OpenDNS, a free DNS resolution services, that claims to offer faster internet speeds to users who redirect traffic through its nameservers has now started offering free customizable browser address keywords with a branding of OpenDNS shortcuts. The idea, however, is not new and nor his effort. It is already available on almost all the leading browsers.
- Opera – Assign the nickname to the bookmarks.
- Firefox – Shortcut feature is available by adding an entry to the keyword field in properties window of every bookmark.
- Internet Explorer – Assign Ctrl-Alt shortcuts in property window of bookmark. IE lacks a text keyword capability, though it offers Ctrl-Alt combination shortcuts.
The advantage of OpenDNS shortcut is that it can be applied across an organization network so that a shortcut say “in” takes everyone in the organization to the intranet website, no matter what browser they are using. But this can be done by adding “in” as a DNS record in the organization’s DNS server or by adding a entry on “in” in the hosts file of every computer.
How to use OpenDNS?
Change the default DNS server address provided by your ISP with the following DNS addresses
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
The DNS server can be changed from the TCP/IP Properties section. [Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Local Network Connection -> TCP IP Properties]
How to create OpenDNS shortcuts?
- Change your Default DNS Server
- Create an OpenDNS account
- Go to Shortcuts webpage, enter keyword in shortcut and url in website box and press Create Shortcut button. Done!!
Criticism
- OpenDNS gives an impression of open source project.
- It removes the redundancy that traditional form of DNS offers.
- Centralization of the system makes it more susceptible to failure
