OpenDNS as a security tool
OpenDNS is a free service to replace your ISP’s DNS settings and in most cases it will speed up DNS searches. The real advantage of setting up an OpenDNS account is the anti-phishing and other content filtering options.
If you are not familiar with what DNS is or does then let me briefly explain. When you visit a website, your computer needs to determine where that domain is on the internet. So it looks up the IP address for the domain from a Domain Name Service (DNS). Typically, your computer gets the DNS settings automatically from your ISP. However, you can configure your computer to use another DNS, like OpenDNS.
OpenDNS has plenty of instructions on how to use OpenDNS for your network.
Once you have an account and your computer or router setup, then take a look at Parental Controls control panel. Using the minimal or low filtering level. This will protect you when you visit a site that OpenDNS has determined might be a potential threat. Or if you have young children in the house that you wish to protect from cetain kinds of sites then you can try a higher level or custom filter certain categories.
I’ve been using it on my home router for just about a year. I am very happy with OpenDNS.
