Linux Change DNS Server

Hello Dev, are you tired of slow internet speeds and DNS errors on your Linux system? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we will discuss how to change your DNS server on Linux and improve your browsing experience. Let’s get started!

What is a DNS Server?

Before we delve into the process of changing your DNS server on Linux, let’s first understand what a DNS server is. A DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to websites and services on the internet.

When you type in a website address, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to retrieve the corresponding IP address. Once the IP address is retrieved, your computer can establish a connection with the website’s server and load the website.

Usually, your internet service provider (ISP) provides you with a default DNS server. However, sometimes this default server can be slow or unreliable, leading to slow internet speeds and errors. Changing your DNS server can help improve your internet speed and browsing experience.

Now that you understand what a DNS server is, let’s move on to the process of changing it on Linux.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing DNS Server on Linux

Step 1: Identify Your Current DNS Server

The first step in changing your DNS server on Linux is to identify your current DNS server. You can do this by using the command line and running the following command:

Command	Description
cat /etc/resolv.conf	Displays your current DNS server information.

Once you run this command, your current DNS server information will be displayed.

Step 2: Choose a New DNS Server

Now that you have identified your current DNS server, the next step is to choose a new DNS server. There are many free and public DNS servers available that you can use. Some popular options include Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS.

To change your DNS server to Google DNS, for example, you would use the following information:

IP Address	8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
Hostname	dns.google

Once you have chosen your new DNS server, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Edit the /etc/resolv.conf File

The next step is to edit the /etc/resolv.conf file to change your DNS server information. To do this, you will need to use a text editor such as nano or vim.

Here is the command to edit the file using nano:

Command	Description
sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf	Opens the /etc/resolv.conf file for editing with nano.

Once you have the file open for editing, you can add your new DNS server information. Here is an example of what the file should look like with Google DNS information:

File Contents
nameserver 8.8.8.8 nameserver 8.8.4.4

Once you have added your new DNS server information, save the file and exit the text editor.

Step 4: Restart Networking Services

The final step in changing your DNS server on Linux is to restart networking services. You can do this by using the following command:

Command	Description
sudo systemctl restart networking.service	Restarts the networking service on your system.

Once you have restarted networking services, your new DNS server should be in effect. Congratulations, you have successfully changed your DNS server on Linux!

FAQs

Q: Will changing my DNS server improve my internet speed?

A: It’s possible. If your default DNS server is slow or unreliable, changing to a faster and more reliable DNS server can improve your internet speed and browsing experience.

Q: What are some popular DNS servers I can use?

A: Some popular DNS servers include Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS.

Q: Do I need to restart my computer after changing my DNS server?

A: No, you do not need to restart your computer. Simply restart networking services on your system to apply the changes.

Q: Can I revert back to my old DNS server?

A: Yes, simply edit the /etc/resolv.conf file and change the DNS server information back to your old server. Restart networking services to apply the changes.

Q: Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

A: Yes, it is generally safe to use public DNS servers. However, it’s important to note that these servers may collect some data about your browsing habits. If this concerns you, you may want to use a private DNS server instead.

Q: Do I need to be an expert in Linux to change my DNS server?

A: No, you do not need to be an expert in Linux. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and make sure you understand each step before proceeding.

That’s it for this article, Dev! We hope you found this guide helpful in changing your DNS server on Linux. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy browsing!