How Do I Find My Public DNS Server?

Are you looking to find your public DNS server? Look no further!

In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step. So, let’s get started!

What is a DNS Server?

A Domain Name System (DNS) server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Every website on the internet has a unique IP address, but it’s much easier for us humans to remember domain names like www.example.com rather than a string of numbers.

Why Do I Need to Find My Public DNS Server?

Your computer or device uses DNS servers to resolve domain names into IP addresses. By default, your computer is configured to use the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, in some cases, you may need to find your public DNS server.

Here are a few reasons why you might need to find your public DNS server:

• Better Performance: Public DNS servers like Google Public DNS and OpenDNS are known for their faster response times.
• Security and Privacy: Some public DNS servers offer additional security features and can help protect against malware and phishing attacks.
• Bypassing Restrictions: Public DNS servers can sometimes help bypass restrictions imposed by your ISP or government.

How Do I Find My Public DNS Server?

Finding your public DNS server is relatively easy. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Network Settings

The first step is to open your network settings. The process may vary slightly depending on your operating system.

• Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. Click on “Change adapter settings” in the left sidebar.

  Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”.

• Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your network connection from the left sidebar and click on the “Advanced” button.
• Linux: The process may vary depending on your Linux distribution, but you can usually find network settings in the system tray or under system settings.

Step 2: Locate DNS Settings

Once you have your network settings open, locate the DNS settings. Again, this may differ slightly based on your operating system.

In most cases, you will find a tab or section called “DNS” or “Domain Name Servers”. Click on it to proceed.

Step 3: Note Down Your DNS Server Addresses

In this step, you will see a list of DNS server addresses that are currently configured for your device. These may be provided by your ISP or already set to a public DNS server.

Note down these addresses as they will be essential for future reference.

Configuring Your Device to Use Public DNS Servers

If you want to use a public DNS server instead of the default ones provided by your ISP, follow these steps:

Windows:

1. Open Network Settings: Follow Step 1 above to open network settings.
2. Select Connection Properties: Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4): In the properties window, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
4. Enter DNS Server: Click on the “Properties” button. In the next window, select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the IP addresses of your preferred public DNS servers.
5. Save Changes: Click “OK” to save the changes.

Mac:

1. Open Network Settings: Follow Step 1 above to open network settings.
2. Select Connection Properties: Select your network connection from the left sidebar and click on the “Advanced” button.
3. Select DNS Tab: In the advanced settings window, click on the “DNS” tab.
4. Add DNS Server: Click on the “+” button at the bottom left to add a new DNS server. Enter the IP address of your preferred public DNS server.

Linux:

The process for configuring DNS servers in Linux can vary depending on your distribution. Here’s a general approach using NetworkManager:

1. Gnome Desktop Environment (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.):
• Open Network Settings: Locate network settings in your system tray or system settings.
• Select Connection Properties: Select your network connection and click on “Settings”.
• Select IPv4 or IPv6 Tab: In the settings window, select either the IPv4 or IPv6 tab depending on your network configuration.
• Enter DNS Server: In the DNS section, select “Automatic” to use the DNS servers provided by your ISP or select “Manual” and enter the IP addresses of your preferred public DNS servers.
• Save Changes: Click “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes.
2. Other Linux Distributions:

The process may vary depending on your desktop environment and network manager. In general, look for network settings in your system tray or system settings and follow a similar approach to the steps mentioned above.

Conclusion

Finding your public DNS server is important for optimizing performance, enhancing security, and bypassing restrictions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily locate and configure your device to use a public DNS server of your choice.

Remember, a faster and more secure browsing experience awaits you with public DNS servers!

We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

Happy browsing!