I recently read a how to guide called preventing malware and ensure safe computing written by a Geek U teacher. I liked it a lot and did everything he mentioned in the guide.
One of the things he recommended was OpenDNS. I did this, and it was quite simple. You just go to their website and follow the instructions for your computer. (Don't know if I really need to give detailed instructions on how to do this here)
I did this because the guide implied that this will help prevent malware and a faster internet.
Anyway, I was talking to a tech friend of mine and he thought it was weird I have to do that for each computer. Then, I remember that the site does give you the option of doing this for your router. He explained just changing the DNS there would be better, instead of having each computer changed. It seemed to make sense.
So now, I am logged into my router and scared I'm going to mess something up. I think I can change the router address and the subnet mask to the numbers/address that OpenDNS tells you to change it to, but is the router address and subnet mask what I want to change? OpenDNS instructions say to change the DNS settings to their numbers/addresses. Is the router address and subnet mask the same as DNS settings?
Also, does it make a difference that this is not just a router and is an RG (Residential Gateway)? It controls our internet, tv, and phone for AT&T U-Verse. (Not advertising, just felt it was necessary to explain the set up) I don't want to mess it all up, though they trust my judgment and let me make whatever changes I want, my parents would be a little unhappy if they don't have tv, internet, and phone tomorrow =).
Another thing, I went to their website and read some forums and it sounds like they are having all kinds of troubles. Complaint after complaint and question after question. Not being able to access allowed sites, etc. And everyone in the forums appears to be managing a network for a big company. I didn't see the word Malware or faster internet anywhere on the site or in the forums lol which is why I started this project in the first place. The guide I read seemed to imply this is what it is for, but maybe I am making it more complicated or getting in too deep.
Ok, well some explanations and some help would be great. I really would like to do this, it sounds like an awesome tool/networking strategy.
As you may be able to tell, I am a noob, but way worse than a noob when it comes to this subject.
Let me know and sorry for such a long post.
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