OpenDNS, the only DNS service I trust with my Internet experience, recently rolled out several notable features including from domain tagging (also known as “People-Powered Security“) and an idea bank. The former lets OpenDNS users categorize domains by content and eventually, accurate domain categorizations make their way into the OpenDNS system. At that point, OpenDNS users and system administrators using OpenDNS can more accurately control the types of websites their users visit without resorting to using expensive web content filtering software.
Domain tagging definitely has its merits for the sysadmin crowd, but this post is about a feature you’re more likely to use if you’re a casual OpenDNS user. The Idea Bank lets users submit ideas to expand and enhance any aspect of OpenDNS. I hate to use this phrasing but it’s like Digg for submitting ideas that OpenDNS may actually work on if enough users agree.
The only hard part about using Idea Bank is coming up with an idea to improve OpenDNS. I’ve been quite happy with it ever since I became a user in July 2006.
Do you use OpenDNS? I use it primarily for the speed compared to my ISP’s DNS, but other things like tracking usage stats with nice graphs is always a plus.
Disclosure: I am a good friend of David Ulevitch and OpenDNS.
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i totally use opendns because the dns servers on my university’s network are painfully slow. i also like the search page it gives when a domain doesn’t respond.
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What would be the advantages of using this service? The idea bank sounds cool though.
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Of the several ideas listed on the page now, the ones I’d like to see implemented are the following (in no particular order):
*Domain blocking – at certain times of the day only
*Edit or Remove Function for Submitter of Mis-Labeled Domains
*Login in with OpenID
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OpenDNS is also my favorite at the moment. I like their “shortcuts”; however, I’ve not really played with the new features that you mentioned above.
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Take a look at UserSuggest. A nice service that you can use for getting suggestions for your product/service. http://usersuggest.usersuggest.com
Luca
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I use it at home, at my church, and a few friends houses. I like it because you can keep most of the junk on the net off my computer and it fixes typos and all that good stuff. I haven’t noticed any speed up though.
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Paul,
I haven’t used OpenDNS to date, but I’ve nearly signed up about three times. I’m currently connected to GT’s ResNet, so I’m not sure if I would see any real boost. You may have some experience in this area, so do you think I would see a speed increase (or any other benefits) from OpenDNS?
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I have been using DNS for various projects and I think it is a great way to quickly implement several features quickly that would normally require a proxy server.
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Signed up and giving it a go not that my T3 network was slow, i think the logs should be kool though. Paul how is it you become friends with all these people when you spend all your time at GT?
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I think every firm should have a similar system (idea bank) in place to get customer feedback and know exactly which way the userbase wants the company to evolve. “Web 2.0″ movement brought this concept a lot more forward than it used to be (for online companies anyways).
Seems like skribit is similar in many ways, but for blogs, not companies. Same underlying concept.
I need to bring Idealarm from the dead!
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I am certainly on the OpenDNS bandwagon. The new Idea Bank, and Domain Tagging features are great.
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