Why Use OpenDNS

OpenDNS is a free service that provides domain name translation. Unless you've changed it, you're using the DNS service provided by your ISP. This is perfectly fine. OpenDNS, however, gives you control over your own network. There are several advantages to handling your own DNS and many people are making the change.

Advantages of Using OpenDNS

You can create browser shortcuts and OpenDNS will know what your mean. For instance, login to your OpenDNS account and create a shortcut to your favorite Internet news site and call it NEWS. When you type NEWS into your browser, it will go to the site you specified. Your ISP would have returned a blank error page.

You can also easily filter sites. Parental Controls in a web browser can be circumvented. When filtering is done via DNS, there is no way to get around it. OpenDNS gives you the option to filter entire categories, or set a filter level that blocks websites that fall into that level. For instance, Minimal Level will block phishing sites, while High Level blocks adult sites, social networking sites and those sites that are known for other illegal activity.

OpenDNS also claims to be faster. But it is truly the ability to control your own DNS that makes this service appealing. Give it a try!  Go to the OpenDNS website create an account. You will need to write down their DNS server numbers. Then login to your router and make the change to your DNS settings.

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