I would assume you are using Windows XP.. 
Check these articles:
How to Set IP Address, DNS and Other Network Information in Windows XP
http://www.home-network-help.com/set-ip.html
Opendns: Safer, Faster and Smarter Free DNS Service
http://www.home-network-help.com/opendns.html
Hope helps...
                
 picoHat
                
 March 2007