Before I begin, I must warn you that this is a slightly more technical blog post about how you can browse the internet safer and faster. I’ve already discussed some basic tips for safer browsing, which I suggest reading before taking on this task.

Now, onto todays tip. Software that you’ve installed on your computer to keep you lucky can only do so much. In most cases, it doesn’t actually protect you from visiting a site (unknowingly) that is the home to viruses or phishing (the attempt to acquire sensitive information without your permission).

One free solution is implementing OpenDNS. DNS, in its most basic definition, is what maps an IP address (like 74.125.67.100) to a domain name (like google.com). OpenDNS has several key features:

1. Putting websites into logical categories
2. Caching DNS information to speed up your browsing
3. Provides typo-correction so that if you type “google.cm” it redirects you to google.com
4. Allows you to create keywords which are basically shortcuts to websites (ie: if you type in “mail” in the address bar it could redirect to Gmail)

By putting websites into logical categories, OpenDNS can protect you, your family, or your business from sites that are known for hosting viruses or other “attacks.” Additionally, you can restrict access to other categories such as Adult Themes, Hate/Discrimination, and more. If you wish to view more benefits, click here.

Overall, implementing OpenDNS into your home or work network is something that I highly recommend. Today, I’m going to go through implementing OpenDNS into your personal computer (if you don’t have a router) and the implementing it into your home/small business (SMB) network (if you do have a router). If you have just one computer, but have a router then I suggest you follow the directions for a home/SMB network. Note that I am providing very generic instructions and cannot take any blame if these solutions do not work. If you are uncomfortable making these changes yourself, FourLeaf IT can come out to your home or business and implement it for $75 (note that if you have a complex network, it may cost more… remember though we give free estimates).

Implementing OpenDNS…

Before we can do anything, I recommend you print these instructions as you may temporarily lose your internet connection while we go through this process. Now we have to create a basic (free) account. To do so, click here to go to the registration page.

… On a computer/laptop that’s not connected to a router

After registering, you’re immediately presented with three options: computer, router, and DNS server. For this part of the post, select the first option which is “Computer.” Now you’re presented with a list of operating systems. I personally use Windows Vista, but many other options are available. Exact instructions for Windows Vista can be found here and Windows XP instructions can be found here. The goal for both instructions is to change the Preferred and Alternate DNS Servers for your internet connection to be 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220, respectively. For Windows Vista, go to the Network and Sharing Center (go to Start > Run and then enter “control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter” without quotes). Now, select “View Status” next to the connection that shows Access as “Local and Internet.” Once the connection window opens, there should be a “Properties” button at the bottom, click that. Next, select “Internet Protocol Version 4″ and click “Properties.” Once the properties window opens, take note of any settings that may be manually entered into the Preferred and Alternate text boxes. After selecting the option “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter 208.67.222.222 into “Preferred” and 208.67.220.220 into “Alternate.” Now, click “Ok” then “Close” and then “Close.”

… On a Router

Before I go on with instructions, I must inform you that I am using a Linksys WRT54G2 router. While most Linksys routers are generally the same, I recommend you visit this page to get specific instructions for your router.

With that said, let’s log onto your router. Most of the time, this is done by simply opening up your favorite browser (which should be Firefox) and typing in the router’s IP into the address bar. In my case, I’m going to type in 192.168.1.1. Again, please note any settings that may have already been entered. On the homepage, midway down, you’ll typically find the area to type in OpenDNS’s settings. In this case, for Static DNS 1 enter 208.67.222.222 and for Static DNS 2 enter 208.67.220.220.

Once you’ve entered the settings into your router, you may need to refresh your computer’s internet settings. This can be done by either restarting your computer or by following the instructions below…

1. Go to Start and then select Run and then type “cmd” without quotes
2. Once the command prompt window is open, paste* the following and press enter : ipconfig /release *con* & ipconfig /renew *con* & ipconfig /flushdns & ipconfig /registerdns
3. * NOTE: In order to paste information into the command prompt window, simply right click and choose “Paste”
4. When you’re able to type again, simply type “exit” without quotes and then press enter

Congratulations, your computer is now luckier by using OpenDNS!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below. If you would like us to come out to your home or business, please click here to contact us.

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