Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

=== 5. Accessing the pfSense Web Interface ===

Now that the basic network setup is complete, you can access the '''pfSense''' web interface to configure more advanced settings.

# On your desktop computer (connected to the LAN port), open a web browser.
# Go to <code>https://192.168.5.1</code> or <code>https://pfSense.home.arpa</code>.
# You may see a security warning in your browser. This is because '''pfSense''' is using a self-signed SSL certificate, which is fine for local networks. Click '''“Advanced”''' and proceed to the site.
# Log in with the default credentials:
#* '''Username:''' <code>admin</code>
#* '''Password:''' '''pfsense'''
# Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to change the default password. Set a strong password to secure your router.

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==== 5.1: Initial Web Setup Wizard ====

# '''Set the Hostname:'''

* Choose a hostname for your '''pfSense''' router. This can be something simple like “pfsense” or “home-router.” You will be able to access the router at <code>pfsense.home.arpa</code> once we set everything up with DNS later, instead of having to visit the router’s web interface based on its IP address. If you typed <code>roflcopter</code> into this box, you would be able to access your router at <code>https://roflcopter.home.arpa</code> rather than typing in [https://192.168.5.1/ https://192.168.5.1] – you get the idea.

<ol start="2" style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li>'''Set DNS Servers:'''</li></ol>

* For now, you can use a public DNS provider like '''Google DNS (8.8.8.8)''', but we’ll replace this with AdGuard DNS or similar later for ad-blocking.
* Uncheck the option to '''“Allow DNS server list to be overridden by DHCP/PPP on WAN,”''' so your ISP cannot override the DNS settings you choose.

<ol start="3" style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li>'''Time Zone:'''</li></ol>

* Set the correct time zone for your location (e.g., '''US Central''' if you’re in Texas).

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<li>'''Final Steps:'''</li></ol>

* Once these settings are configured, hit '''“Next.”''' It’ll ask you to configure the WAN interface. Unless you have a funky setup, you need not change anything here. This is not for you to mess with.
* It’ll ask you to configure the LAN interface again, but you need not touch anything, remember we already did this and the settings you put in earlier should be what shows up.
* It’ll ask you to make a secure password; it is a good idea to set a secure password and save it in a password manager. No post-it note on the monitor nonsense!
* You’ll be taken to the final page where you can apply the settings and restart the web interface.

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