Introduction
Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to be talking about an essential part of Ubuntu, which is the Domain Name System (DNS) server. Every device connected to the internet relies on the DNS server to locate other devices using domain names instead of IP addresses. This article will guide you on how to change the DNS server on Ubuntu to improve your browsing experience.
Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s have a brief overview of what DNS is and how it works.
💻 DNS: An Overview
DNS is like the phonebook of the internet. It translates domain names, such as www.google.com, into IP addresses, which are the unique numerical identifiers of every device connected to the internet. Without DNS, we would have to remember and use IP addresses to access websites or online services.
DNS servers are distributed globally, and each server maintains a list of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. When you type a domain name into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to look up the IP address for that domain name. Once the DNS server receives the request, it returns the IP address to the computer, which then connects to the website.
🔍 Linux Change DNS Server Ubuntu: The How-tos
Changing the DNS server on Ubuntu is easy and can be done using either the command line interface (CLI) or the graphical user interface (GUI). We recommend using the CLI method since it’s faster and more precise.
Method 1: Using the Command Line Interface (CLI)
Step |
Description |
|---|---|
1 |
Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. |
2 |
Type the command sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf and press Enter. |
3 |
Enter your password if prompted. |
4 |
Edit the file by adding the line nameserver followed by the IP address of your preferred DNS server. For example, nameserver 8.8.8.8 for Google’s DNS server. |
5 |
Exit the editor by pressing Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter. |
6 |
Restart the networking service by typing the command sudo service networking restart. |
Method 2: Using the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Follow these steps to change the DNS server using the GUI:
- Click on the network icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
- Click on the gear icon to open the network settings.
- Click on the
IPv4tab. - Select
Automatic (DHCP) addresses onlyunderAddresses. - Type the IP address of your preferred DNS server under
DNS Servers. For example,8.8.8.8for Google’s DNS server. - Click on
Applyto save the changes.
👍 The Pros and Cons of Changing DNS on Ubuntu
Advantages
Changing the DNS server can improve your browsing experience by:
- Speeding up your internet connection
- Providing more reliable access to websites
- Reducing the risk of cyberattacks and malware infections
- Filtering out unwanted content and preventing access to malicious websites
Disadvantages
However, changing the DNS server can also have some downsides, such as:
- Slower DNS resolution if the chosen DNS server is far from your location
- Potential privacy risks if the chosen DNS server logs your browsing history or shares it with third parties
- Incompatibility issues with some websites or online services that rely on specific DNS servers or configurations
⚡ FAQs
1. What is the default DNS server on Ubuntu?
The default DNS server on Ubuntu is usually the one provided by your internet service provider (ISP). You can check it by opening the terminal and typing the command cat /etc/resolv.conf.
2. How do I find the IP address of my preferred DNS server?
You can find the IP address of your preferred DNS server by searching online or asking your network administrator. Some popular DNS servers are Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220), and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
3. Do I need to restart my computer after changing the DNS server?
No, you don’t need to restart your computer after changing the DNS server. However, you may need to restart your browser or clear its cache for the changes to take effect.
4. Can I use multiple DNS servers on Ubuntu?
Yes, you can use multiple DNS servers on Ubuntu by separating them with a space or comma in the nameserver line of the /etc/resolv.conf file. However, Ubuntu will use the first DNS server in the list, and only switch to the others if it is not available.
5. How do I reset the DNS server on Ubuntu to its default settings?
You can reset the DNS server on Ubuntu to its default settings by deleting or commenting out all the nameserver lines in the /etc/resolv.conf file and restarting the networking service.
6. Can changing the DNS server improve my online security?
Yes, changing the DNS server can improve your online security by blocking access to malicious websites, filtering out unwanted content, and providing more secure connections.
7. What are some common DNS-related issues on Ubuntu?
Common DNS-related issues on Ubuntu include slow internet connection, frequent DNS errors, inability to access certain websites or online services, and DNS cache poisoning or spoofing attacks. Changing the DNS server can help resolve some of these issues.
8. How do I troubleshoot DNS issues on Ubuntu?
You can troubleshoot DNS issues on Ubuntu by checking the /etc/resolv.conf file and making sure it contains valid nameserver lines, pinging the DNS server to see if it responds, clearing the DNS cache, and resetting the DNS server to its default settings.
9. What is DNS cache?
DNS cache is a temporary storage of the DNS records that a device has recently accessed. It helps speed up the DNS resolution process and reduce network traffic. However, if the cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it can cause DNS-related issues.
10. Can I configure a DNS server on Ubuntu?
Yes, you can configure a DNS server on Ubuntu by installing and setting up a DNS server software, such as BIND or dnsmasq, and configuring the /etc/resolv.conf file to use the local DNS server as the primary DNS server.
11. What is DNSSEC?
DNSSEC is a security extension to DNS that provides authentication and integrity for DNS records. It uses digital signatures to verify that DNS responses are authentic and have not been tampered with by attackers.
12. What is the difference between DNS and DHCP?
DNS and DHCP are both essential components of computer networking, but they serve different purposes. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, while DHCP assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, and other network configuration parameters to devices. DNS is a relatively simple service that maps domain names to IP addresses, while DHCP is a more complex service that manages the allocation of IP addresses and other network resources.
13. Can I use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Ubuntu?
Yes, you can use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Ubuntu by installing and setting up a DoH client, such as Firefox or Google Chrome, and configuring it to use a DoH server, such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS.
📝 Conclusion
Changing the DNS server on Ubuntu can be a simple yet effective way to improve your internet experience. By following the methods and tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy faster, more reliable, and more secure browsing. Remember to choose a trustworthy and fast DNS server and to periodically check and update your settings.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The author and publisher do not assume any liability for any damages or losses that may arise from the use or misuse of the information presented herein. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any changes to your network or computer settings.