Ubuntu Specify DNS Server: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Greetings fellow tech enthusiasts and Ubuntu users! Today, we will be discussing a topic that is essential to your system’s network connection – DNS servers.

DNS or Domain Name System is responsible for translating web addresses into IP addresses. By default, your Ubuntu system automatically uses the DNS server of your internet service provider. However, in some cases, using a different DNS server can improve internet speeds, security, and even bypass censorship.

In this article, we will guide you on how to specify a DNS server in Ubuntu, explain its advantages and disadvantages, and provide you with a comprehensive table of information.

What is DNS?

DNS or Domain Name System is a protocol used to translate domain names (e.g., www.google.com) to IP addresses that computers can understand. Essentially, it works as the internet’s address book. When you enter a web address on your browser, your computer sends a DNS request to the DNS server to find the IP address of the website. The DNS server then responds with the IP address, allowing your computer to connect to the website.

Why Specify a DNS Server in Ubuntu?

By default, Ubuntu automatically uses the DNS server of your internet service provider (ISP). However, there are several reasons why you might want to specify a different DNS server:

1. Faster Internet Speeds

Using a DNS server that is closer to your location can significantly improve internet speeds. This is because the DNS server responds faster, resulting in quicker website loading times.

2. Increased Security

Sometimes, ISPs can redirect your DNS requests to their own DNS servers, which can potentially expose your online activities to them. Specifying a reputable DNS server like Google or Cloudflare can prevent this from happening and enhance your online privacy.

3. Bypass Censorship

In some countries, the government or ISP restricts access to certain websites. However, by using a different DNS server, you can bypass these restrictions and access the desired website.

4. More Reliable

Sometimes, ISP-provided DNS servers can be unreliable and experience downtime. Using a different DNS server can ensure that you always have access to the internet.

How to Specify a DNS Server in Ubuntu?

Now that we’ve discussed why you should specify a DNS server let’s move on to how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to specifying a DNS server in Ubuntu:

Step	Description
Step 1	Open the Terminal by pressing “Ctrl + Alt + T.”
Step 2	Type “sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf” and press Enter.
Step 3	Under “[Resolve],” add the line “DNS=your_desired_DNS_server.”
Step 4	Press “Ctrl + O” to save the changes.
Step 5	Press “Ctrl + X” to exit the editor.
Step 6	Type “sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved” and press Enter to apply the changes.

Advantages of Specifying a DNS Server in Ubuntu

1. Faster Internet Speeds

As previously mentioned, specifying a DNS server that is closer to your location can result in faster internet speeds and quicker website loading times.

2. Improved Security

Using a reputable DNS server like Google or Cloudflare can enhance your online privacy, prevent ISP tracking, and minimize the risk of cyber attacks by blocking malicious websites.

3. Bypass Censorship

By using a different DNS server, you can bypass government or ISP censorship and access restricted content.

4. More Reliable

Using a reliable DNS server ensures that you always have access to the internet, even if your ISP’s DNS server experiences downtime.

5. Customization

Specifying a DNS server in Ubuntu allows you to customize your internet experience according to your preferences and needs.

Disadvantages of Specifying a DNS Server in Ubuntu

1. Compatibility Issues

Some DNS servers may not be compatible with your ISP, which can lead to connectivity issues.

2. Security Risks

Using an untrusted DNS server can lead to security risks like DNS hijacking, where a hacker redirects your DNS requests to a malicious website.

3. Technical Know-How

Specifying a DNS server in Ubuntu requires some technical knowledge, which might be challenging for beginners.

FAQs

1. Does specifying a DNS server affect internet speed?

Yes, using a DNS server that is closer to your location can result in faster internet speeds and quicker website loading times.

2. How can I check my current DNS server in Ubuntu?

You can check your current DNS server by opening the Terminal and typing “systemd-resolve –status.” Press Enter, and you will see your current DNS server under “DNS Servers.”

3. How can I specify a custom DNS server?

You can specify a custom DNS server in Ubuntu by following the step-by-step guide mentioned earlier in this article.

4. What are some popular DNS servers?

Some popular DNS servers include Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS, and Comodo SecureDNS.

5. Can I specify multiple DNS servers in Ubuntu?

Yes, you can specify multiple DNS servers in Ubuntu by adding them under “[Resolve]” in the “/etc/systemd/resolved.conf” file separated by a space.

6. Can specifying a DNS server improve online security?

Yes, using a reputable DNS server like Google or Cloudflare can enhance your online privacy, prevent ISP tracking, and minimize the risk of cyber attacks by blocking malicious websites.

7. How can I revert back to my ISP’s DNS server in Ubuntu?

You can revert back to your ISP’s DNS server in Ubuntu by opening the “/etc/systemd/resolved.conf” file, deleting the “DNS=your_desired_DNS_server” line, and saving the changes. Restart the systemd-resolved service by typing “sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved” in the Terminal.

Conclusion

Specifying a DNS server in Ubuntu can significantly improve your internet experience by enhancing security, bypassing censorship, and providing faster and more reliable internet speeds. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to specify a DNS server in Ubuntu and its advantages and disadvantages. Don’t hesitate to try it out and see the difference for yourself!

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The author and publisher do not promote or endorse any specific DNS server and are not responsible for any consequences that may arise from its usage. The reader is solely responsible for their actions and decisions.

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