What is OpenDNS, advantages and disadvantages of OpenDNS

What is OpenDNS?

OpenDNS is a domain name resolution service that allows users to access the internet more securely. With features such as anti-phishing, optional content filtering, and DNS lookups in their DNS servers.

OpenDNS differs from ISP DNS services by providing Internet users with more options and security features based on cloud computing technology. Every day, OpenDNS processes approximately 100 billion daily DNS queries from 85 million users through 25 data centers around the world.

You can completely do not need to install software and completely set up with custom filter options or no configuration to use OpenDNS. In which Parental Control is a feature integrated on OpenDNS, this feature helps users filter out all connected network devices, thereby preventing information theft from hackers.

OpenDNS has very fast resolution due to its large cache located in many places around the world. The reliability of the self-healing network is built-in with redundancy. OpenDNS has two services, a free service with ads and a more premium package.

Businesses often opt for the premium service plan which is ad-free, and OpenDNS' premium service also provides reports on how Internet resources are used.

Advantages of OpenDNS

• Ability to detect phishing and sensitive information stealing sites. This feature works regardless of the user's operating system or browser.
• Large Cache systems are located at the intersections of the Internet. Thanks to this, when browsing the web, the speed will be significantly increased if using OpenDNS.
• If you type the domain name incorrectly, the system will automatically correct it, this is one of the advantages of OpenDNS. In case you type the domain name incorrectly and OpenDNS cannot automatically correct the error, it will display search results with similar domain names for you to easily choose.

• With OpenDNS, you only need to configure DNS once, returning to the original settings if you no longer want to use OpenDNS.
• Use OpenDNS when you don't need to install any additional software.
• Able to run on any web browser and any operating system.

How to configure OpenDNS

On Windows Computer:

Windows 10:

• Open "Settings".
• Select "Network & Internet".
• Select "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi," depending on the connection you are using.
• Click on the connection name.
• Scroll down and select "Change adapter options".
• Right-click on the connection you are using and select "Properties".
• Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".
• Enter the DNS server IP address in the "Preferred DNS server" and "Alternate DNS server" boxes.

Windows 7:

• Open "Control Panel".
• Select "Network and Sharing Center".
• Click "Change adapter settings".
• Right-click on the connection you are using and select "Properties".
• Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".
• Enter the DNS server IP address in the "Preferred DNS server" and "Alternate DNS server" boxes.

On macOS

• Open "System Preferences".
• Select "Network".
• Select the connection you are using.
• Click the "Advanced" button.
• Switch to the "DNS" tab.
• Click the "+" icon to add the DNS server IP address.
• You can remove or reorder DNS servers using the "-"/"+" buttons.

On smartphone

1. iOS (iPhone/iPad):

   • Open "Settings".
   • Select "Wi-Fi."
   • Select the name of the Wi-Fi network you are connecting to.
   • Select "Configure DNS" and choose "Manual".
   • Add new DNS servers.

2. Android:

   • Open "Settings".
   • Select "Network & Internet" or "Connections."
   • Select "Wi-Fi."
   • Press and hold the name of the Wi-Fi network you are using.
   • Select "Modify network" or similar.
   • Select "Advanced options" and select "Static".
   • Enter the DNS server IP addresses in the corresponding boxes.