That's why websites also have more recognizable names, like komando.com. A DNS, also called a nameserver, is like the phone book of the Internet. It turns the memorable names that you use into those complicated IP addresses that computers use.
When you sign up for Internet, your provider assigns you to its DNS server. However, that isn't always the best one to use. It could be bogged down with traffic, running inefficient software or any number of other problems.
If your computer can't look up IP addresses quickly, it seriously slows down your browsing. Fortunately, there are other DNS servers out there you can use.
Keep in mind that speed isn't the only reason to choose a new DNS. Many DNS systems include filtering to block inappropriate websites or other sites you don't want to see. OpenDNS is one of my regular recommendations for filtering.
The big question is how to find a new DNS and how to know it will be any better than your current one. Google has a solution called namebench.
This lightweight program will test your DNS against other popular DNS servers. Once it finishes the comparison, it will give you detailed statistics on performance and recommend the best DNS for you to use.
To download the program, navigate to the namebench download page by using my blue download buttons at the end of this article. On the left side of the namebench download page, there is a green header labeled "Featured." Here is where you will find the program you need.
For PC users, click the second download link with the ending "Windows.exe". Mac users should select the download link ending in "Mac_OS_X.dmg".
You will be redirected to another page that has another download link. This link should be highlighted in green and have the same name as the previous download link you clicked.
Note: If the download link is not highlighted in green or the download link is different from the first, do not click on it. It is not the download link you're looking for.
Click the highlighted download link and your download will begin immediately. After the download is complete, extract the installation files. namebench will launch automatically.