Frequently Asked Questions

What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is a process that translates easy to remember addresses (like www.scrubit.com) to a numerical IP address used by computers (67.138.54.99) Everyone uses DNS. Most DNS is provided to the user by your internet service provider, or a recursive DNS service like ScrubIT.

Is ScrubIT just some software?
NO! ScrubIT is a recursive DNS service. DNS is configured in your network settings and can be done with no software at all. We do have a setup utility we wrote to aid users in changing their settings, but no software is needed at all to use our service.

How can I tell if I am configured to use ScrubIT or not?
Visit http://test.scrubit.com and it will tell you.

How do I get rid of ScrubIT?
ScrubIT can removed by simply changing your DNS server settings. We offer non-scrubbed DNS servers as well (67.138.54.120 and 207.225.209.77) if you wish to continue to use our rock-solid unscrubbed service. If you downloaded the config tool and are not aware how to modify your dns settings you can click here to download our "un-scrubit" utility.

Hey, if I can get rid of ScrubIT, can't my kids or employees?
Anyone with admin rights to the computer can change whatever settings they would like. To combat this you can make the accounts your children and/or employees log into "limited user" account (located in the user account settings). Limited user and guest accounts are not able to change the DNS settings and which prevents them from going around scrubit for DNS. More advanced techniques of limiting outbound DNS traffic are available at the router level which can be performed by your network administrator. Any further questions on this matter can be sent to help[at]scrubit.com

Who should use ScrubIT?
ScrubIT is perfect for any home or business that is tired of the plague of pornographic websites. It is also great for users who wish to selectively block access to websites of their choice.

How much does this cost?
ScrubIT is a FREE service provided to users worldwide.

How does ScrubIT make money?
Our basic, rock-solid DNS service will always be FREE. But "FREE" doesn't pay the bills. Once the beta program is complete ScrubIT may offer user customizable DNS and other services for an additional fee, but our basic service will always remain free of charge.

Can I tell my friends about this?
Absolutely, in fact we hope you will! ScrubIT is a FREE public service and open to whoever would like to use it.

How do I set up my computer to use ScrubIT?
Our DNS server addresses can be found on our homepage. Those addresses can be used in your router to protect your network, or configured in the network settings of your computer. For those of you running windowsXP or 2000 you may download a setup utility which will set your dns settings to use ScrubIT automatically.

What sites does ScrubIT block?
Our team receives data from many sources on potentially harmful and/or pornographic websites and integrates this data into our domain classification architecture. In addition, websites submitted for review by our users may be added to the list or removed depending on their content.

I found a site you're not blocking, what should I do?
We do our best to stay on top of the growing list of blocked domains. If you find one we are not blocking but should be you can contact us and let us know. Additionally, we have a link that you can bookmark or drag to your toolbar and if you run across anything we should know about simply click that link and the site will be submitted to us. Here is the link: Scrub This Website!

How can I get my website off the default ScrubIT blocklist?
If you own a website that is currently being blocked by ScrubIT, and you feel that it should not be, simply send us an email to help[at]ScrubIT.com and we will review your site. If it does not meet our criteria as objectionable you will be removed from the default blocklist.

What if I don't want a specific domain blocked?
ScrubIT is currently in closed beta testing of user customizable DNS. Users who are part of the beta may choose from our default lists (gambling, shopping, dating, etc) additionally they may create their own lists of sites to block or unblock.

I ran the DNS update utility and I got an error, whats up?
Our DNS update utility must be run by an account that has sufficient access to change DNS settings. Guest ans Limited User accounts cannot change DNS settings. Additionally, the utility will only work on windowsXP and 2000. If you are still having problems feel free to contact us and we'll see if we can help.