Editor’s note: EDUCAUSE, an organization that helps advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of Information Technology, hosts its annual conference this week. And we’re celebrating by introducing you to one of the many bright students studying Information Technology, Richard Wang. Richard is finishing his senior year studying Computer Science at Cal State Long Beach, and shares some insight on transitioning into life after college.

OpenDNS: Did you always know you wanted to work with computers?
RW: No, as a matter of fact, I originally wanted to be in theater. It was after I was infected by my first malware that I wanted to learn more about computers and work with them. No one wants malware on their machine — that’s why we use OpenDNS – but If it wasn’t for that malware, I would probably be on stage somewhere pretending to be someone’s grandma.

OpenDNS: How are you using OpenDNS today?
RW: I discovered OpenDNS when I read an article where Dan Kaminsky was discussing a security vulnerability targeting DNS servers. When I learned that OpeNDNS was the only DNS provider not affected by the vulnerability, I set it up right away. I love OpenDNS for the faster Internet, typo correction and phishing protection. But, I also have a younger brother and cousin who bring their friends over, and those friends bring their laptops as well. I provisioned OpenDNS at the router so any device that comes onto my network still adheres to the standards I set. Thanks to OpenDNS, I have not gotten in trouble with anyone’s parents.

OpenDNS: You’re interning at a pretty neat company. How does your real world experience differ from the classroom?
RW: The pressure and stress is definitely greater. If I mess up on a school project it means a failing grade. But, if I mess up on a real-world security project, the consequences could be much more severe. One of the most interesting adjustments is that that outside the classroom the development process is much more dynamic. There are always numerous tests, designs, revisions, approvals and implementation phases to go through. But, just knowing that real customers will use my work makes me proud. Oh and the fact that I get to use Linux a lot more at work than at school is awesome!

OpenDNS: You’re nearly finished with school. With technology changing so fast how will you keep your education up to date?
RW: I try to read as many blogs and forums as possible. There are so many smart people out there who learn something about an appliance, software or service just by playing around with it! The OpenDNS blog is one of my favorites, since it explores real issues related to Web security. YouTube is a great resource, too. I like watching Google Tech Talks when I have time to spare.

OpenDNS: It’s said that if you do what you love it’ll never feel like work. What are your plans for when you’re done with school?
RW: After I am done with school, I want to do system administration or software development. I do not mind either one as long as I get to play around with Linux at work — playing with Linux at home is not enough to satisfy me.

Editor’s note: October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month here in the U.S. so we’re catching up with Thomas Mitchell, a Managed Service Provider who deploys OpenDNS Enterprise on nearly all the networks he manages, for a few tips on improving Web security and avoiding costly IT disasters.

OpenDNS: You work as an OpenDNS ambassador of sorts, recommending and installing it for your customers. Why did you choose OpenDNS over competitors?
TM: I discovered OpenDNS because I was looking for a way to keep my family safe online. After further exploring OpenDNS business solutions, I realized it was ideal for many of my clients. Appliance-based systems are costly to set up and maintain. We had experimented with proxy-based web filtering, but that brought other issues. And the last thing we wanted to do was roll out software to end user devices because we’re now seeing a myriad of smart phones and tablets in addition to desktops and laptops. OpenDNS was quick to set up, easy to maintain and a single dashboard allows us to look after all our clients from the same place. It really was a simple decision and one we would make again.

OpenDNS: You must inherit disasters of all sorts. What’s the ugliest thing you’ve seen?
TM: We recently took on a new client and all the users on their network were complaining of performance problems and other random issues. The network had over 200 viruses and a ton of malware. This was mostly because there wasn’t a comprehensive preventative security strategy in place. As expected, when we put proper precautions in place, including OpenDNS, there was an immediate improvement.

OpenDNS: What’s the best tip you can offer to computer and Internet users for avoiding costly IT repairs?
TM: Security. If you make sure your machine is patched with the latest updates for your software and a current anti-virus installed, and add OpenDNS to the mix, you’ll find most problems are prevented in the first place. Beyond that, I’d advise not to install applications or free software that you don’t need.

OpenDNS: What about a tip for small businesses who can’t afford an in-house IT person?
TM: Find a local IT support company that offers proactive, unlimited support. This way you get the benefit of having a whole team of specialists to look after your IT. Just make sure the service is unlimited. That way your IT support team is motivated to prevent issues rather than wait and charge by the hour for fixing the inevitable.

OpenDNS: What’s one thing people should do before picking up the phone to call their IT guy when they think there’s an issue?
TM: Turn it off and on again. It probably seems too simple to work, but you’d be amazed the amount of people who call us with problems that a simple reboot would fix. Going beyond that, a search in Google often finds a solution in no time at all. Just remember to be specific in your search, type in the exact error you are seeing. The odds are someone will have seen it, and fixed it before.

Thomas Mitchell runs TechSolvers, an IT and Managed Services support consultancy in the UK. Want to answer five questions for OpenDNS like Thomas? Email your OpenDNS success story to Success@OpenDNS.com.

Attention Managed Service Providers: OpenDNS can protect your clients, too. Click here to learn more.

Editor’s note: It never ceases to amaze us how just how busy OpenDNS users can be. Between work, family, games, development and staying current with technology, most of you we hear from can’t manage to stay still! We checked in with OpenDNS fan and blogger Rick Beckman to see how he manages.

OpenDNS: You have a five-year-old at home and another baby on the way. Does using a service like OpenDNS open the door for discussions about safe Internet browsing?
RB: Absolutely. As soon as our five-year-old starts reading I will show her the basics of the Internet. My biggest objective is keeping her safe online.  And not just from adult content but also from malware or anything else that may catch a kid off guard. I absolutely love that OpenDNS makes that job much easier!

OpenDNS: A new puppy, a five year old, and a new baby on the way! How are you going to find time for work, let alone sleep?
RB: Yes, and also numerous websites and a side job documenting a popular WordPress theme. And eating, which I’m told is mandatory. It’s all about finding a balance that makes the family happy, and while I’d love to say I have it all figured out, every day is a learning experience. I try and be strategic, though. For example, while the kiddo is getting ready for school in the morning, I have some time to catch up on email.

OpenDNS: You’ve found time to do some cool things with WordPress, an open source blog platform. Why are you such a fan of the service?
RB: Aside from building a cool WordPress plugin, I also maintain installations for family and friends, including my dad, sister and folk musician Adrienne Young. I am overjoyed that blogging has given a voice to so many people, and it’s a great feeling to host, tweak and sometimes even fix the blogs that give them that outlet.

OpenDNS: We hear you’re a gamer, too. What’s the coolest thing happening with video games right now?
RB: Video gaming has transcended being the pastime of gamers and has become something everyone is enjoying everywhere: Social media platforms, smart phones, tablets and casual gaming on Nintendo OS systems. From FarmVille to Angry Birds, Mafia Wars to Wii Sports, it seems as though gamers are becoming as ubiquitous as moviegoers. It is great to see all of these new ways of playing games bringing people together cooperatively. The world needs more of that.

OpenDNS: Okay last question. What did you name the new puppy?
RB: Mulder, of course

Editor’s note: OpenDNS users frequently tell us that they were introduced to the industry-leading security service through younger friends and family members. And usually they’re talking about high-school and college students! To learn more we reached out to Brandon Halsey, 20, of Crown Point, Indiana, who has set-up OpenDNS on machines for dozens of friends and family members and was considered the resident IT pro for his family by the time he was in middle school.

OpenDNS: How did you discover OpenDNS?
BH: When I was a freshman in high school I was messing around with a 2003 R2 Windows server to try and understand how it worked. I did some Internet research for a free recursive DNS server and came across OpenDNS. Even though you had just launched at that time, everything I read pointed to how OpenDNS was a faster and more reliable choice for DNS. I gave it a shot and immediately saw a difference from what my ISP offered. I’ve used it ever since.

OpenDNS: Whoa, back up. You discovered OpenDNS when you were a freshman in high school! Just when did you get into computers?
BH: I was in 5^th grade when we got our first machine that ran Windows XP. I’ve always been curious, so I started tinkering around to see what I could learn about computers. I usually just play around with a computer or server until it breaks and then teach myself how to fix it. By the time I was in middle school I could completely reinstall Windows and fix most common problems. I got my CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications when I was a junior in high school and just this year I got my “Microsoft Technology Specialist: Configuring Window 7” certification.

OpenDNS: That’s impressive! I know you’ve been helping teach older generations in your family about Internet security. Do you see that as a bigger trend?
BH: Definitely. Kids today start using the Internet for learning games when they’re not even in preschool, so it would make sense that they’d grow up to be more tech-savvy than their parents and grandparents who are less experienced with what is still a fairly new technology. I’ve set up OpenDNS on dozens of computers for my friends and family members who didn’t even know they had a choice in DNS (or what it was) and they’ve all thanked me for a faster Internet and protection from Internet threats. I see the trend continuing firsthand: Since I’ve left for college my little brother Nathan has taken over my role as resident IT guy at home.

OpenDNS: Any alarming stuff out there that you’re surprised to find most parents and grandparents aren’t even aware of?
BH: I would have to say that the biggest threat to my parents’ and grandparents’ generations is phishing. Though I am constantly telling them not to click links in phishing-style emails or log in to websites without double-checking the URL, the best way I help them combat phishing is to set up OpenDNS. I can count several occasions where I’ve gotten phone calls from family members asking why a seemingly upstanding website was blocked by OpenDNS and I’d have to explain to them what phishing is and how they were protected.

OpenDNS: When you’re not saving the planet from phishing attacks one friend or family member at a time, what do you do for fun?
BH: When I’m not busy fixing computers or studying, I am usually messing around with the rack server I recently acquired. I like to use it for experiments to see what I can learn without disturbing my current network setup. Lately I’ve been messing around with things like Group Policy and Active Directory that can save network administrators loads of time and money. I’m not all computers all the time, though. I recently discovered hiking and it’s been a wonderful stress-reliever for when school gets too hectic.

Want to answer five questions for OpenDNS? Let us know by emailing success [at] OpenDNS [dot] com.

Contributors to PhishTank help us — and many other companies — protect users from identity-stealing websites. Charlie Schloss is one of those contributors. Every time he comes across a scammy website, he makes sure to send it straight to PhishTank, so the community can verify it. Here, he answers five quick questions for our regular series.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Currently a student, I see the internet as a interesting tool that keeps expanding with so many possibilities. I report sites because I know I can help protect many people (friends of PhishTank) plus other sites… and there are a couple billion Internet users to help protect, with just one report.

How did you get involved in submitted scammy websites and emails to PhishTank?
Well I have been using Opera (web browser) and I saw PhishTank as part of their anti-phishing protection, so I joined that and then I saw that PhishTank is owned by OpenDNS and started using that and saw a big difference in Internet speed.

What’s the best phishing attempt you’ve come across in your time submitting content to PhishTank?
I am lucky not to have gotten the big ones that a lot of others seem to get, but I have seen some Hotmail phishing scams that were sent from a Hotmail account. I have also been contacted via Facebook chat in hacked accounts by people I know I have not talked to on FB chat before. Sophos’ Naked Security has a lot of the Facebook scams before I see them (recently I have not seen any friends failing of them). I know what to look for and I can tell the user if their account is hacked to changed their password and to check the facebook apps they have.

On Twitter you go by ChasApple. Any funny stories about where that handle came from?
Don’t remember where I got the idea for Chasapple but since Chas4 was taken already I went with Chasapple

Please tell us your favorite 1) gadget, 2) OS, 3) browser and 4) website?
1) hard to pick a favorite gadget as they keep changing so often.
2) Mac OS X
3) Opera is my browser of choose as they have the new features first about a year before others (tabs, speeddail, etc)
4) Favorite website would be my.opera.com as it is a great community as you can find interested people in any subject, from around the world, and the blogs post people have are about anything and everything and in many different languages

Interested in answering five questions for the OpenDNS Blog? Let us know!

It isn’t just IT folks who use OpenDNS — people who work in every industry are setting up OpenDNS in their offices and at home. Today we chat with audio engineer Kyle P. Snyder about how he uses OpenDNS in his work as an audio engineer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…
My name is Kyle P. Snyder and I’m an Audio Engineer/Technologist who specializes in all facets of audio recording and audio technology. I’m also the Associate Editor of ProSoundWeb.com, Chair of the Central Indiana Section of the Audio Engineering Society. My areas of expertise include audio facility integration, maintenance, and support, as well as audio recording, mixing, and editing.

How did you discover OpenDNS?
As I mentioned, I’m an audio engineer by trade. However, as audio systems have moved from the analog to the digital domain, audio systems maintenance involves increasing IT involvement as well. I first heard of OpenDNS via Lifehacker.com and deployed it in my own production environment. Upon seeing significant speed improvements, I began deploying OpenDNS for a number of my commercial clients who wanted to see increased network security. It’s proved an ideal solution!

You mentioned you’re the in-family computer tech…what’s the worst issue you’ve come across?
I once (recently) had and incident where a cat managed to reformat an external hard drive. I sincerely wish this were a joke.

The holiday shopping season recently started. Did you get any good deals on Cyber Monday?
Unfortunately, no. In past years I completed nearly all my shopping online on Cyber Monday. However, this year I’ve decided to go offline and I’m trying my best to support various local businesses.

What’s the one thing on your holiday wish list this year?
A year full of satisfied clients and secure information system. So long as my clients are happy, I’m happy.

Interested in answering five questions for the OpenDNS Blog? Let us know!

Earlier this month, OpenDNS launched a new program — OpenDNS for Managed Service Providers. Today we’re chatting with Conor Quinlan, CEO of MePush, a Penn. based Managed Service Provider, about what Managed Service Providers do, horror stories from the field, and why OpenDNS Enterprise is such a fantastic solution for their clients.

Tell us a little bit about MePush?
MePush Inc is not Geek Squad, we are not a group of IT super geeks in a back room. We are a nimble team with a solid balance of IT skills and personality. Our customers love us because we can speak their language, we can break it down and make a business case and not just tell them they need something because it is fast, etc. Our business is built on long term relationships so we we build raving fans and not mere customers. We focus primarily on business, home office and residential computer repair and network services.

Can you explain what a managed service provider does?
A managed service provider is there to guide a client’s technologically, as it relates to their business. Our MSP clients not only get a managed network with all the proactive bells and whistles, but more importantly they get a partner that helps guide their business from a technology standpoint. We see ourselves as an in-house CTO.

What’s exciting about being able to offer OpenDNS Enterprise to your customers?
Simplicity. Simplicity. Simplicity. No hardware, no difficult setup. No custom configs. I can install it in five minutes and that includes the three minutes your DNS servers need to propogate my changes. We also love the potential for the virus-free network. We coach our clients to assume that anti-virus alone is a horrible solution. They need pre-network protection. Thus OpenDNS Enterprise.

Any horror stories of removing malware or viruses from customer workstations or networks?
Sure. But this blog is rated G. If it were R rated we could tell you in detail what we have to see on a daily basis when we are cleaning PCs. In our opinion Facebook and porn sites waste a lot of people’s money. But I guess it is good for business.

What tools prove indispensable to you and the rest of the MePush team when you are working?

• Hirens Boot CD
• Ccleaner
• Combofix, Malware Bytes etc
• Suprisingly MS Security Essentials
• Paragon Imaging Tools
• PacketTrap networking monitoring

Interested in answering five questions for the OpenDNS Blog? Let us know!