OpenDNS

Website

opendns.com

Pricing URL

-

$ Details

-

Categories

#Security & Privacy #DNS Tools #DNS #Ad Blockers

OpenVPN

Website

openvpn.net

Pricing URL

Official OpenVPN Pricing

$ Details

Categories

#Security & Privacy #VPN #Cloud VPN #VPN Software #Privacy

OpenDNS features and specs

• Improved Security
  OpenDNS offers robust protection against phishing attacks, malware, and botnets by blocking access to known malicious domains.
• Enhanced Control
  Users get granular control over website access, enabling custom filtering to block inappropriate or unsafe sites, which is especially useful for parents and schools.
• Faster DNS Resolution
  OpenDNS aims to provide faster domain name resolution, potentially reducing the time it takes to load websites compared to using ISPs' DNS services.
• DNS Uptime
  With globally distributed servers, OpenDNS ensures high availability and reliability, minimizing the risk of DNS outages.
• Detailed Analytics
  OpenDNS provides insightful web usage statistics and reports that can help identify trends and potential security threats.
• Device Compatibility
  It is compatible with multiple platforms and devices, making it easy to configure on routers, computers, and mobile devices.
• Ease of Use
  The service is straightforward to set up, often requiring only a simple change in DNS settings on your device or router.

Possible disadvantages of OpenDNS

• Privacy Concerns
  By using OpenDNS, users are subject to its terms of service and privacy policy, which may involve data logging and sharing with third parties.
• Limited Free Features
  The free version of OpenDNS has limited features compared to the premium offerings, which may not be sufficient for all users.
• Potential Circumvention
  Tech-savvy users or devices can potentially circumvent OpenDNS filtering by manually changing DNS settings to another provider.
• Dependency on Third-Party Service
  Relying on an external DNS service introduces an additional point of dependency, which could be problematic if the service experiences outages or disruptions.
• Geographic Performance Variations
  Performance improvements in DNS resolution speed may vary based on geographic location due to the proximity of OpenDNS servers.
• Complex Configuration for Advanced Features
  Utilizing some of the advanced features, like custom filtering and detailed analytics, may require a more complex configuration that could be challenging for non-technical users.
• Limited control on Pure DNS Services
  Since OpenDNS modifies DNS requests for security and filtering purposes, users needing pure DNS services without any changes may find it restrictive.

OpenVPN features and specs

• Security
  OpenVPN uses robust encryption standards like AES-256, providing a high level of security for data transmission.
• Open Source
  Being open-source, OpenVPN allows users to verify its code for vulnerabilities, ensuring transparency and reliability.
• Flexibility
  OpenVPN can run on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extensive compatibility.
• Customizability
  Users can configure OpenVPN according to their specific needs, allowing advanced network setups and policies.
• Performance
  OpenVPN offers strong performance with efficient handling of large data transmissions and support for high and stable speeds.
• Community Support
  A large and active community provides ample resources, including tutorials, forums, and user support.
• Cost
  As a free and open-source solution, OpenVPN significantly reduces the cost compared to many commercial VPN offerings.

Possible disadvantages of OpenVPN

• Complex Setup
  Setting up OpenVPN can be complex and may require technical expertise, particularly for advanced configurations.
• Resource Intensive
  OpenVPN can be resource-intensive compared to some other VPN protocols, potentially impacting the performance of older or lower-spec hardware.
• Client Software
  The official OpenVPN client software has a less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial VPNs, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
• Mobile Experience
  Although OpenVPN supports mobile devices, the user experience on mobile can be less streamlined compared to desktop environments.
• Initial Learning Curve
  New users may find the initial learning curve steep due to the multitude of configuration options and the need for understanding networking concepts.
• Support
  While community support is strong, there may not be as much immediate or personalized support as found with some commercial VPN services.

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