Windows XP Hacks, 2nd Edition

Chapter 5. Networking

Hacks 49-58

XP is the most network-savvy of Microsoft’s operating systems. Not only does it automatically recognize your network when you first install it, but it also includes a variety of wizards and other features that make it easy to connect to new networks and devices. Plus, it includes a variety of built-in command-line tools that help you diagnose and troubleshoot network problems.

In this chapter, you’ll get networking hacks, including command-line tools for troubleshooting networks, tweaking settings for faster Internet access, and optimizing a home network, among others.

Tweak DNS Settings for Faster Internet Access

Here’s a handful of DNS hacks for speeding up access to web sites.

You use the Web by typing in hostnames such as http://www.oreilly.com, but web servers and Internet routers can’t understand plain English words, so they need those letters translated into numeric IP addresses. Whenever you type in a hostname, such as http://www.oreilly.com, it needs to be resolved to its IP address, such as 208.201.239.37. DNS servers provide that name resolution automatically and behind the scenes as you surf the Web.

There are several ways you can hack your DNS settings so that you can get faster web access.

Speed Up Web Access with a HOSTS File

It takes time to send your request to a DNS server, have the server look up the proper IP address to resolve the name, and then send the IP address back to your PC. You can eliminate that delay by creating or ...