Find Out Which DNS Server Your Linux System Is Using In A Few Simple Steps

Are you curious to know which DNS server your Linux system is using? Look no further, as we have a quick and easy guide to help you find out. Understanding which DNS server your system is using is important for network troubleshooting, improving network performance, and ensuring online privacy.

A DNS server is a crucial component of your internet connection that translates domain names into IP addresses. Every time you visit a website, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to obtain the corresponding IP address. There are several reasons why you might want to know which DNS server your Linux system is using. Maybe you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, or you’re concerned about online privacy and security.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to find out which DNS server your Linux system is using. We’ll also discuss why it’s essential to know this information, common issues you might encounter with DNS servers, and how to optimize your DNS server for better speed and security.

Read on to discover how to find out which DNS server your Linux system is using and how to optimize your system for a better online experience!

What is a DNS Server?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is a critical component of the Internet infrastructure. Essentially, it’s a phone book for the Internet that allows users to connect to websites using human-readable domain names, such as google.com or facebook.com, rather than numerical IP addresses.

A DNS server is a networked computer system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. When a user types a domain name into their web browser, the browser sends a request to a DNS server, which then responds with the corresponding IP address of the website requested.

Without DNS servers, we would have to remember numerical IP addresses for every website we want to visit, which is inconvenient and prone to errors. DNS servers are essential for the smooth operation of the Internet, and they play a critical role in our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not.

Definition of a DNS Server

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
Term	Definition	Example
DNS	The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that maps domain names to IP addresses.	www.example.com is translated to 93.184.216.34
DNS Server	A DNS server is a computer server that contains a database of public IP addresses and their associated hostnames, and in most cases serves to resolve, or translate, those names to IP addresses as requested.	A DNS server resolves the name www.example.com to the IP address 93.184.216.34
DNS Record	A DNS record is a database record used to map a domain name to various types of data, such as an IP address.	The “A” record of www.example.com contains the IP address 93.184.216.34

Understanding the definition of a DNS server and its related terms is essential to understanding how the internet works. DNS servers play a crucial role in translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses, allowing us to easily access websites and other online resources. With this foundational knowledge, we can explore further how to find out which DNS server your Linux system is using and how to change it if needed.

How Does a DNS Server Work?

When a user types a website URL into their browser, the computer sends a request to the DNS server. The DNS server then looks up the IP address associated with the domain name and returns it to the user’s computer. The computer can then use this IP address to connect to the website server and request the web page.

The process of looking up the IP address associated with a domain name involves several steps. First, the local DNS resolver on the user’s computer sends a request to the DNS server specified in the computer’s network settings. If the DNS server doesn’t have the IP address in its cache, it sends a request to other DNS servers until it finds the correct IP address.

DNS servers work by using a distributed system to maintain a database of domain names and their associated IP addresses. When a DNS server doesn’t have the information requested by a client, it can refer the client to other DNS servers that might have the information. This process continues until the information is found or until it is determined that the domain name doesn’t exist.

Types of DNS Servers

There are several types of DNS servers available, each with a specific function. Here are three common types:

Recursive DNS servers: These servers respond to queries from clients by searching for the requested information in their cache or by forwarding the query to other DNS servers until the information is found.

Authoritative DNS servers: These servers contain information about a specific domain, including the IP addresses of the domain’s DNS servers and any associated resource records. They respond to queries from recursive DNS servers with the correct information.

Caching DNS servers: These servers store recently requested DNS information in their cache for a specified period, reducing the time it takes to respond to subsequent requests for the same information.

Understanding the different types of DNS servers can help you choose the appropriate one for your needs and optimize your DNS performance.

Why is it Important to Know Which DNS Server Your Linux System is Using?

Improved Performance: By knowing which DNS server your Linux system is using, you can optimize your system’s performance. Choosing a fast and reliable DNS server can improve your browsing experience and reduce latency.

Security: DNS servers can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, and using an unsecured DNS server can put your system at risk. Knowing which DNS server your Linux system is using allows you to verify its security and switch to a more secure one if necessary.

Internet Service Provider: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may use a default DNS server that is not the best option for your needs. By finding out which DNS server your Linux system is using, you can choose a better DNS server and bypass any limitations or restrictions imposed by your ISP.

Troubleshooting: In case of any DNS-related issues, knowing which DNS server your Linux system is using can help in troubleshooting. You can verify if the issue is with the DNS server or something else, and take the necessary steps to resolve it.

Security Implications

Security breaches: A DNS server that is not properly secured can become a point of vulnerability, making it easier for attackers to launch cyber-attacks, such as phishing scams or DNS spoofing.

Data privacy: Using an unreliable or unsecured DNS server can lead to a breach of sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial information, or personal data, compromising the privacy and security of the user.

Malware infections: Malware infections can be caused by accessing malicious sites that are able to exploit vulnerabilities in your DNS server. Malware can cause damage to your system, steal sensitive information, or even launch attacks on other computers on the same network.

Therefore, knowing which DNS server your Linux system is using is crucial to ensure the security and privacy of your data and network. In the following sections, we will guide you through the steps to identify and change the DNS server in use on your Linux system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Out Which DNS Server Your Linux System is Using

If you are using a Linux system, it is important to know which DNS server it is using, so you can troubleshoot any network issues or change it to a more reliable server. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding out which DNS server your Linux system is using:

Step 1: Open the terminal on your Linux system.

Step 2: Type the following command and press enter: cat /etc/resolv.conf

Step 3: This will display the DNS server(s) that your Linux system is using. Look for the nameserver line(s) in the output to find the IP address(es) of the DNS server(s).

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily find out which DNS server your Linux system is using and take any necessary actions to troubleshoot or optimize your network connection.

Using the Terminal to Check DNS Server Information

One way to find out which DNS server your Linux system is using is by using the terminal. Open a terminal and type nmcli dev show | grep ‘IP4.DNS’ and hit enter. This command will show you the IP address of the DNS server your system is currently using.

If your Linux system is using multiple DNS servers, you can see all of them by typing cat /etc/resolv.conf in the terminal. This command will show you a list of all the DNS servers your system is configured to use.

You can also check the DNS server information of a specific domain by using the dig command in the terminal. For example, typing dig google.com will show you the DNS server information for the Google domain.

• Step 1: Click on the network icon located on the top right corner of the screen.

• Step 2: Select the “Settings” option and click on the “Network” tab.

• Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Advanced” button.

This will bring up a window with various network settings, including the DNS server information. You can view the DNS server IP address in the “DNS” tab. In addition, you can also add custom DNS servers if needed by clicking the “+” button and entering the server IP address.

Using Third-Party Tools to Check DNS Server Information

Aside from using the terminal or GUI, there are third-party tools you can use to check DNS server information. One of these tools is the DNS Lookup Tool. It’s a web-based tool that allows you to look up DNS records for any domain or host. It can provide you with information such as IP addresses, domain registrar information, and the mail server information for a domain.

Another third-party tool is DNS Checker. It can help you find out which DNS server is being used by your device or any other domain. You can enter a domain or IP address, and it will show you the DNS records associated with that domain, including the DNS server information.

The DNSstuff toolset is another useful third-party tool for checking DNS server information. It provides a wide range of tools for checking DNS records, as well as other network-related information. It can help you diagnose DNS issues, identify DNS misconfigurations, and troubleshoot other network problems.

There are many other third-party tools you can use to check DNS server information, but be cautious when using them. Some of these tools may not be reliable, and some may even be malicious. It’s always a good idea to use reputable tools from well-known sources.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Linux System?

If you want to change the DNS servers on your Linux system, you have several options depending on your distribution and network configuration.

One option is to edit the resolv.conf file, which contains the DNS server information for your system. This file is typically located in the /etc directory. You can open the file with a text editor and add or remove DNS server IP addresses as needed.

Another option is to use NetworkManager, a utility that manages network settings on Linux systems. Using NetworkManager, you can add or remove DNS servers using the graphical user interface or command line.

You can also change DNS servers by modifying your dhclient.conf file, which is used by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to configure network settings. You can add or remove DNS server IP addresses in the file to change the DNS servers used by your system.

If you are using a VPN on your Linux system, you may need to change the DNS server settings for your VPN connection separately. This can usually be done through the VPN client software or by manually editing the network configuration files.

Finally, you can also use systemd-resolved, a system service that provides network name resolution to applications. Using systemd-resolved, you can configure DNS server settings for your system or for individual applications.

Changing DNS Servers via Network Manager

Step 1: Click on the network icon in the top right corner of the screen and select “Wi-Fi Settings” or “Wired Settings”.

Step 2: Select the network connection you want to change the DNS server for and click the gear icon to open its settings.

Step 3: Go to the IPv4 or IPv6 tab and change the “Automatic” option to “Automatic (DHCP) addresses only”.

Step 4: Enter the new DNS server addresses in the “DNS servers” field, separated by commas.

Step 5: Click “Apply” to save the changes and close the settings window.

Editing the resolv.conf File Manually

The resolv.conf file contains information about the domain name system (DNS) servers that your computer uses to resolve domain names into IP addresses. This file is critical to the proper functioning of your computer’s internet connection. When you connect to a network, your computer automatically retrieves DNS server information from a DHCP server. However, sometimes you may need to edit this file manually. Here are some situations in which you may need to edit the resolv.conf file:

1. Your DNS server information has changed.
2. You are configuring a server that does not have DHCP enabled.
3. You are setting up a test environment and need to specify DNS server information.

The resolv.conf file is located in the /etc directory on most Linux and Unix systems. To edit this file, you will need root privileges. You can use your favorite text editor to modify the file, but be careful to avoid making mistakes that could cause problems with your network connection. Here is an example of how to edit the resolv.conf file:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf and press Enter.
3. Edit the file to include the IP addresses of your DNS servers, using the following format:

nameserver IP_ADDRESS nameserver IP_ADDRESS nameserver IP_ADDRESS 

Replace IP_ADDRESS with the IP addresses of your DNS servers. You can include up to three DNS servers in the file. Save the file and exit the text editor. Your changes will take effect immediately. You can test your DNS settings by using the dig command in a terminal window. For example, to test the DNS resolution of the domain example.com, you can type dig example.com and press Enter. If the command returns the correct IP address, your DNS configuration is working correctly.

Editing the resolv.conf file manually can be a useful tool for troubleshooting network issues and configuring DNS settings. However, be careful when making changes to this file, as mistakes can cause problems with your internet connection. Always make a backup of the original file before making any changes, and test your new settings thoroughly before relying on them.

Changing DNS Servers for Specific Applications

Most operating systems allow you to change the DNS servers that specific applications use. This is useful if you want to use a different DNS server for a particular application, rather than changing the DNS server for the entire system. One way to do this is through the use of a tool called “dnscrypt-proxy”. This tool allows you to encrypt your DNS traffic and send it to a different DNS server.

Once you have installed dnscrypt-proxy, you can configure it to use a different DNS server for specific applications. To do this, you will need to create a configuration file for dnscrypt-proxy, which specifies which DNS server to use for each application. This configuration file can be created using a text editor, such as Notepad, and should be saved with the extension “.conf”.

Once you have created the configuration file, you can start dnscrypt-proxy and specify the location of the configuration file. This will cause dnscrypt-proxy to use the specified DNS server for the applications that are listed in the configuration file. To verify that the DNS server is being used, you can use a tool like “nslookup” to query a domain name and check the IP address that is returned.

• Benefits: One of the main benefits of changing DNS servers for specific applications is that it allows you to use different DNS servers for different purposes. For example, you might want to use a different DNS server for your work-related applications than for your personal applications. This can help to improve security and privacy, as well as provide better performance.
• Drawbacks: One potential drawback of changing DNS servers for specific applications is that it can be difficult to set up and manage. It may also require additional software, such as dnscrypt-proxy, which may not be available on all operating systems.
• Examples: Some examples of applications that you might want to use a different DNS server for include web browsers, email clients, and instant messaging applications. By using a different DNS server for these applications, you can help to protect your privacy and security, and ensure that your online activities are not being tracked or monitored.

Overall, changing DNS servers for specific applications can be a useful tool for improving security, privacy, and performance. While it may require some additional setup and configuration, the benefits can be well worth the effort, especially if you have specific applications that require different DNS servers.

Common DNS Server Issues and How to Solve Them

Slow Response Times
One of the most common issues with DNS servers is slow response times. Slow response times can be caused by various factors such as network congestion, overloaded DNS servers, or incorrect DNS settings. To solve this issue, try using a different DNS server, clearing your browser’s cache, or disabling unnecessary browser extensions.

DNS Server Not Responding
If you encounter an error message saying “DNS Server Not Responding,” it could mean that the DNS server you are using is down or experiencing connectivity issues. You can try troubleshooting the issue by restarting your router, resetting your network adapter, or switching to a different DNS server.

DNS Cache Poisoning
DNS cache poisoning occurs when a hacker redirects traffic from a legitimate website to a malicious website by changing the DNS server’s entries in the cache. To solve this issue, clear your DNS cache, ensure that your DNS server is secure, and use secure DNS protocols such as DNSSEC.

Incorrect IP Addresses
Sometimes, DNS servers can return incorrect IP addresses, which can lead to errors such as “server not found” or “connection timed out.” This issue can be caused by incorrect DNS settings or outdated DNS cache. To solve this issue, check your DNS settings, clear your DNS cache, and try using a different DNS server.

DNS Spoofing
DNS spoofing is a type of cyber attack where a hacker redirects traffic to a fake website by modifying the DNS server’s entries in the cache. To prevent DNS spoofing, ensure that your DNS server is secure, use secure DNS protocols such as DNSSEC, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

Slow Internet Speed

Slow internet speed can be frustrating when browsing the internet or streaming videos online. The problem can often be attributed to issues with your DNS server. Here are some of the most common reasons for slow internet speed:

Congestion on the Network: Network congestion can cause slow internet speed. This can happen when too many devices are connected to the network or when there is high traffic on the network. Try reducing the number of devices on your network or avoiding peak usage times to see if that helps.

Outdated Router or Modem: An outdated router or modem can also cause slow internet speed. If your router or modem is several years old, it may not be able to handle the speed of your internet connection. Consider upgrading to a newer model to improve internet speed.

DNS Server Issues: Slow internet speed can also be caused by problems with your DNS server. Try changing your DNS server to a faster and more reliable one to see if that improves your internet speed. You can also try flushing your DNS cache to clear any outdated information that may be slowing down your internet speed.

Malware or Viruses: Malware or viruses on your device can also cause slow internet speed. These malicious programs can slow down your internet connection by using your network resources to perform malicious activities. Run a virus scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses on your device.

Incorrect DNS Server Configuration

If your DNS servers are not configured correctly, it can lead to a host of problems. Some of the most common issues include the inability to access certain websites, slow internet speeds, and even security vulnerabilities. It’s essential to check your DNS server configuration regularly to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

One common problem that can occur with DNS server configuration is that the wrong DNS server IP addresses are entered. This can lead to a slow internet connection or the inability to connect to the internet at all. It’s important to double-check your DNS server IP addresses and ensure that they are correct.

Another issue that can arise is a misconfigured DNS zone. This can cause incorrect or incomplete DNS lookups, resulting in slow or incorrect website loading. A misconfigured DNS zone can also leave your website vulnerable to DNS spoofing attacks, which can be used to redirect traffic to malicious websites.

Finally, incorrect TTL (Time-to-Live) settings can cause DNS problems. TTL refers to the amount of time that a DNS record is valid before it needs to be refreshed. If the TTL settings are too high, it can lead to slow website loading times or the inability to access certain websites altogether. If the TTL settings are too low, it can lead to unnecessary traffic to your DNS server, potentially causing performance issues.

Connection Issues

One of the most frustrating DNS server issues is connection issues. Connection issues occur when your device can’t connect to the internet despite an active internet connection. When you encounter a connection issue, you should start by checking if the problem is with your internet service provider. You can call your internet service provider’s support team to confirm if there are any network issues in your area. You should also check if the connection issues are limited to specific devices or applications. If the connection issue is device-specific, you can try restarting the device or resetting the network settings.

If restarting the device or resetting the network settings does not solve the connection issue, you can try changing the DNS server. To do this, you should follow the same process outlined above in the previous section on changing DNS servers for specific applications. Alternatively, you can use a tool like the DNS Jumper, which can help you change your DNS settings quickly and easily.

If changing the DNS server doesn’t solve the connection issue, you can try resetting the router. To do this, you should press and hold the reset button at the back of the router for at least ten seconds. This will reset the router to its factory settings, and you’ll have to reconfigure your network settings from scratch.

How to Optimize Your DNS Server for Better Speed and Security?

Use a Fast and Reliable DNS Service: One of the simplest ways to improve your DNS server’s speed and security is to use a fast and reliable DNS service provider. Consider using a provider that is known for their fast response times and has a good reputation for security.

Enable DNS Caching: DNS caching can significantly improve your server’s performance and reduce the time it takes to resolve domain names. By caching commonly requested DNS information, your server can quickly provide responses without having to query external servers every time.

Implement DNSSEC: DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is a set of security protocols that adds an extra layer of protection to your DNS infrastructure. It helps prevent malicious attacks such as DNS spoofing, cache poisoning, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Monitor Your DNS Server: Regularly monitoring your DNS server can help you identify potential issues and security threats. You can use tools such as log analyzers, performance monitors, and security scanners to keep an eye on your server’s health and performance.

Using a DNS Server with Strong Security Features

If you want to optimize your DNS server for better security, consider using a DNS server with strong security features. Some DNS servers offer features such as DNSSEC, which provides cryptographic authentication to prevent spoofing and other security threats.

Another security feature to consider is DNS filtering, which can protect against malware and phishing attacks by blocking access to known malicious domains. Some DNS servers also offer parental controls, allowing you to filter out inappropriate content and protect your children from online threats.

When choosing a DNS server with strong security features, make sure to research and compare options to find the one that best meets your needs. Some popular options include Cloudflare DNS, Google Public DNS, and OpenDNS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, optimizing your DNS server is essential for faster internet speeds, better security, and improved overall performance. By configuring your DNS server settings correctly, you can prevent common DNS server issues such as slow speeds, incorrect configurations, and connection problems.

Remember to use reliable and trustworthy DNS servers with strong security features, and regularly monitor your DNS server performance to ensure it is operating at its best.

With the information and tips provided in this guide, you can take the necessary steps to optimize your DNS server for better speed and security, and enjoy a faster and more secure internet browsing experience.

Stay updated with the latest DNS server technologies and best practices to stay ahead of any emerging issues or threats and ensure optimal performance of your DNS server.

Frequently Asked Questions