School Survival


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How To Unblock Websites At School On PC

Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School

Unblocking Websites on PC using a VPN

The tool that can help you in this situation is called a VPN, which stands for VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Think of a VPN as a hidden tunnel through the internet. It encrypts your online activity and makes it appear like you're accessing the web from a different location. This way, it can circumvent the restrictions set by your school and grant you access to sites like YouTube that you might otherwise be unable to access.

One VPN I'd like to suggest is ProtonVPN. They provide a free version that might be perfect for you. It's a powerful tool because it respects your privacy - no activity logs, unlimited speed, and it can circumvent censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are considered top-notch worldwide. The sense of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the tedium of school life.

Now, there's one caveat: 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 the necessary permissions or if there's a way to obtain 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 PC

Schools block websites for reasons that often seem as oppressive as they are nonsensical. They want to enforce conformity, keep interferences at bay, and preserve a sense of order. In the process, they stifle curiosity and creativity, making us into passive recipients of their agenda.

The sites that might offer a bit of relief, a moment of comfort, or even a ray of understanding, are often inaccessible. These aren't just trivial distractions; they're sometimes the only sources of support 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 PC using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you need to locate a person's house, but you only know their identity, 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 knowledgeable people. When you enter a website's name (like www.example.com) into your web browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a numeric address) that your computer can recognize and use to access Websites on PC.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, some websites might be restricted 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 assist:

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

  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 a lot of no-cost DNS providers. These instructions show how to configure OpenDNS, however 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 Settings on Windows 10

Step 1: Open Network Connections

  1. Right-Click the Start Menu:

    • Move your cursor to the Start menu located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
    • Right-click on the Start menu icon to open the context menu.
  2. Select Network Connections:

    • In the context menu that appears, click on "Network Connections". This will open the Network & Internet settings page.

Step 2: Access Adapter Options

  1. Click Ethernet:

    • On the left side of the Network & Internet settings window, you will see a list of options.
    • Click on "Ethernet" (if you are using a wired connection). If you're connected via Wi-Fi, you should click "Wi-Fi" instead.
  2. Open Adapter Options:

    • Under the Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) section, find and click on "Change adapter options". This will open a new window displaying all network connections on your computer.

Step 3: Modify Network Connection Properties

  1. Right-Click Your Network Connection:

    • In the Network Connections window, locate the network connection you are currently using. This might be labeled something like "Local Area Connection" or "Wi-Fi".
    • Right-click on this network connection.
  2. Select Properties:

    • From the context menu that appears, choose "Properties". This will open the Properties dialog for your network connection.

Step 4: Change IPv4 Settings

  1. Locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):

    • In the Properties window, you will see a list of items that are being used by the connection. Look for "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" in this list.
    • Click to highlight this item.
  2. Open Properties:

    • With "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" highlighted, click the "Properties" button below the list. This opens the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog.

Step 5: Enter New DNS Server Addresses

  1. Select Use the Following DNS Server Addresses:

    • In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog, look for the section labeled "Use the following DNS server addresses".
    • Click the radio button next to this option to enable it.
  2. Enter DNS Server Addresses:

    • In the "Preferred DNS server" field, type 208.67.222.222.
    • In the "Alternate DNS server" field, type 208.67.220.220.
  3. Confirm and Apply:

    • Click "OK" to close the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog.
    • Click "Close" to exit the network connection properties window.

Step 6: Restart Network Connection (Optional)

Your DNS settings have now been updated to use OpenDNS. This can help you access Websites on PC.


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