Extra online security with ComodoDNS

Extra online security with ComodoDNS (it's FREE)

I was messing around, trying out different browsers, and I installed Comodo Dragon. During the install process, something called "ComodoDNS" was offered as an option. Since I don't install options I know nothing about, I did some research.... it turns out that ComodoDNS is a way to "route" your surfing thru Comodo's servers; IP addresses are checked against known rogue/nasty sites, and they are blocked. Of course, when a site is blocked, you're notified and you have the option of ignoring the warning and continuing to the site. Well, I set it up (which was remarkably simple) and so far, I can honestly say that my surfing speed has NOT slowed down one bit, not even a tad or an iota. I truly was expecting a sudden lag. Another great thing is that ComodoDNS works with ANY browser: it's a system setting that applies to ALL browsers and surfing, so you don't HAVE to use Comodo Dragon (which -BTW- is and excellent and FAST browser built on the Chrome platform), you can apply the DNS settings, and add an extra, invisible layer of protection! It has already helped me when a favorite TV site of mine had been temporarily compromised and was serving up "drive-by" advertising: the ComodoDNS servers kicked in and warned of impending disaster. Nice....

Here's how to apply Comodo DNS:
Windows XP: http://www.comodo.com/secure-dns/switch/windows_xp.html
Vista: http://help.comodo.com/topic-72-1-1...g-or-disabling-comodo-secure-dns-service.html -OR- http://www.trishtech.com/internet/comodo_secure_dns_servers_for_extra_secure_internet.php (method #2 in this 2nd link is recommended)
Windows 7: I couldn't find a "walkthrough" especially for Windows7, but it's essentially the same as the Vista directions above. OR: Control Panel > Network & Internet > Network & Sharing Center > in the left pane, click "Change adapter settings" > right click your primary connection and select "Properties" > at this point, you can use Step 6 and on in the 1st link to Vista directions above.

Essentially, all you do is change your DNS servers from "Automatic" to:
Preferred DNS : 156.154.70.25
Alternate DNS : 156.154.71.25
Save the settings, and exit. To undo ComodoDNS, simply go back to "Automatic", but since there's no performance hit, and it's extra free security, I see no reason to NOT use it....

(just thought I'd share a helpful tip I stumbled into)

 

Oh yeah - Comodo updates the DNS "blocklist" on a VERY regular basis (I think I remember reading somewhere that it's at least 3-4 times daily) so it stays current. There's also a way to report a "false positive" if it blocks a site you know to be clean. IIRC, this will be an option when ComodoDNS blocks a site and gives you the warning; there's a link to follow where you can report the incorrect blockage.

If you have numerous PCs on a home (or office) network, you don't need to change the DNS settings on each PC, you can set up the router using the Comodo DNS addresses to protect the entire network.
More info here: http://www.comodo.com/secure-dns/switch/router.html

The ComodoDNS FAQ can be found here: http://www.comodo.com/secure-dns/support/faq.html

 

I'm happy with my free OpenDNS account. Thanks for reminding us of another option though. There's also a free Google DNS service. I'm sure once setup correctly, they're all better options than a vanilla ISP DNS.

 

Norton also has a free DNS service. I have not used it but other people claim that their surfing is faster using it. ClearCloud DNS was another but that is being discontinued, upsetting quite a lot of people who claimed it was very good at catching malware.

http://nortondns.com/