using OpenDNS or other free dns servers

[techidave]

I would like to use a "safe dns service" like OpenDNS, SafeDNS or Comodo Secure DNS.  I am in the United States.

they state for the best service is to add their ip addresses to my router.  Usually they come with some kind of dashboard.  If the service is in the router, how will the dashboard work?

by using their ip's without an account, will I still get safe browsing against the porn sites and other similar sites? 

thanks,
dave

[Stoic Joker]

You sign up for a free home user account and then either enter your static IP in the account info, or use their DDNS client to identify your network. Then you can adjust the filtering via the account to your liking.

[Deozaan]

For OpenDNS, you can also easily update your IP with a click of the button when you're logged into their dashboard on your "Settings" tab. But I suppose it's probably best to use the client or have a static IP somehow.

[IainB]

Whilst you are setting up the OpenDNS primary/secondary DNSes in your modem/router, you could do a lot worse than consider making OpenDNS even safer/more secure using their OpenDNSCrypt software - OpenDNS + DNSCrypt - Mini-Review.

Like OpenDNS, it is free and requires no special account.

[Edvard]

I would like to use a "safe dns service" like OpenDNS, SafeDNS or Comodo Secure DNS.  I am in the United States.

they state for the best service is to add their ip addresses to my router.  Usually they come with some kind of dashboard.  If the service is in the router, how will the dashboard work?

Dashboard for the router or for the DNS service?  You use the router dashboard to change your DNS settings to use the DNS services IP address, then, you use their dashboard to tweak the settings if you have an account.  If you choose to use it without an account...

by using their ip's without an account, will I still get safe browsing against the porn sites and other similar sites?  

thanks,
dave

Yes.  You can use OpenDNS "Family Shield" to block adult sites by default.
https://store.opendns.com/familyshield/setup/
Don't know about the others.

For OpenDNS, I do recommend signing up for an account so you can tweak the controls for more fine-grained control.  The only downside is that if your IP address changes frequently (dialup gives you a new address every time you connect; my cable internet IP address changes every 6 or 10 months, or when I have to reboot the modem) you'll need to manually check your IP address and update your account when it changes, or sign up for a service like DNS-O-Matic to automatically update your account to your current IP.

I've been using OpenDNS for many years now, if you need help or have any questions I'd be glad to help out.