Protect yourself, change your DNS.

Most users that I deal with have no clue as to what gets them to a website other than the name they type in. For probably 98% of whom I deal with, it's all that matters. But on the rare occasion where something is broken or they read an article that peaks their interest I'll have to delve into the shallows of what really makes the internet work. Simply, it's DNS, translation of the friendly name into computer readable numbers that takes you to websites.

But as the threats of malware become more and more prevalent and the sick way some folks use to promote adult content or pose as a retailer when in fact they are not it's more important for you to take every precaution to keep yourself out of harms way.

With that in mind I changed my DNS some time ago and to make use of the free DNS service OpenDNS. Being I use their service when I visit their page I get the following banner that reads:
"You are now navigating the Internet safer, faster, smarter and more reliably than ever before. "

So far I'd have to agree with their claim. The basis behind their claims is that the service is monitored by the users, so for instance if you found a site that was not being filtered, lets say an adult site, you could submit it as such and as other users who also found the site inappropriate the site would be blocked. As you add more and more sites and others agree with you then the value of your vote becomes heavier. In contrast if you submit sites that are legit then the value of your vote is less. You determine your worth in the community based on your submissions. Multiply this times thousands of times over then you could see where it could become a powerful agent to help prevent the misuse of the Internet.

I'm not going to try and give you the run down on this whole bit, it's much too complex and the folks at OpenDNS have gone to great lengths to make the transition to their service very easy.

If you're serious about protecting yourself and helping contribute to a cleaner Internet check them out. Hit the link at the bottom of the page.