The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

TMO Quick Tip - OpenDNS: Managing Your Internet Access

by , 9:15 AM EDT, September 5th, 2008

Most people never think about the Domain Name Servers their ISP provides, and for the most part they probably handle their part in serving up Web pages just fine. If you want more control over content the Internet feeds you, however, your service provider's DNS services may well fall short. That's where OpenDNS comes in.


OpenDNS

First, a quick DSN primer: Domain Name Servers handle to process of converting the URLs you enter in your Web browser into the addresses that identify the Web site you are viewing. For example, if you type www.apple.com in your Web browser, a DNS server will change that to 17.149.160.49.

Here's what makes OpenDNS better: OpenDNS lets you block content you don't want on your network or computer, it includes a built-in phishing scam protection system, supports domain blocking, and fixes typos in the URLs you enter. It also includes statistics tracking so you can see what type of Internet activities are happening on your network.


Add the OpenDNS servers to your Network Preferences.

To add the OpenDNS servers in Mac OSX 10.5, do this:

  • Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
  • Select the Network Preference Pane.
  • Select your network connection from the column on the left, and then click the Advanced button.
  • Choose the DNS tab.
  • Click the Plus button to add a new DNS server, and then enter 208.67.222.222
  • Click the Plus button again and enter 208.67.220.220
  • Click OK
  • Click Apply

OpenDNS is free, and you can sign up at the OpenDNS Web site.


Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.

Jeff Gamet is TMO's Managing Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: OPEN DNS - Set DNS In Your Router Instead

If you edit the DNS settings in your router, assuming your router assigns IP addresses to your various computers on your LAN, which is typically the case, then you don't have to edit the DNS in each computer per this tip.

Make sure yuo delete the ones that may appear in your router configuration table as they came from the DHCP server at your ISP and you don't want them listed before the Open DNS addresses.

Finally you don't need to enroll in Open DNS to uses thes IP addresses. They always work.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: It can also be annoying

OpenDNS is a little too aggressive with redirects to their own pages intercepting abbreviated URLs/domains that your browser doesn't assist in resolving automatically or completely.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: mac and router dns resolve procedure ?

I want to know the following : I have a Mac connected through the Modem to the ISP. The Mac as well as Modem have DNS settings. Now, when i enter a website url in Safari, which of the two resolves the domain name? And, if i have set the Mac DNS to openDNS while the modem DNS to ISPs, does the ISP DNS play any role ?

Comment on this Article


You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.

Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.


Recent Headlines - Updated July 3rd

Fri, 10:29 AM
News - Apple Warns of Learning Interchange Security Breach
7:30 AM
News - Happy Fourth of July!
Thu, 6:07 PM
TMO Scoop - Psystar Moves to Drop Bankruptcy Ahead of Apple Legal Battle
5:37 PM
News - Uncomfirmed Reports Say Apple & Nvidia On The Outs
4:57 PM
News - Microsoft Sick Over Barf Ad
4:09 PM
Product News - KRK Ships R6 Passive Studio Monitor for Recording
3:45 PM
John Martellaro's Blog - Particle Debris (week ending 7/2)  Juiced, Joost and Goosed
3:12 PM
Product News - ExactScan 2 Pro Released
1:56 PM
Deal Brothers - Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive:  $324.00 Delivered
12:46 PM
TMO Appearances - TMO Appearances Jeff Gamet Shares iPhone Apps on MacJury
10:41 AM
Product News - Art Text 2.2 Adds New Templates, Layer Options
10:04 AM
Hot Forum Topic - Deciphering Mac Sales

The Mac Observer Reader Specials

  • __________
  • Buy Stuff, Support TMO!
  • Podcast: Mac Geek Gab
  • Podcast: Apple Weekly Report
  • TMO on Twitter!