Friday, September 16, 2011

Open DNS

You can use OpenDNS in three ways, depending on what features or services you want.

The most basic option is to change the default DNS addresses on your router or computers to the main OpenDNS addressees: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. Without an account, they provide phishing-site blocking to help protect your identity, and they include some additional DNS security features.

Setting DNS addresses in Windows
Example of setting DNS addresses in Windows.

Another option is to change the default DNS servers on your router or computers to the FamilyShield OpenDNS addressees: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. Even without an account, they automatically block adult websites, proxy, and anonymizer sites to prevent filter bypassing, phishing, and some virus-spreading websites.

The third option is to sign up for an OpenDNS account and use the main addresses: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. Then you can define which site types to block, customize the guide and block pages, and monitor Internet usage. You may want to start with a free account and then upgrade to a premium account later if you require more features.