Changing the DNS settings in Kali Linux can significantly enhance your online experience by improving security and anonimyty. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to easily modify your DNS settings, allowing you to access the internet more safely and efficiently.
Understanding Your Default DNS Server
When you connect to the internet, your device automatically uses a DNS server provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This default DNS server translates website addresses into IP addresses. For instance, when you type “www.example.com,” your device queries the DNS server to find the corresponding IP address.
However, relying on your ISP’s DNS server can lead to privacy concerns, as ISPs may track your browsing habits. Additionally, their DNS servers may not always be the fastest or most reliable. This is where changing your DNS settings becomes beneficial, as it allows you to use more privacy-focused and efficient DNS servers.
Steps to Change DNS in Kali Linux
1. Open the Terminal
Begin by launching the terminal in Kali Linux. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in the application menu or using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Backup the Current DNS Configuration
Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to back up your current DNS configuration. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo cp /etc/resolv.conf /etc/resolv.conf.backup
3. Edit the DNS Configuration File
Next, open the DNS configuration file using a text editor. You can use nano or any other text editor you prefer. Here’s how to do it with nano:
sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf
4. Add Your Preferred DNS Servers
In the resolv.conf file, you can specify the DNS servers you want to use. For example, to use Google’s Public DNS, add the following lines:
nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4
Alternatively, you can use Cloudflare’s DNS servers:
nameserver 1.1.1.1
nameserver 1.0.0.1
5. Save and Exit
After entering your preferred DNS servers, save the changes and exit the text editor. If you are using nano, you can do this by pressing Ctrl + O to save and then Ctrl + X to exit.
6. Verify Your DNS Settings
To ensure that your changes have been applied, you can check the DNS settings by running:
cat /etc/resolv.conf
This command will display the current DNS configuration, and you should see the DNS servers you added.
7. Testing Your New DNS
You can test your new DNS settings by using the nslookup command followed by a domain name. For example:
nslookup www.example.com
This command will query the DNS server and display the corresponding IP address, confirming that your new DNS settings are functioning correctly.
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