Those of you who are tech types probably have heard about OpenDNS, a [profitable] Internet infrastructure firm founded on venture capital. They recently became accountable for 1% of the world’s Internet usage. That is impressive.
I have been using OpenDNS for quite some time simply as a means to speed up my internet connection. It works. OpenDNS serves as a domain name server (DNS). It is free for personal use, and also available for business/institutions for DNS resolution. What does this really mean? Every website name that you type into your browser is translated into an IP address via the DNS. Typically your ISP has its own DNS that is either configured automatically or through your router/ethernet software setup. Depending on how efficient your ISP’s DNS backbone is, your website resolution can vary by a magnitude of seconds. Furthermore, a good DNS can provide an additional layer of security to your computer by filtering phishing websites or preventing cache poisoning.
The more impressive aspect of this company is its success. It is managed essentially by three people. Its CEO, as I recall, graduated with a biological anthropology degree from WashU. It has a deliverable product that is available freely to the public, as well as a commercial version for generating revenue. The service doesn’t blatantly intrude into our lives a la Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook, yet plays a substantial role in IT. Bravo indeed.
Go out and use OpenDNS. Most of you do not have an internet backbone like MIT‘s with a direct connection to Akamai. Enjoy the reliability, speed, and security of a trusted DNS.
*Note: I have no disclosures with OpenDNS, although am available for technical consultation by any party. *
computing tech
Fighting against bottled water. Very interesting.
economy economy
Several years ago, TSA implemented a checkpoint system for airport travelers, in hopes of streamlining the security lines. At LaGuardia, there are four lines:
- Family Traveler
- Casual Traveler
- Expert Traveler
- First Class
While each category of traveler is self-explanatory, I can’t fathom ever opting for the Family Traveler line (conceivably the slowest moving line of all). Of course, this line is intended to prevent single travelers stuck behind a family of screaming kids with strollers.
Interestingly enough, when I checked through security last week, the Family traveler line was clearly half the length of the “Expert Traveler” line. I took a gamble on the “Family Line” and breezed through security in about five minutes–it would have taken me at least 15 minutes to get through the “Expert Line”.
The next time I travel, I’m definitely going to take note of the “Family Line”.
misc travel
Many years ago on March 13th (the day before Pi day), I interviewed for a summer position at Microsoft. I was a freshman in college, and was two months into my first computer science course ever. I knew little about computing at the time, and had a desktop computer built mostly from parts I found in the dumpster. My operating system was Debian Linux 2.0, since I didn’t have a copy of Windows. Indeed, it was ironic that I was interviewing for a M$ position.
Read more…
computing humor, tech
Several months ago, I mentioned the pain of being a USPS customer, especially at some branch locations. I would like to make an addendum today.
I had the displeasure of trekking to the post office today to pick up a piece of certified mail. The local branch opens its doors at 9am. I came at 8:50am in hopes of beating the crowd. Apparently, the lobby opens its doors 8:30am in preparation for the day. When I arrived at 8:50am, I was the 8th person in line! I waiting approximately 1 hour to reach the front of the line, and another 13 minutes for them to find my mail.
It may be time I invest in a 3rd party mailbox service, such as mailboxes at the UPS Stores. Does anyone have experience using these services?
misc rant