Protecting Your Home Network: OpenDNS Filtering Guide

In today’s digital age, safeguarding your home network from unwanted content is essential. Whether it’s intrusive ads, adware, or inappropriate material, having effective filters in place ensures a safer online experience. Enter OpenDNS Family Shield, a straightforward solution that allows you to block specific categories of content. Let’s dive into the details:

1. What Is OpenDNS Family Shield?

OpenDNS Family Shield is a free service that provides content filtering for your home network. By configuring your router to use OpenDNS servers, you gain control over what types of websites are accessible to your family.

2. Setting Up OpenDNS Family Shield

a. Create an Account

1. Visit the OpenDNS website and create an account if you don’t already have one.

2. Log in to your account.

b. Configure Your Router

1. Access your router’s settings. You can usually do this by typing your router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.

2. Locate the DNS settings. Look for the section related to DNS or name servers.

3. Change the DNS servers to the following:

   • Primary DNS: 208.67.222.123

   • Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.123

4. Save your changes and restart your router.

c. Select Categories to Block

1. Log in to your OpenDNS account.

2. Navigate to the Dashboard.

3. Choose the network you want to configure (usually your home network).

4. Select the filtering level:

   • Family Shield: Blocks adult content, phishing sites, and malware.

   • Custom: Allows you to customize which categories to block.

5. Save your settings.

d. Install the OpenDNS Updater

1. Download and install the OpenDNS Updater on one of your computers. This ensures that OpenDNS recognizes your home network’s IP address.

2. Run the updater whenever your IP address changes (e.g., after a router reboot).

3. Testing and Troubleshooting

1. Visit the OpenDNS test page to verify that your settings are working correctly.

2. Test different websites to ensure that blocked categories are indeed restricted.

4. Professional Assistance

Setting up OpenDNS Family Shield is relatively straightforward, but if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself:

• Contact us: As professional IT consultants, we can guide you through the process or even set it up remotely for you.

• Flat fee: Our remote support service charges a flat fee equivalent to one hour of support.

Remember, protecting your home network is worth the effort. With OpenDNS Family Shield, you can create a safer online environment for your family.

Note: The process typically takes about an hour for professionals. If you’re new to IT, allow extra time. For personalized assistance, reach out to us. Visit our homepage for current remote support pricing.