Using OpenDNS

Using OpenDNS to Help Avoid Connection Problems

Occasionally, we get reports from users indicating they can't connect to our website. Often, when this happens, it turns out that all of the users having connection problems are using the same Internet Service Provider (ISP). Further investigation reveals that, for some unknown reason, the DNS servers at that ISP are missing our DNS record.

A “DNS Server” is a computer that your ISP manages that converts an Internet name like “www.stockcharts.com” into a series of numbers like “66.150.15.60” that your computer can then use to connect to our website. If the DNS server loses our numbers, your computer cannot find us.

Typically, most people use whatever DNS server their ISP tells them to use. You might remember typing some numbers into a dialog box labeled “DNS Server” when you first set up your Internet connection. Unfortunately, many ISPs are not diligent about maintaining their DNS servers. This can lead to all kinds of problems, such as slow Internet times and missing websites, as described above.

Fortunately, there is a MUCH better way.

OpenDNS is a free service that provides a set of rock-solid, super-fast DNS servers to anyone who wants to use them. To use the OpenDNS servers, you only need to replace your ISP's DNS addresses with the OpenDNS addresses. Complete instructions can be found in the OpenDNS Setup Guide:

https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/

Using OpenDNS has the additional advantage of protecting you from accidentally visiting dangerous websites. When you try to open a site, it will warn you that other users have flagged it as dangerous.

We have used OpenDNS at our offices for over a decade and strongly recommend it to anyone who uses the Internet, especially those who are having trouble connecting to our website.