To all:
Some careful troubleshooting with removing the Firefox browser (and
cache and local files) and reinstalling revealed the problem with the
DNS issue was due to advanced settings called "DNS over HTTP" or DoH was
being used to push the requests to the Cloudflare DNS servers.
I was NOT even aware that this setting had been set. After the new
install of firefox, it is NOT using the DoH option and things seem normal
The VPN is now working correctly, and the VPN is pushing its DNS
requests to the private encrypted non-logged VPN DNS associated with the
VPN IP, just as ProtonVPN advertised so I am happy about this.
In the clear, Comcast Communications is directing my system's DNS
request to 3 of their DNS servers located in Beaverton OR.
I am hopeful of changing that, but I might not be able to, since I do
NOT have control of the firmware in the Netgear C6300v2 cable modem, as
Comcast reserves the right to push firmware upgrades solely from them
and NOT from the user.
Maybe I will have to find a better cable modem / router WIFI box?? (but
Comcast might disallow on their network)
Randall
