With so many VPNs on the market today, it may be hard to believe that there was a time when they were primarily used by workers who needed to connect remotely to their corporate networks.
Now, the best VPNs are much more versatile, doing everything from bolstering your digital security to unblocking content from around the world. However, if you’re new to the world of VPNs, you might be wondering how you and your VPN would do all this.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to make good use of a VPN. In this guide, I’ll walk you through setting up your VPN, choosing a server, and explaining why VPNs are so useful.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are privacy tools that route your Internet traffic through a secure tunnel. Traffic is encrypted in the tunnel, which means benefits for your digital privacy. Anyone who tries to take a look at what you’re doing online will be disappointed. As a result, you will be able to continue with your daily browsing without being monitored by your Internet Service Provider, the government, or hackers.
When you connect to a VPN server, you will also receive a new IP address located in the same location as the server. So, join a UK-based server and you’ll have a UK IP address. Any site you visit will see this IP address and think you are also in the UK, allowing you to access region-specific content that might otherwise have been blocked behind geo-restrictions.
How to use a VPN
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest VPN on the block or the best VPN for streaming, today’s top providers are incredibly easy to use. Below, I have pided the process into small parts:
1. Choose a VPN provider
Nowadays, we have many options to choose from when it comes to VPNs, but it is important to remember that some services are more reliable than others; Choose a reliable option to avoid disappointment.
2. Download and install the VPN
Visit the VPN website once you’ve made your decision and download the app that’s compatible with the device you’re using. You will also need to decide how long to subscribe and register for an account.
3. Sign in to your VPN
Here, you will be asked to enter the information (such as your username and password) that you provided previously.
4. Connect to a VPN server
Take a look at your VPN’s server list to find the server that suits you best. If you’re looking for speed and security, simply press the “quick connect” button to automatically connect to a nearby server. Then you’re all set: you’ll be connected to your VPN and protected from invasive snoops.
How to choose the right VPN server
Convenience is key, even in the world of VPNs, which is why you’ll find that most services have a “quick connect” feature. Press this button and a server will be assigned to you automatically. This is useful if you’re in a hurry or not picky, but not if you want to be in the driver’s seat.
There may be times when you want to connect to a server in a specific location to access your region-locked streaming content, or maybe you want to join a server close to your actual location to maximize your speeds. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to pick and choose.
You’ll usually find that most VPNs organize their servers into lists, which you can scroll through to your heart’s content. It’s helpful if the provider also includes a search box, as well as dedicated servers for specific tasks (think unblocking streaming platforms, games, torrents, and more). NordVPN takes things to another level with its interactive map that allows you to literally pinpoint your target location (and its servers).
Why use a VPN?
Having a VPN up and running is all well and good, but why bother? Are there any compelling reasons (aside from the privacy-enhancing benefits) to invest in one? These are good questions and I will explain some answers to them.
Boost your security
Protecting your digital privacy: that’s the bread and butter of a VPN. They establish a secure tunnel between your device and their servers, and the data that travels through this tunnel is encrypted and kept safe from prying eyes.
These can include your ISP, network administrators, your government, and the average cybercriminal. With a VPN, you can surf the web without worrying about whether someone is tracking the sites you access, the apps you use, or the files you download.
Better public privacy
Okay, so when you’re at a coffee shop (or a hotel or the airport, for that matter) and you connect to the free public Wi-Fi, you’re probably thinking “this is pretty useful.” He is, but it is also risky. These access points are generally unencrypted, meaning your personal data is not protected from nosy cybercriminals monitoring the network. If you enter login details or purchase something while connected to the hotspot, you may be sharing your sensitive information with an eavesdropper.
However, connect to a VPN while you’re away from home and you’ll be good to go, thanks to the VPN’s secure, encrypted tunnel that makes your information unreadable to nosy digital neighbors.
Unlock content
Have you ever lamented that the US Netflix library seems so better than everyone else’s? Me too, but that’s exactly why so many people are trying VPNs these days.
When you connect to a server in a different country, you will also receive a new IP address based on that same location. Sites like Netflix will think you are physically there and, as a result, show you that country’s content library. This is called ‘geo-spoofing’ and it’s a pretty easy way to bypass annoying geo-restrictions that would otherwise prevent you from watching news shows and old favorites.
stay fast
Have you ever been on the fourth season of a Boxset TV marathon, or in the middle of a torrent download, and suddenly your videos are grainy and your downloads are slow? If so, you may have been affected by ISP throttling. ISPs do this on purpose, slowing down your connection to conserve bandwidth if they decide you’re using too much. It’s annoying, but VPNs can put an end to it.
Basically, by encrypting your data, VPNs prevent the ISP from monitoring your browsing sessions, finding out what you’re doing (whether it’s HD streaming, gaming, or torrenting), and hitting the big red. throttle button.
Torrent safely
Elephant in the room time: Yes, some people use protocols like BitTorrent to download copyrighted files, which has contributed to the idea that peer-to-peer sharing is inherently bad. However, P2P is totally legitimate as long as you follow the rules.
However, ISPs sometimes take a different view and limit or block P2P traffic. VPN encryption is a remedy for this, as it prevents your ISP from filtering P2P traffic, prevents someone from reading the content of the files you download, and means that anyone connected to your network will see the VPN’s IP address instead of yours.
Keep playing
The benefits of masking your real IP don’t end there either. When you play, some (completely unstylish) players might try to gain an advantage by targeting you with a DDoS attack, where they overwhelm your home network with traffic.
However, they’ll be out of luck if you’re using a VPN, because they’ll be directed to the VPN servers, not your home connection, and you can choose another server, connect to it, and continue playing.
Frequent questions
Why should you use a VPN?
VPNs keep you safe online by encrypting your traffic. As a result, your traffic and personal data will be unreadable to third parties, including your ISP, hackers, and websites. We all share a batch After all, all information across the web—every time we buy something online, check our bank, or log into social media sites—should be well protected.
What is the best VPN for beginners?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beginners. You’ll be able to get started (and protect all your online browsing) with just a few clicks, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never used a VPN before. ExpressVPN’s user interface is really warm and friendly, taking some of the intimidating technology out of the equation and organizing its settings menus in a way that makes sense. So it’s easy to scroll and choose (or leave it all for more advanced users).
I especially like that you can connect to a fast server just by pressing the “Connect” button. ExpressVPN’s automations also handle complex settings, so all you have to do is continue with your usual daily browsing (with greater peace of mind).
When should I use a VPN?
Well, that depends: what are you using your VPN for? If you’re trying to unblock content from around the world, for example, you’ll need to turn on the VPN when the popcorn is ready and it’s time to watch. Do you want to be safe on a public Wi-Fi network? Turn on your VPN before connecting to the coffee shop network. Alternatively, if you have a more general concern about your digital security, it’s probably a good idea to have your VPN on most of the time.
Can I use a free VPN?
You can, but it’s not always a good idea. Some free VPNs are reliable examples of their paid premiums, but most come with restrictions and limitations. You may have fewer server locations to choose from or a reduced monthly data limit, for example. The worst type of free providers are totally fake and are only interested in collecting your data to sell for profit. I would recommend going full service, but you can Get familiar with some of the best VPNs in the industry with a free VPN trial.
