To further assist with troubleshooting DNS-related issues, let’s break down the steps into more detail and explore additional solutions.

1. Checking DNS Settings:

   • For Windows: You can check your DNS settings by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Then, right-click on your connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi), select Properties, and under Networking, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Version 6, and click Properties. Here, you can see if your DNS settings are set to obtain automatically or if they are manually set.
   • For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network, select your connection on the left, then click Advanced > TCP/IP. Your DNS settings will be displayed here.

2. Resetting DNS Cache or Flushing DNS Resolver Cache:

   • For Windows: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to flush the DNS cache.
   • For macOS: You can use the Terminal app to flush the DNS cache. The command may vary depending on the version of macOS. For newer versions, use sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache.

3. Using a Third-Party DNS Service:

   • Services like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for IPv4, 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844 for IPv6) and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) can offer faster and more secure DNS resolution compared to your ISP’s default DNS.
   • To set up a third-party DNS, follow the same steps as checking DNS settings, but this time, manually input the DNS addresses provided by the third-party service.

4. Configuring Router and Modem:

   • Access your router’s configuration page by typing its IP address in a web browser (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Look for the DNS settings section and input the desired DNS server addresses.
   • For your modem, the process can vary greatly depending on the model and brand. Consult your modem’s user manual or contact your ISP for specific instructions.

5. Additional Troubleshooting Steps:

   • Restart Your Router and Modem: Sometimes, simply restarting these devices can resolve connectivity issues.
   • Use Command-Line Tools: On Windows, the nslookup command can be used to diagnose DNS issues. On macOS and Linux, dig and host commands are useful.
   • Check for Malware: Malware can alter your DNS settings without your knowledge. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
   • Update Your Operating System and Browser: Ensure your OS and browser are up to date, as updates often include fixes for known issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve many common DNS-related issues that could be slowing down your internet connection or causing problems with your online activities. If issues persist, it may be helpful to contact your ISP or network administrator for further assistance.