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How To Unblock Websites At School On Linux

Unblocking Websites on Linux using a VPN

One VPN I'd like to advise is ProtonVPN. They have a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a effective tool because it values your privacy - no activity logs, unlimited speed, and it can bypass censorship without a hitch. Plus, it operates under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. The assurance of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the monotony of school life.

Now, there's one note: you'll need to have the ability to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a hurdle. In such cases, check if you have admin rights or if there's a way to obtain them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much more straightforward.

To install ProtonVPN, simply go to the app store on your device and search for ProtonVPN. Download the app - it's free. Once it's installed, open the app, and follow the setup instructions. You'll be able to connect to their servers and start browsing as if you're anywhere other than the confines of your school's network.

The free version of ProtonVPN is quite generous, but if you find you need more features - such as faster speeds or access to more servers - you can consider upgrading to the paid version. If you choose to use our affiliate link, we'll earn a small commission, but more importantly, you'll get a tool that might just make those long school days a little more bearable.

Other ways to unblock Websites on Linux

Schools filter websites for reasons that often seem as oppressive as they are illogical. They want to impose sameness, keep interferences at bay, and ensure a semblance of order. In the process, they suppress curiosity and creativity, making us into mere recipients of their agenda.

The sites that might offer a bit of escape, a moment of comfort, or even a ray of understanding, are often blocked. These aren't just minor interruptions; they're sometimes the only sources of solace and interaction for those of us feeling alienated and out of touch. Here is a list of commonly blocked sites and our instructions to unblock them:
[Facebook] [Spotify] [Pinterest] [YouTube] [Google] [TikTok] [Instagram] [Reddit] [Discord] [Telegram] [WhatsApp] [Snapchat] [LinkedIn] [Twitter]

Unblocking Websites On Linux using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you need to locate a person's house, but you just know their name, not their address. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they live, right?

In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are similar to those helpful people. When you type a website's name (like www.example.com) into your browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can understand and employ to access the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your ISP or your school. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to find a website) go through servers that either redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can assist:

1. Different DNS Servers: By switching to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might bypass these blocks. These other servers might not have the same exact restrictions or might not block Websites on Linux.

2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for not blocking certain websites, using that server can help you circumvent the restrictions put in place by your school.

You can find many complimentary DNS providers. This guide demonstrate how to configure OpenDNS, but you may replace the IP addresses for any of the others if you prefer.

There is a big list of DNS servers here: https://public-dns.info/

Here are some of the popular ones:
Google: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

How to Change DNS Servers on Linux

Changing DNS servers on Linux can be done via the command line by editing configuration files or using network management tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide for several methods:

Method 1: Using resolv.conf File

1. Open Terminal: Open your terminal.

2. Edit the resolv.conf File:

   • Use a text editor to open the /etc/resolv.conf file. For example:

     sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf
     

   • Add or change the nameserver lines to your desired DNS servers. For instance:

     nameserver 8.8.8.8
     nameserver 8.8.4.4
     

     These addresses are Google's public DNS servers. You can replace them with the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers.

3. Save and Exit:

   • If you’re using nano, press Ctrl+X, then Y to confirm changes, and Enter to save.

4. Check the Changes:

   • You can verify the changes by using:

     cat /etc/resolv.conf
     

Method 2: Using NetworkManager

If you’re using a system with NetworkManager (common in many desktop distributions), you can change DNS settings via the nmcli command:

1. List Connections:

   nmcli connection show
   

2. Modify the Connection:

   • Replace <connection-name> with the name of your connection. For example, if your connection is called Wired connection 1, the command might look like:

     sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4"
     

   • You can also specify DNS servers for IPv6 if needed:

     sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv6.dns "2001:4860:4860::8888,2001:4860:4860::8844"
     

3. Restart NetworkManager:

   sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
   

Method 3: Using systemd-resolved (if applicable)

Some distributions use systemd-resolved for DNS resolution.

1. Check the Status:

   systemctl status systemd-resolved
   

2. Edit the Resolved Configuration:

   • Open the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file:

     sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf
     

   • Under the [Resolve] section, add or modify the DNS line. For example:

     [Resolve]
     DNS=8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
     

   • Optionally, you can also set FallbackDNS for fallback servers.

3. Restart systemd-resolved:

   sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved
   

4. Ensure /etc/resolv.conf Points to systemd-resolved:

   sudo ln -sf /run/systemd/resolve/stub-resolv.conf /etc/resolv.conf
   

Notes

• NetworkManager and systemd-resolved might override manual changes to /etc/resolv.conf, so adjusting settings through these tools is often preferable.
• Permissions: Most of these commands require sudo or root permissions.
• Restarting Services: After making changes, restarting network services or the computer might be necessary for the changes to take effect.

Choose the method that matches your system’s configuration and network management tools.

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