“The DNS (Domain Name System) is the phonebook of the Internet” (Cloudflare). When you enter a URL in a web browser, your computer first contacts a DNS server to find out the actual address hosting the website.

What is DNS Really?

When you send a letter by snail mail, the postal system needs you to specify 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue because there may be any number of entities named The President of the United States. (Okay, maybe that was a poor example.)

In any case, the name of your recipient is insufficient. Your knowledge or reference of your recipient’s mailing address is necessary to ensure the letter reaches your intended destination.

DNS is the knowledge database for websites and the servers that house them. Your Internet Service Provider may run its own DNS servers or offer those of another entity, such as Google, OpenDNS, or Cloudflare.

Who Cares?!

First, some DNS servers are faster than others. That is, they translate (or “resolve“) domain names into addresses more quickly. One of the fastest DNS servers in the world is provided by Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1.

Second, most DNS servers let all traffic through without a filter. In households where individuals or families may want to restrict access to some times of content, there are a few DNS providers that offer helpful filters.

This enables users to guard against websites serving adult content, malware, and other nefarious items without having to set up any special software on their devices. This is especially valuable for mobile users whose devices may not even support such apps.

For example, Cloudflare offers two DNS server alternatives: one that blocks malware (1.1.1.2) and one that blocks both malware and adult content (1.1.1.3).

How to Set Up

Setup varies depending on device. I recommend specifying DNS servers on your router so they govern all devices on your network. If you’re unfamiliar with how to do this, give me a call.

If you want to specify DNS servers on your Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS. Add the desired servers to the list on the left. DNS servers always come in pairs so be sure to add both to your list in each case.

I hope this edition wasn’t too unhelpful since I didn’t provide much tutorial instruction. However, I expect if you feel called to make a change to your network setup for one of the aforementioned reasons, I might hear from you.

For more information about private DNS services, including additional ad-blocking choices, The Mac Observer has a good introductory article.