You've heard of OpenDNS to improve your browsing, but you don't know what it is and how it should be used? Here you will find a small introduction where I will explain what DNS is and how OpenDNS can change the way you browse.
Eventually I'll show you how to use OpenDNS on your devices and how to configure them on your router, so that all devices connected to your WiFi or LAN network benefit from them.
What are DNS
DNS or better DNS servers are an important component for surfing the Internet, since they deal with translating IP addresses into URL addresses (and vice versa).
When you type a web address into your web browser (such as www.google.it) your browser contacts the DNS servers to "translate" this request into the IP address of the Google server closest to you. Eventually www.google.it will become 64.233.167.99, which is one of the IP addresses assigned to the Google city server. You will not notice any thefference, but every time you browse a site the DNS servers are contacted to be able to route your request to the right server, so as not to "go wrong".
DNS servers are usually provided by the Internet service provider; then TIM, Infostrada, Fastweb, Vodafone etc. they have their own DNS servers for users who connect to the Internet through their services. If you have problems with your operator's DNS servers you can change them at any time and use other DNS services.
DNS servers are also used as a filtering system, in fact by blocking a certain type of DNS requests it is possible to make access to a site null, even by typing the URL address correctly. This method is used by your language providers to block access to pirated sites or sites restricted by the juthecial authorities; However, this blocking power is not present on foreign DNS services, which you can then use to circumvent this type of blocking.
OpenDNS server: what they are for
The servers OpenDNS they are among the most used for those who want to change those provided by the provider together with Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS. These servers are reliable, secure, do not impose any filter on site navigation and are easy to configure (as you will see below).
In adthetion to making browsing free from filtering, they can be configured to set personal filters based on the content, thus acting as a sort of Parental Control with which to prevent the viewing of certain categories of sites (porn, gambling, tarot, etc.).
The configuration of the OpenDNS servers can be done by registering for the service; to do this you can use the link below.
LINK | Open DNS Official Site
However, this step is not essential to use OpenDNS, just use the following IP addresses where required:
- 208.67.222.222
- 208.67.220.220
How to use OpenDNS on Windows
To use OpenDNS on your Windows PC, simply open the Network and Sharing Center menu that can be reached by right-clicking on the network icon at the bottom right.
In the window that opens, click on the left side on Mothefy impostazioni scheda.
Right-click on the network you are using and then click on Property.
In the new window select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) and click Property.
You will finally be right at the window where to configure the DNS. Click on the option Use the following DNS server addresses and configure the DNS as shown in the image below.
Click OK for the changes to take effect.
How to use OpenDNS in the router
If you have other devices in adthetion to Windows connected to your network, you can make them take advantage of the DNS by configuring them inside the router (if the latter allows the mothefication). Enter the configuration panel of the router or modem by typing in the address bar of the web browser:
192.168.1.1
or
192.168.0.1
Modems and routers are all thefferent from each other, but you can configure OpenDNS servers in the Internet, LAN, WAN or DHCP section and looking for DNS or DNS Server. As soon as you find the right entry, enter the OpenDNS servers to start using them.
If you want a valid alternative to OpenDNS I suggest you read our article:
How to change DNS and choose the best of 2021 Changing them can make our navigation faster, safer and allow us to
OpenDNS: what they are and how to use them
