One-click switching to any DNS provider of your choice
Overwhelmed with the fantastic response to my Google DNS Helper, I decided to write a much better version of it, not restricted only to using Google Public DNS but other popular public DNS services.
Presenting the DNS Helper
The name says it all. The utility runs in your Windows notification area and provides a popup menu to quickly switch to any DNS provider. It also features backup and restore functionality in case you want to revert to your ISP’s default DNS servers. Click on the thumbnails below to check out the screenshots. Find the download link at the end of the post.
So what’s new?
Google DNS Helper served one simple purpose – to help Windows users instantly switch over to Google’s Public DNS servers with a single click. Soon after word got around (thanks to Lifehacker and GHacks), people started asking me to add support for other DNS providers. So I compiled a small list of most used public DNS servers and used them in my code. Also, you can enter your own DNS addresses and quickly switch to them. For those who would like to test out different DNS services before actually switching to one, I have included a link to GRC’s fantastic free DNS benchmarking tool.
A note to friends and developers
A number of developers had asked for the source code for Google DNS Helper. I had promised them that I’ll be publishing the source code soon. But a few interested parties have come forward to buy the source code and I’m in the process of signing a non-disclosure agreement. And like I had already posted, I will be moving to another part of the country for my first job and will find little time for my hobby-programming pursuits. Nevertheless, I’m publishing the utility for free download and encourage it to pass it on! This is my parting gift.
Download DNS Helper
Download DNS Helper 1.0 (63.5 KB)
Requires .NET Framework 2.0 or above.
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Tagged as dns, download, Freeware + Categorized under Technology, .NET | »
Hey dude, your dns helper doesn’t work with my seven, it worsk ok on my XP but seven does not get DNS.
@Lester: Well I tested it on my Windows 7 machine without a hitch, Lester. Can you provide me with more details about the error you are getting?
Well, when i turn it up it saids tha my DNS is still tha same, no that way with my xp machine, maybe its my seven i have the buid 7057 version.
Hello dear Pras, thanks very much for DNS Helper, works great!
Suggestion: Would be of great help if the user could add a pair or a few pairs of DNS addresses of his/her own choice to the CHOICE list, so they can be switched by “Quick switch” from the tray icon.
I like to use FoolDNS (87.118.111.215 and 81.174.67.134) because they filter out ads,
I am wondering if there is a way to add this pair of addresses or replace one of the existing ones?
Using WinXP-PRO-SP3
Thanks again, W/Best regards,
Eldad
Your utility will require Administrator login to work, isn’t it?
How about normal user login to switch the DNS servers?
It seems, the utility need not use .NET or other resource hungry toolkits. Why not write in simple ‘C’ and Windows API?
@Eldad: Thanks for the suggestion Eldad. The next version of the DNS Helper will implement that feature. But right now, I have just landed my dream job and am really pressed for time. So do keep a watch on this space for an updated version, if not right away, a few weeks from now.
@adi: I had recently started learning .NET and just wanted to try it out. Right now, I don’t have the resources nor the inclination to replicate this functionality in C. So sorry.
Thanks Pras and best of luck with your dream job!
Minor bug(?) – after a change the “DNS changed” window appears not once but 2 or 3 consecutive times.
Please add me to your email list if you have one.
Eldad
@Eldad: I am not able to replicate your issue. Can you send me a screenshot? And I don’t have a mailing list yet, but you can subscribe to my RSS feed or mobile SMS feed!
* customizable list of DNS addresses: +1
* I would love this as a firefox addon