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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 recommend is ProtonVPN. They have a free version that might be just what you need. It's a powerful tool because it protects your privacy - no logs of your activity, no speed limits, and it can overcome censorship without a hitch. Plus, it functions under Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most robust globally. The feeling of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a minor yet reassuring relief amidst the tedium 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 easier.

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 overbearing as they are illogical. They want to maintain uniformity, keep diversions at bay, and ensure a sense of order. In the process, they stifle curiosity and creativity, reducing us into unquestioning followers of their agenda.

The websites that might offer a bit of respite, a moment of relief, or even a ray of understanding, are often inaccessible. These aren't just trivial distractions; they're sometimes the only sources of comfort 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 want to locate a friend's home, but you only know their identity, not their address. You’d probably ask someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

In the online 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 convert that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can recognize and employ to find the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

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

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

1. Different DNS Servers: By switching to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might bypass these restrictions. These alternative servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block the website you want to visit.

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 are many free DNS providers. The following steps explain how to configure OpenDNS, though you can replace the IP addresses for any of the others if you would like to.

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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