Set up DNS server - a guide

Your network can only function properly if you set up your DNS server correctly, because the Domain Name System assigns computers and IP addresses to each other. We will therefore show you how to set up your network exactly according to your wishes with little effort.

Set up a DNS server under Windows

You can easily set up your DNS server. On Windows, you just need to follow these steps:

1. Open the start menu and click on the control panel.
2. Here you go to the network and approval center.
3. On the left side you will now see "Change adapter settings".
4. At this point you will find a list of the saved network connections. Often that's just one or two.
5. Right click on the connection you want to set and select "Properties".
6. Here you can see an element list. Search for "Internet Protocol Version 4" and open the associated properties menu.
7. Usually both the IP address and DNS server address are obtained automatically. You can change this by clicking on "Use the following DNS server addresses".
8. Now simply enter the DNS address of your choice here. You should not enter a random address, but one that you know works.
9. For example, you can use Google’s DNS server. The address is "8.8.8.8". Please note, however, that all your DNS queries then run via Google and this can be problematic in terms of data protection.
10. You can also enter an alternative DNS server if your first choice is not available. How to avoid connection problems.
11. Save your changes by clicking OK. Your DNS server is now set up.

Set up DNS server on Mac OS X.

As an Apple user, you can also make your own DNS server settings.

1. To do this, open the system settings under "Apple".
2. Here go to "Network" under "Settings".
3. Now select the connection for which you want to set up the DNS server.
4. If you want to configure your WLAN, click on "More options" and then on "DNS".
5. Here you can add individual servers to the list with the "+" button.
6. If you are concerned about a cable connection, select "Ethernet".
7. Here you simply enter the DNS address in the "DNS server" field. If you want to store more than one address, separate them with a comma.

Notes on DNS server settings

• DNS servers are connection-specific: they have to be set up for each possible connection-
• This can be important, for example, if you sometimes connect your computer to the Internet via WLAN and sometimes via cable.
• Be careful with DNS servers. If you send your DNS requests via a server address, this server can read out every request and knows about your web behavior.
• Therefore, think carefully about which address is suitable for you as a DNS server.
• A list of public DNS servers can be found here, for example.