Using OpenDNS for Speed And Security

For starters, DNS stands for Domain Name System. This System translates a domain name such as slowpctips.com into the Internet Protocol (IP) numbers (70.40.210.213) to find the correct web site. Your Internet Service Provider is generally your DNS Server also. These have a tendency to be bogged down during peak hours and slow down your browsing.

There is an option to replace your ISP’s DNS Server called OpenDNS. OpenDNS not only replaces your ISP’s DNS Server but also gives you excellent user defined enhancements such as:

· Anti-phishing protects you and your network from known phishing websites.

· Ability to block content in over 50 different categories (such as malware, drugs, porn, etc. Very useful for controlling sites that kids are allowed to surf to also)

· User definable browser shortcuts that allow you for instance to type SPT into your browser bar instead of slowpctips.com.

· Active monitoring and blocking of known Conficker domains. If your PC starts trying to contact any of these hosts you will also be notified. On a side note although the Conflicker Worm didn’t wreak havoc on April 1^st like some speculated, it has still infected millions of PC’s, and was in fact updated on the 1^st. Meaning that it is just at bay until the creators decide to unleash it.

OpenDNS is extremely simple to use and easy to set up (and did I mention FREE?). You can either set up OpenDNS on a standalone computer or set it up on your router so every PC connected is automatically protected. For a brief overview of how simple it is to setup visit their website at:

http://www.opendns.com/support/videos/getstarted/

Or, if you’d rather jump right in to it, just visit

http://www.opendns.com