Setup OpenDNS on your Mac in one minute

Want a faster and more secure internet experience? This article is for you.

The debate is constantly evolving as both ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and 3rd party groups like OpenDNS and Google Public DNS up their games. If your internet is unusually sluggish, that’s an easy one, try a different DNS provider. Domain Name Servers from Internet Service Providers like Comcast have a spotty record when it comes to DNS uptime.

3rd party DNS providers can also potentially provide heightened security and speed. Who doesn’t want that, right?

Increased security

OpenDNS uses DNScrypt to double-check that the page you’re trying to access is the one that you’re actually accessing. In other words, imagine going to bankofamerica.com and filling out your security credentials only to find out months later that the page you were trying to access was a fake website. Malware has been known to do that.

Increase your browsing speed

OpenDNS uses geolocation software to find which DNS server is closest to you and connects you to it. This server may be closer than the one your ISP connected you to. If it is, you will notice improved browsing speeds.

What about Google Public DNS?

While it provides similar features as OpenDNS, it also comes with extra data tracking. When the features of Google Public DNS far out-weight those of OpenDNS, I would recommend it, but until then I’m voting for OpenDNS.

Anyways, let's start! The one-minute timer starts now!

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1 . Go to System Preferences and type “dns” in the search box on the top right.

2 . Click on DNS servers when it pops up.

3 . Copy down or take a screenshot of the two sets of numbers under DNS Servers for safe-keeping. What you see on your screen will most likely be what’s shown below.

PROTIP: These numbers point to your Internet Service Provider’s DNS (Domain Name Servers).

4 . Give those numbers one last farewell, delete them, and copy the numbers I have below.

Click OK, and voilá! We are done with time to spare.

Thanks for reading guys. Part 2 of this will be a quick tour for setting up Cloudflare's DNS Servers that just came out two days ago. Initial tests indicate it's faster and more secure than options including openDNS so stay tuned.