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 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.