How to use custom DNS servers on your Windows computer

This week we're running a series of posts that tackle common Windows networking issues, and some tips and tricks that might speed up or improve your network stability. You can find more tech tips in our Tips index.

There are plenty of good reasons to use a custom DNS server on your computers. Some services -- like Google DNS -- can provide a speed boost to your Web browsing. Other services -- like OpenDNS and Sunbelt ClearCloud -- can protect you and your family from inappropriate content and malware. So how do you set them up?

The best place to program a custom DNS server is on your router -- where it can take care of every computer on your network. If you're not comfortable poking around your router settings, however, you can make the necessary change on your computers instead.

Start by opening the Start Menu (hit the Windows Flag key!), typing ncpa.cpl, and pressing enter (as detailed in our previous how-to). Many computers have more than one network adapter -- like the plug-in and wireless ones in a laptop, for example. More than likely, only one is actually connecting you to the Internet.

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How to use custom DNS servers on your Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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