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Earthlink Offers Alternate DNS Without "Dead DNS"

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the just-resolve-my-names dept.

Joshua Flory writes, "In response to the story about Earthlink and their version of 'Site Finder', I learned today that Earthlink has provided alternate DNS servers that will remain outside of their 'dead DNS' service. However, this is a completely unsupported service, which begs the question, WHY? Everyone can gain access to public DNS servers, or create their own. The point is that people wanted DNS servers supported by EL that do not include this dead DNS service." Sounds like it's time for Earthlink users to check out OpenDNS.com... they make it easy to turn off the bad-URL behavior.

6 of 136 comments (clear)

  1. But wait! by OverlordQ · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I thought Earthlink Engineers were so amazingly intelligent that they said that their Dead DNS would only affect Web traffic.

    Oh wait, no they're not. They *still* dont get what's wrong with what they're doing.

    --
    Your hair look like poop, Bob! - Wanker.
    1. Re:But wait! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Most of the engineers didn't know this was being done until it was far too late, and they aren't happy about it. And even if they had, it's doubtful it would have made a difference to the folks looking to make some money. So as an engineer distressed by this whole idea, you have two choices:

      1. Make a fuss and become a potential target.
      2. Complain amongst friends, and pray for a PR disaster that gets it shut down.

      I think the bulk have opted for door #2.

  2. Re:OpenDNS doesn't work for everyone by Aladrin · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I have Earthlink, sad as it is. I chose it when I got cable because I had them for Sprint DSL and their news servers were very good for free. Then they changed them and they suck now. I'd change to roadrunner, but every change I make is a 2 week interruption in service no matter what change I make, so I refuse to change anything.

    I almost made that mistake of using OpenDNS as well. I used Level 3's servers instead.

    --
    "If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you." - DM
  3. Less savy people will not know by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Who knows OpenDNS? Who knows of the alternatives? You do, I do, Joe Average doesn't. Ya know, the internet and a lotta tubes...

    Why do you think AOL is still in business? If people knew about their options, a lot of the large providers would go out of biz.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  4. Re:umm by caluml · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Buy your own domain, and point the MX records wherever you like. Get a VPS somewhere?
    Or just open a Gmail account.

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    Get your own free personal location tracker
  5. That's funny by deinol · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Sounds like it's time for Earthlink users to check out OpenDNS.com... they make it easy to turn off the bad-URL behavior.

    Strange, it sounds to me like it's time for Earthlink users to find a new provider. I know sometimes there are very few options for broadband in an area, but last I checked there were plenty of dialup companies still competing and about.

    --
    Got Apathy?