My browser stumbles when I open it

When I open my browser, I see the spinning beach ball and the message “Resolving host”. What’s wrong?

If this affects just one browser, the problem lies in its settings, which are trying to open a homepage that can’t be found using the Domain Name System (DNS) service that converts between human– and machine– readable addresses. In Chrome’s preferences, empty the cache and cease DNS prefetching.

If all browsers are affected, the DNS server in System Preferences’ Network pane is incorrect. Select your network connection on the left side of that pane, click Advanced, then click the DNS tab. Set the first entry to your router’s IP address, followed by two IP addresses of a good DNS service, such as OpenDNS — see opendns.com/setupguide.

The issue can also occur when using some web proxy or VPN services, or if your chosen homepage is no longer reachable.

For multiple browsers, fix the DNS settings by giving the router’s IP address first in Network Preferences.

When a single browser is affected, check its DNS settings and whether it’s using an incorrect proxy.