OpenDNS is a system that lets you create “shortcuts” for URLs, enabling you to visit the sites at those URLs by typing their keywords instead of their exact addresses into your browser’s address bar. For example, instead of remembering this site is at www.ofzenandcomputing.com, or bookmarking it, you can use OpenDNS to assign www.ofzenandcomputing.com to the keyword ozac. From then on, type ozac into your browser, and you’ll arrive here.
OpenDNS is set up in a very simple manner. First, create an account and get started with the instructions for your operating system. After you’ve changed your settings, log into your account, and click the “My Account” tab. Type your desired keyword into shortcut, and the actual address of the site into website. Repeat this shortcut procedure for each site to whom you wish to assign a keyword.
OpenDNS is a pretty good idea, almost natural. OpenDNS eliminates the technicality of web site addresses, but doesn’t operate a central database of keywords — you do all the work when it comes to creating shortcuts. Your shortcuts are only available to you. We’ve seen services similar to OpenDNS come and go, but OpenDNS is different. Past services failed because were trying to replace the domain name system by selling keywords, but OpenDNS is a bit more honest.
Source: Paul Stamatiou.
