Google DNS

[Vandil]

If you are the type of person that likes to use DNS servers other than those automatically provided by your ISP, Google has its own DNS servers (http://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using.html) for you to play with.

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

The data-mining potential of this by Google is immense, so read their privacy statements and such.

[ThinkPink]

This does what?

[Vandil]

This does what?

Turns "www.p-w-n-d.com" into 72.249.118.49

[5th]

So, it does the same thing that PING does?

http://www.p-w-n-d.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5158&stc=1&d=1259926913

[Vandil]

PING uses your DNS server settings to resolve that IP address.

So not exactly. :thumbs:


I'll clarify: Whenever a process (PING, web browser, etc.) on your computer wants to seek out something on the Internets, if you don't know the IP address of the computer you're contacting but know the alphanumeric domain name, your computer will take that alphanumeric domain name and have a DNS server look it up to find the IP address, and then go about its business.

DNS servers can be configured with whitelists, blacklists, and logic, to re-route your computer's query appropriately. Such as to block you from accessing a harmful website or recognizing a typo you made and taking you to the correct domain.

And for more fun, you can override a DNS server by editing your computer's HOSTS file, and providing the alphanumeric domain name and an IP address you want that domain name to always "resolve" to. Such as no where (127.0.0.1).

[5th]

Here's a pretty cool explanation:
http://lifehacker.com/5418211/google-public-dns-aims-to-speed-up-your-browsing

Google Public DNS, then, aims to replace your ISP's default DNS with a (hopefully) faster, safer, and more reliable alternative. Google Public DNS isn't the first freely available alternate DNS we've seen. Previously mentioned (http://lifehacker.com/212589/speed-up-web-pages-with-open-dns) OpenDNS (http://www.opendns.com/) is an excellent DNS alternative (it boasts keyboard shortcuts (http://lifehacker.com/software/shortcuts/browse-the-web-with-keyword-shortcuts-254431.php), parental filters (http://blogs.howtogeek.com/mysticgeek/2008/08/07/protect-your-kids-online-with-any-os-using-open-dns/), and more), but—for better or worse—we're guessing that even more people may be interested in Google's offering.

[5th]

Ok... I have to admit.... there is a definite improvement. You can't expect MUCH when switching DNS servers, but it is noticeable.

If this were facebook, I'd click "Like"

[Vandil]

Yep, after the last few days I can honestly say Google DNS is faster than my IPS's DNS servers. It figures.

[ThinkPink]

So, if I were to change my DNS to google's DNS. I would do that how?

EDIT: Nevermind, I have done this before..... also, DERP.


On a positive note, certain web pages seem to run a little faster.

[Vandil]

Not being redirected to an ad-laden ISP search page for typos and nxdomains is already a blessing.