To Iowans: Still having Mediacom Internet Problems?
Since January 19th, Mediacom has been having problems with their DNS server. For those of you who don't know what a DNS server is, check wikipedia. This causes you to have problems accessing the Internet. Either you have no access at all, or you can get to a few sites but not all. I'm going to tell you what you can do about it!
By default, all your computers automatically will send DNS requests to the DNS server provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) like Mediacom. It is very easy to change which DNS server your computer uses, and if you do you will no longer be affected by Mediacom's DNS woes.
I use the OpenDNS DNS servers. You could potentially increase the speed at which your browser accesses websites if the DNS server you choose is faster than your ISP's, although the difference would most likely be barely visible.
To use the OpenDNS DNS servers, you need to change your computer's network connection to use the following DNS servers:
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
First open Network Connections. You can access it by going through the Network and Sharing Center, or by typing "ncpa.cpl" into the start menu bar.
Then select your active connection. Right-click on your active connection and choose properties.
Then select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on Properties.
Choose "Use the Following DNS Server Addresses" and type in the IP addresses: 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220
After that, click "OK" and then "Close" and you're done!
You can do this even if you aren't having problems with your internet. I would bet that it is more reliable than your ISP's DNS servers.
Max