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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 offer a free version that might be perfect for you. It's a strong tool because it values your privacy - no recording of your activity, unlimited speed, and it can overcome censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. The feeling of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the drudgery of school life.

Now, there's one note: you'll need to have the permission to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a barrier. In such cases, check if you have admin rights or if there's a way to get 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 block websites for reasons that often seem as restrictive as they are absurd. They want to enforce conformity, keep diversions at bay, and maintain a semblance of order. In the process, they suppress curiosity and creativity, reducing us into mere recipients of their agenda.

The platforms that might offer a bit of relief, a moment of comfort, or even a glimmer of understanding, are often blocked. These aren't just insignificant diversions; they're sometimes the only sources of comfort and interaction for those of us feeling alone and disconnected. 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?

Think of you want to find a person's house, but you only know their identity, not their address. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

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

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by forcing your DNS queries (requests to find a website) go through servers that either send them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can assist:

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

2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can help you circumvent the restrictions put in place by your school.

There exist several complimentary DNS providers. The following steps show how to configure OpenDNS, though you can swap the IP addresses with alternative options 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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