Hey Mikethk,
I totally understand the frustration you're facing with those pesky DNS issues at your school. It's a common headache in the IT world. I've had my fair share of battles with DNS quirks myself, so let me share some insights and a potential solution.
First off, kudos for your creativity in trying Google's 8.8.8.8 as a quick fix. While it's not a bad idea, I'd recommend considering an alternative approach. Instead of solely relying on Google DNS, you might want to look into improving your school's internal DNS infrastructure.
It's true that OpenDNS can be a helpful alternative, but if your school's DNS server is subpar, it might be worth investing some time in upgrading it or optimizing its settings. You can try adjusting DNS cache settings, enabling DNSSEC for added security, or even exploring third-party DNS solutions specifically designed for educational institutions. Perhaps this link will help you with your customizations in some way: https://andersenlab.de/industr…dical-practice-management
Before making any major changes, consult with your network administrator and conduct thorough testing to ensure stability. It's crucial to balance performance with reliability. Ultimately, a well-configured internal DNS server can reduce reliance on external services and provide a smoother online experience for your school.