Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNS?
DNS is an internet function. Every internet site is located by a numerical address, similar to a phone number or house address. DNS allows you to type in a name rather than the DNS number, and converts what you type into the numerical address, so that the web browser can locate the page/web site for you.
How does this service work?
It works through DNS. Rather than using your internet provider's DNS server you use ours instead. Our DNS will simply block access to domains that we deemed inappropriate.
Is TidyDNS just some software?
NO! TidyDNS is a recursive DNS service. DNS is configured in your network settings and can be done with no software at all.
NO! TidyDNS is a recursive DNS service. DNS is configured in your network settings and can be done with no software at all.
How to setup the computer to use TidyDNS?
Follow the setup guide described in howto. You can also download the utility program to configure your computer to use TidyDNS. The utility will work on windows XP, windows Vista and Windows7. The utility must be installed with Administrator privilages.
How to test whether the computer is configured to use TidyDNS?
Visit site http://test.tidydns.net If the link reports " You are not using TidyDNS " follow the trouble shooting guide described in the result page.
Can the service interfere with other software on my machine?
No, the entire process is external to your computer.
Do I have to update this product ?
No, it is maintained for you, but you may participate by emailing any new inappropriate sites you find to us. We are continually seeking new websites that need to be blocked.
Is this service 100% preventative?
No, we can only block sites that we are aware of, and new sites are made everyday. No product blocks everything 100% of the time. If you have pre-adolescent children and/or you need as close to a 100% solution as possible, use text based blocking software, in addition to our product, that can have other advanced filtering features. We also offer pre-configured Hardware device for this application. You can get more details by contacting us.
Is the service fast?
Yes. It will not cause any delay in your existing internet service, or computing. Every thing will act and react as it had before the service , and in some cases faster.
Who is the target audience?
- Anyone connected to the internet.
- Adults who wish to remove potential virus problems, temptation, or possible embarrassing or legal situations at work or home.
- People who cannot install a software content filtering program, because it cannot be installed in platforms such as: X-Box, Play station, other gaming consoles, Linux embedded systems, Internet Phones, PDA's or any other internet accessing device that cannot normally be filtered.
- Users who are not willing too or cannot have an additional hardware device running 24X7 for content filtering.
What should I do if children are the main concern?
Again, use a combination of our service, specialized software and or order the pre-configured hardware device.
Hey, if I can get rid of TidyDNS, can't my kids or employees?
Anyone with admin rights to the computer can change whatever settings they would like. To combat this you can make the accounts your children and/or employees log into "limited user" account (located in the user account settings). Limited user and guest accounts are not able to change the DNS settings and which prevents them from going around TidyDNS for DNS. More advanced techniques of limiting outbound DNS traffic are available at the router level which can be performed by your network administrator and with our pre-configured hardware device you need not worry on users by passing the filter. Any further questions on this matter can be sent to help[at]TidyDNS.com
Anyone with admin rights to the computer can change whatever settings they would like. To combat this you can make the accounts your children and/or employees log into "limited user" account (located in the user account settings). Limited user and guest accounts are not able to change the DNS settings and which prevents them from going around TidyDNS for DNS. More advanced techniques of limiting outbound DNS traffic are available at the router level which can be performed by your network administrator and with our pre-configured hardware device you need not worry on users by passing the filter. Any further questions on this matter can be sent to help[at]TidyDNS.com
What sites does TidyDNS block?
Our team receives data from many sources on potentially harmful and/or pornographic websites and integrates this data into our domain classification architecture. In addition, websites submitted for review by our users may be added to the list or removed depending on their content.
I found a site you're not blocking, what should I do?
We do our best to stay on top of the growing list of blocked domains. If you find one we are not blocking but should be you can contact us
How can I get my website off the default TidyDNS blocklist?
If you own a website that is currently being blocked by TidyDNS, and you feel that it should not be, simply send us an email to help[at]TidyDNS.com and we will review your site. If it does not meet our criteria as objectionable you will be removed from the default blocklist.
How to uninstall TidyDNS?
You can replace the DNS server IP with your ISP's DNS resolvers.