Is changing a DNS address safe?

[MMBP]

I dont know much about DNS and etc. What is it? And is it safe if i change it bc my internet is so slow on safari! I found a site that is telling me to change my DNS but before i do that... I want to make sure it's not some kind of virus thing. Can a virus enter my computer via that DNS?

I have anti virus software.

Thanks.

 

[Caleb531]

You should be completely safe (also considering there are virtually no viruses for Mac OS X).

 

[GGJstudios]

http://www.opendns.com/solutions/overview/

Mac Virus/Malware Info

 

[finnschi]

The DNS is like a Phonebook, when you type in "www.apple.com" the DNS tells your Browser what ip address this is on, if your DNS does not know "www.apple.com" it asks another DNS, if this DNS does not know it either it will ask another DNS.....

So changing DNS will only improve initial load times , the Time until you see anything , not the time a page needs to fully load!

Also if just Safari is slow... try firefox and check if things get better!

ps: I always use OPEN DNS, for me its the fastest !

if things dont get faster, try to run a speedtest (speedtest.net ) and check what speeds you get there! if its slower than what you should have (check your ISP contact for that) try to use a cable instead of Wifi, if its still slow, check your router settings, it might show you the speed it runs on, if its too slow contact your ISP!