Introduction
Greetings, dear readers! Are you currently using Debian as your operating system and looking for a way to change its default name server? Whether you want to improve your internet speed or prefer a different DNS provider, this article will guide you through the whole process, step-by-step. By the end of this article, you will know everything you need to about changing Debian name servers.
In this article, we will start with a brief explanation of what a name server is and why you may want to change it. Then, we will move on to the main part of this article where we will guide you through the process of changing Debian name servers. After that, we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of different name servers and an FAQ section. Finally, we will encourage you to take action by summarizing the key takeaways of this article.
What is a Name Server?
A name server is a server that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Imagine you want to visit Google.com. Your computer doesn’t know what Google.com is, but it knows how to communicate with other computers. Therefore, it sends a request to a name server to translate Google.com into an IP address, such as 172.217.168.110. Once the connection is established, you can browse Google’s website, download files, or stream videos.
By default, Debian uses a specific name server provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). However, you may want to use a different name server for various reasons, such as:
- Privacy concerns
- Censorship or geo-restrictions
- Improved speed and performance
- Additional features, such as DNS filtering and parental controls
How to Change Debian Name Server
Step |
Description |
|---|---|
Step 1 |
Open your terminal. |
Step 2 |
Edit the /etc/resolv.conf file using your favorite text editor. For example: sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf |
Step 3 |
Remove or comment out any existing nameservers. For example: #nameserver 192.168.0.1 |
Step 4 |
Add the new nameservers. For example, if you want to use Cloudflare’s DNS service, you can add the following lines: |
nameserver 1.1.1.1 |
|
nameserver 1.0.0.1 |
|
Step 5 |
Save and exit the file. |
Step 6 |
Restart networking services. For example: sudo service networking restart |
Step 7 |
Verify that the new nameservers are in use. For example: cat /etc/resolv.conf |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Name Servers
Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS is a privacy-focused DNS service that promises faster and more secure browsing experience. Advantages of using Cloudflare DNS include:
- Fast performance due to a large network of servers worldwide
- Privacy protections that prevent ISPs from tracking your online activity
- Security features, such as DNSSEC and DANE
- No logging or selling of user data
Disadvantages of using Cloudflare DNS include:
- Limited customization options, such as DNS filtering and parental controls
- Potential issues with certain websites or applications that use geolocation or other location-based services
Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is a free DNS service that is known for its reliability and fast response times. Advantages of using Google Public DNS include:
- Fast performance due to a large network of servers worldwide
- Simple and easy to use
- Security features, such as DNSSEC and DANE
Disadvantages of using Google Public DNS include:
- Privacy concerns as Google may collect and store your DNS queries for advertising purposes
- Potential censorship or geo-restrictions in certain countries
OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a DNS service that offers additional features, such as content filtering and parental controls. Advantages of using OpenDNS include:
- Customizable content filtering and parental controls
- Fast performance due to the use of anycast routing
- Security features, such as phishing protection and Malware blocking
Disadvantages of using OpenDNS include:
- Less privacy-friendly as OpenDNS may collect and store your DNS queries
- Some features may require a paid subscription
FAQs
Q1. How do I know if my name server has changed?
To check if your name server has changed, you can use the host command followed by a domain name. For example, if you want to check if you are using Cloudflare DNS, you can enter the following command in your terminal: host google.com
Q2. How do I change multiple DNS servers at once in Debian?
You can add multiple nameservers to your /etc/resolv.conf file, each on a new line. For example:
| nameserver 1.1.1.1 |
| nameserver 1.0.0.1 |
| nameserver 8.8.8.8 |
| nameserver 8.8.4.4 |
Q3. What is DNS filtering?
DNS filtering is a process of blocking or allowing access to specific websites based on their domain names. DNS filtering can be used for various purposes, such as blocking malicious websites, enforcing workplace policies, or parental controls.
Q4. Can I use my own private DNS server on Debian?
Yes, you can use your own private DNS server on Debian. However, you need to configure your network settings to point to your private DNS server’s IP address instead of the default ISP-provided nameservers.
Q5. How do I find the IP address of my DNS server in Debian?
You can find the IP address of your DNS server in your /etc/resolv.conf file. Look for the line that starts with “nameserver” followed by an IP address.
Q6. Can I revert back to the default name server on Debian?
Yes, you can revert back to the default name server on Debian by removing or commenting out any additional nameservers you added to your /etc/resolv.conf file and restarting networking services.
Q7. How often should I change my name server in Debian?
You don’t necessarily need to change your name server in Debian unless you face issues with your current provider, experience slow internet speeds, or want to improve your privacy or security. However, you can change it at any time according to your preferences.
Q8. What is DNSSEC?
DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is a security protocol that adds authentication and integrity to the DNS infrastructure. DNSSEC ensures that the response you receive from a DNS server is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with or altered.
Q9. How can I test the speed of different name servers?
You can use various online tools, such as speedtest.net, Fast.com, or DNSperf.com, to test the speed of different name servers. These tools provide you with metrics such as latency, download speed, and upload speed.
Q10. How can I bypass censorship or geo-restrictions using a different name server?
By using a different name server that is not provided by your ISP or local government, you may be able to bypass censorship or geo-restrictions imposed on certain websites or services. However, this may not always work, and you should use caution and respect local laws and regulations.
Q11. What is DNS cache poisoning?
DNS cache poisoning is a type of cyber attack where a malicious actor spoofs the DNS response of a legitimate domain name and returns a fake IP address, redirecting users to a phishing or malware-infected website.
Q12. Can I use different name servers for different devices on my network?
Yes, you can use different name servers for different devices on your network. You need to configure your network settings on each device to point to the desired name server’s IP address.
Q13. How does changing the name server affect my internet speed?
Changing the name server may or may not affect your internet speed, depending on the provider you choose and your geographical location. However, using a faster and more reliable name server may reduce latency and improve the overall browsing experience.
Conclusion
Congratulations, dear readers, you have completed this article on changing Debian name servers! By now, you should know everything you need to know about changing Debian name servers, its advantages, and disadvantages. We hope this article has been helpful and informative.
If you want to improve your internet speed, privacy, or security, don’t hesitate to switch to a different name server that fits your needs. Remember to test different providers and compare their features before making a final decision.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you again soon! Don’t forget to share your experience and feedback in the comments section below.
Closing or Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only, and we do not assume any responsibility for any damages or issues that may arise from following the instructions provided in this article. Always back up your data and use caution when making changes to your operating system or network settings.