Virtual Private Network

What Is VPN

what is vpn

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. When you connect to your preferred VPN Service, your connecting your device straight to their server. The internet gets accessed from the server which will allocate you a static IP. That new static IP will then become your new identity online. Your real IP will simply vanish (while your connected that is).

Any website you visit will first go to the VPN Server and then through a secure connection to your device. Now that your data's encrypted between your device and the server. No one can steal it or even have a little peek.

In most Virtual Private Networks with a good service provider you can change the server you want to connect to. This will enable you to connect to a US based server even if your in China. It will appear to any website you visit that you are in the US. You can then make use of US based services like Netflix, Hulu and many more.

IPVanish

Multiple Connections:
Unlimited
Keep Logs:
Zero logging policy
Share Personal Info:
No
Trial | Guarantee:
30 day money back guarantee
Free VPN Software:
Yes
Pricing:
1 Month - $10.99
3 Months - $14.99 ($5/month)
12 Months - $44.99 ($3.75/month)
IP Vanish

ExpressVPN

Multiple Connections:
5 devices, 2 can run simultaneously
Keep Logs:
No personal, No Browsing History
Share Personal Info:
No
Trial | Guarantee:
30 day money back guarantee
Free VPN Software:
Yes
Pricing:
1 Month - $12.95
6 Months - $59.95 ($9.99/month)
12 Months - $99.95 ($8.32/month)
Express VPN

Nord VPN

Multiple Connections:
Up to 6 devices
Keep Logs:
Strict no logs policy
Share Personal Info:
No
Trial | Guarantee:
30-day money-back guarantee
Free VPN Software:
Yes
Pricing:
1 Months - $11.99
12 Months - $59.88 ($4.99/month)
24 Months - $83.76 ($3.49/month)
Nord VPN

How Does A Virtual Private Network Work

how vpn works

VPN is provided primarily through protocols, OpenVPN and PPTP or Point to Point Tunneling Protocol. PPTP is simple and straightforward to set up. In fact you can set up PPTP with no application at all.. On the other hand, OpenVPN requires simple to make use of application for installation but provides superior security.

When signed up for a vpn service they will provide free software to download for most devices. Once the vpn software's installed you can then connect securely to your chosen provider. Simply open the vpn client, select your location, click connect, that’s how simple it is with a good vpn service. You will then have the secure tunnel connection as displayed above between your device and the VPN Server. All data going through this tunnel will be encrypted. You now have private internet access and can browse the web more freely and securely.

Lets say you travel a lot and and want to watch netflix while abroad. Some countries block access to some services. Simply connect to a us server and enjoy your favourite show.

Advantages

For me it became about the abuse of personal information online. Everyone spying on you, asking for your location, what you are doing, what your planning on doing. What sites you visit, what you download, what information your providing. There's just no more privacy online.

I wont be able to see this information about you with a secure vpn service:

Why base what I can watch and read on my geographical location ? Why can’t I watch my favorite show when I visit family abroad ? If I want to watch netflix, why can’t I, I pay my bills.. Why limit my download speed based on what you think I should and should not download ? Whether I payed for it or not.

No one has the right to spy on my connection and intercept my private data. Why allow them too ?

These are questions I had before I started using a virtual private network. Now I can choose when I want to vanish, share or access international services.

One thing I also never realised was how much companies change their pricing based on your geographical location. Especially airline tickets can be double the price in some countries..

Prevent Deep Packet Inspection

Web Service Providers, or ISPs, are known for tracking user activities online. ISPs use this information as a technique of inspecting, throttling & prioritizing the information that is sent to & from user devices. This means slower speeds for users who don't connect with a VPN. Deep packet inspection can be prevented when you connect to the internet with a secure vpn service. The ISP is unable to see the user's activitiesand can only see they are communicating with the VPN's server. All of the information the user sends & receives is encrypted & private.

Connect By Wi-Fi without Worry

Eliminate the Threat of Information Sniffers

Users who connect to the Web using mobile devices often take advantage of free Wi-Fi connections at coffee shops, restaurants, airports, libraries & more. Doing so puts the user's information in danger. Wi-Fi connections usually have no security. Someone can use them. This means hackers & other malicious third parties can access the user's tool with ease. They steal sensitive information & install malicious application of unprotected devices.

A information sniffer is application that can be used both legitimately & illegitimately. Hackers use information sniffers to steal a user's personal information & other valuable information. This can include instant messenger conversations, sensitive credit card information & emails. With a VPN, a information sniffer will only see scrambled information initially. It won't be able to decipher it.

Disadvantages

delayed responseAs with all good things there's always a little bad.. Although the free vpn software you get when you sign up with a vpn service is great. You still have to connect to a server in another region or even country. That means there will be a little bit of latency in your secure connection.

When you have a good internet connection it should not make a big difference. Might notice delay with gaming and live applications like Skype etc.. Data will actually take a couple of milliseconds longer to travel. Watching media streams like films or series online I have not noticed any difference. Due to buffering helping with the delay and in most cases my download speed increased.