNS. OpenDNS has instructions for 17 different brands of routers. Alternatively, you can modify your computer to use OpenDNS. Again, OpenDNS has instructions ready for just about any flavor of Windows, Mac OS, and Linux / Unix. There are even instructions for the Nintendo Wii game console, the Nokia S60 phone, and Palm OS 5.
Regardless of which method you choose, all you are really doing is changing which DNS server to use. Basically, you are just replacing one set of numbers with another set of numbers. There is no software to install.
I have used OpenDNS for a while now, and I have been very satisfied with it.
Visit OpenDNS.com to learn more about this free service.
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