DNS server, what to use?

So having been a denzien of the interwebs for as long as it has been around...

There is still no clear and concise choice for public DNS server.

OpenDNS
Google public DNS

Are the two most populer.

Now with the bad juju that google is doing with traffic filtering, etc.

Then there is OpenDNS, which seems to have a bit of an infection running through it (think worms).

Is there is a third, non-biased, secure, family-friendly DNS service to use that isn't slower then your grandma going up a flight of stairs?

Currently, I'm set to use the ISP (comcast.. gag).

Thoughts?

I found this.

Free and Public DNS Servers
Link

It has some good information. Tho, the question remains, which ones hold up to the claims?

I switched to Cloudflare's new 1.1.1.1 server. No problems.

blog.cloudflare.com...

DNS is a thing that has a layer of trust of the servers above you unless you are the one of those allowed to use the true authority DNS servers which are well secured.

You can run your own DNS and its not hard but like anything you rely on the servers above you to give you the right numbers, problems are when sites move hosts that they will change IP addresses and it can take the system a while to pass on the new message.

I wouldn't always trust all free DNS servers as obviously if you ask to go to some website they'll work out the ip address and cache it and then the browser will go off but they will know basically ip addy->website->other ip addy and for normal use its fine.

Most ISP's servers are crap as they never put the effort in to maintaining them and thus when they fail whole slabs of customers start to complain when their systems flush the old DNS details.

I find that DNS is not enough.

www.untangle.com...

I use an Untangle Firewall to secure myself.

a reply to: grey580

I run a Pfsense system.

It works rather well, but was looking for a little bit more.

Thus the DNS would be the next simplest fix.

Are you using the paid or the free?

Seems the advanced filtering is a paid option?

originally posted by: Cygnis
I found this.

Free and Public DNS Servers
Link

It has some good information. Tho, the question remains, which ones hold up to the claims?

I use Yandex in "safe" mode.
I used Comodo Internet Security Suite from 2000 till just about a year ago. DNS server to boot. And all free

a reply to: Maxatoria

Yup.

Hmm, might have to look into setting up a dns server.. Just for the fun of it. I've got a few spare older machines that should work decently well for that.

a reply to: Gothmog

How is that treating you?

I've seen the name, but it's always as comments added to irrelevant conversations, almost as a spam type message.

a reply to: Templeton

How has that been working for you?

Noticing any extra activity on your system from it?

originally posted by: Cygnis
a reply to: Gothmog

How is that treating you?

I've seen the name, but it's always as comments added to irrelevant conversations, almost as a spam type message.

I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
I am about to go back to Comodo Internet Security Suite with DNS after this Windows Insider Program is over.
That would be a 5 of 5 stars....
Firewall
Antivirus
Sand Box
DNS
Comodo Dragon browser
And other goodies
All free

a reply to: Gothmog

Hmm, Comodo allows for use of their DNS w/o the suit being installed.

I might have to try that for the general box, and set the kids up with something a little more family oriented.

OpenNIC or OpenDNS. Since OpenDNS is owned by Cisco now I would sooner use OpenNIC. OpenNIC supports DNSCrypt, thus it is secure. The free servers have very high up time.

If you intend to deploy a mail server (not sure why I think you may) you will want your own local caching server, otherwise your spam filters for free rbl will never work.

originally posted by: drewlander
OpenNIC or OpenDNS. Since OpenDNS is owned by Cisco now I would sooner use OpenNIC. OpenNIC supports DNSCrypt, thus it is secure. The free servers have very high up time.

If you intend to deploy a mail server (not sure why I think you may) you will want your own local caching server, otherwise your spam filters for free rbl will never work.

Good points!

Hmm, my own mail server.. why on earth.. I mean, I love how google and msn/microsoft prowl through them all. Makes me sleep better at night knowing my e-mail is being read by countless algorithms and unknown people..

Besides, Hillary put out a contract for a private e-mail server that wouldn't be directly attached to her..

I could use some clintonfoundation money..

(no I have no reason to make an e-mail server except for the fun of it to collect all the spam that goes to my main e-mail. lol)

a reply to: Cygnis

Mail servers are fun to set up, but you really need to run two for high availability anyway. You have my best FREE suggestion on DNS in any event -- OpenNIC.

a reply to: Cygnis

At work we do.

Though the free version should be sufficient for home.

Having the antivirus filter is nice

a reply to: Gothmog

I love Yandex.
In safe mode or not.

Been using it over a month with no problems.

a reply to: Cygnis

I added a few lately. I have a library and let the router choose.

Really, how important is a firewall?

I haven't seen much need for years now.

And, I have no clue how to set up all those rules anyway, and would merely be relying on default settings.

originally posted by: Cygnis
a reply to: Templeton

How has that been working for you?

Noticing any extra activity on your system from it?

I haven't had any problems. There was a problem with ATT a few days ago that got patched up.

arstechnica.com...