You know you can improve both the performance of your Internet browsing and security by choosing alternative DNS; The good news is that it is free and you'll need about one minute of your time to switch to another provider.
What is a DNS resolver?
Domain Name System (DNS) is known to Internet users, but an average or novice user probably does not know or care about what DNS is, or what they can do.
DNSs link domain names or domains and IP addresses. If you own a server and want to allow it to connect to it, it is best to use a name. It's easy to remember, or rather it's easier than an IP address number. There are several online services selling domain names. Once you buy a domain, you need to connect it to your server's IP address, and then whoever is interested will be able to access it, your domain name instead of having to type the IP address.
A DNS resolver server allows a computer (or a user) to look up a domain name (such as iguru.gr) and find the IP address of the server hosting the website. Think of the DNS resolver server as a phone book for computers.
So when he types the domain name of a website on the web browser behind the scenes, there is the DNS resolver server, which will point your computer to the correct IP address by resolving the domain name into numbers. This way your browser will discover the website you typed.
Which DNS resolver are set up for you?
Most home users use the Internet Service Provider (ISP) DNS resolver, or Internet Service Provider. They are usually used automatically when you configure your router. You can find out which DNS resolvers you use if you go to your router's settings page through the "WAN" tab. There, look in the "DNS Servers" section. There are usually two, one main and one alternate. These DNS servers may or may not be hosted by your ISP.
You can also see the DNS server used on your computer by opening a command window orders and typing the command “nslookup” and then enter. You will see the “Default DNS Server” and the IP address.
Why would I want to use an alternate DNS Resolver from the one my ISP gives me?
Your ISP may have done a good job with the DNS Resolver servers, and can be completely secure. But it may not be. Their servers can have endless pores and awesome hardware, offering you super fast response times. But it may not.
You may want to use an alternative for three main reasons:
1. Alternative DNS resolvers can give you very fast web browsing
Some alternative DNS providers claim to use public DNS servers providing a faster browsing experience to end users with noticeable latency reduction for search of DNS. Of course, you have to have the relevant experience to notice this, but you probably know when a connection is slow. You can try and if it seems slow, you can always go back to your old ISP by changing DNS whenever you want.
2. Alternatives to DNS Resolvers improve security while browsing
Some alternative DNS providers claim that the solutions they offer improve security by filtering out malware, phishing, and phishing or malicious sites. This reduces the risk of attacks DNS cache poisoning.
3. Some Alternative Reselvers DNS Providers offer automatic content filtering
You want to try adding filters for your kids so they don't have access to porngraphics sites, or other "non-family friendly" sites? You can choose a DNS provider that filters content. The service Norton ConnectSafe DNS servers offers DNS resolution servers filtering inappropriate content. This does not mean that your children cannot simply type in the IP address of an inappropriate website and gain access to it. But then we are not talking about children but "hackers."
How do you change your DNS Resolver with an alternative DNS provider?
The best way to change DNS providers is from your router. This will change them from one place only. Once you change DNS Resolvers to your router, all your network applications will use the new DNS servers automatically.
Check your router's manual for how and where to change the DNS records. There are usually two to three locations to enter DNS Server IP addresses.
Before making any changes, write some of the current settings in case your changes do not work.
Alternative DNS Providers Worth to Use:
Google Public DNS:
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
Norton ConnectSafe DNS:
198.153.192.50 - (includes malware, phishing, and porn sites)
198.153.194.50 - (includes malware, phishing, and porn sites)
For a more extensive list of alternative DNS providers, see below.
Provider |
Primary DNS Server |
Secondary DNS Server |
|---|---|---|
| Level3 | 209.244.0.3 | 209.244.0.4 |
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | |
| DNS.WATCH | 84.200.69.80 | 84.200.70.40 |
| Comodo Secure DNS | 8.26.56.26 | 8.20.247.20 |
| OpenDNS Home | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| DNS Advantage | 156.154.70.1 | 156.154.71.1 |
| Norton ConnectSafe | 199.85.126.10 | 199.85.127.10 |
| GreenTeamDNS | 81.218.119.11 | 209.88.198.133 |
| SafeDNS | 195.46.39.39 | 195.46.39.40 |
| OpenNIC | 216.87.84.211 | 208.115.243.35 |
| Public-Root | 199.5.157.131 | 208.71.35.137 |
| SmartViper | 208.76.50.50 | 208.76.51.51 |
| Man | 216.146.35.35 | 216.146.36.36 |
| FreeDNS | 37.235.1.174 | 37.235.1.177 |
| censurfridns.dk | 89.233.43.71 | 91.239.100.100 |
| Hurricane Electric | 74.82.42.42 | |
| puntCAT | 109.69.8.51 |
