How to install an Open Root access

With the international internet expansion, from 2003 on, the term root began to spread in geek parlance. It was as esoteric as DNS, and even more magic, since it meant a unique resource so precious and fragile that it could only be kept under US control.

Alternate roots have been introduced since the late 90’s, but the internet cognoscenti branded them too ludicrous to merit attention. While ignored by ICANN, alternate roots have expanded geographically and functionally. Some are replicas of the ICANN root, others offer additional services, e.g. filtering, security. If they provide for a customized name space we call them open, i.e. open to non ICANN domain names.

Using alternate roots is no big deal, it boils down to changing one or two DNS addresses in the network parameters of the device used to communicate with internet. Due to increasing popularity, there are explanations galore on the web for doing this operation. A search with keywords "change dns" brings up hundreds of them.

As we believe in the benefits of sharing information, we suggest the following web links to get practical tips for installing access to any alternate root (open or not).

The OpenDNS installation guide, covers all systems (PC, tablet, router, server, etc), very well detailed, with self explanatory screen captures.

This installation guide gives DNS addresses for the particular root taken as an example (OpenDNS). You should replace them with the DNS addresses of the root of your choice, as Open-Root...

Open-Root uses a single address (anycast) which selects automatically the DNS server providing the shortest response time.