I'm posting this here since I'm aware ComCast holds the cable here in the midwest (TimeWarner held it in the region I'm previously from, ie: you can't get ComCast internet there, it doesn't exist) and I'm aware for ComCast's DNS server issues. In other words, no your "internet" isn't down.. the DNS server is for the most part - think of it as a phone book and you just lost your link to directory assistance. It translates the words for websites, into the "phone number" or IP Address, you type www.lostjeeps.com and it returns the IP. The system works great, when it works, confuses and frustrates people when it doesn't.
Here's the directions to "Fix" or bypass ComCast's unstable DNS Services, it will not affect any of your home network security settings, it's free, and stable - and there is a local server located in Chicago operated by NeuStar.
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156.154.70.1
156.154.71.1
are the dns advantage servers from NeuStar
instructions for most windows based OS: (not bothering posting linux instructions, if ya operate linux you probably already know how to do this
)- right click your local area connection icon
- click properties
- click(highlight) internet protocol (TCP/IP) or it may be listed as something along the lines of Internet Protocol IPv4 (TCP/IP)
- click properties
- On general tab, bottom section, click the radio button for "Use the following DNS server addresses:"
Enter 156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1 as primary and secondary DNS servers
-click OK
-click OK
-click close
give Comcast's crappy DNS servers the mental middle finger
secondary instructions for vista/7
-start menu
-control panel
-Network and Internet "View Network Status and Tasks"
-Change Adapter Settings (left side pane menu)
-Select the active connection wireless or wired
-click properties (bottom pane, next to disable)
-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
-click properties
- On general tab, bottom section, click the radio button for "Use the following DNS server addresses:"
Enter 156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1 as primary and secondary DNS servers
-click OK
-click close
-click close
-click X on window with >control pannel>network and internet> network connections
do your thing.
to revert back to ComCast's stinky DNS servers repeat the instructions, except on the general tab bottom section, reclick the radio button for automatically configure DNS settings