WHAT IS A VPN IS ALL ABOUT?

What is a VPN?

• A VPN creates a secure, encrypted “tunnel” over the internet between your computer, smartphone or tablet and whatever website or app you are trying to access.
• This is made possible by redirecting your connection via a VPN server in another country, which makes it appear to a website or application that you are just another ‘local’ visitor.
• You become effectively anonymous as your IP address (the numerical label that identifies your device’s online connection) is replaced with that of the VPN server.
• All you need in order to do this is a VPN app on your device and an affordable subscription. The best VPNs work across laptops, desktops, smartphones and tablets – even a Smart TV, with the aid of an ethernet cable or a Chromecast dongle.
• When you want to mask your real location, simply launch the VPN app, select the country from which you want to connect then off you go! After that, simply use your browser and any apps as you would normally do.

How do I connect to a VPN?

• Most of the time, this means using a VPN client (software) that you install on the device(s) you want to connect to the VPN with. The VPN client then will give the option to connect to a range of servers located around the world. The number of locations available will depend on the VPN provider you choose to connect with. By using a VPN, you are in fact setting up a secure connection between your device – a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone – and the server, network or other digital device you need to connect to.
• Also worth knowing is that a VPN uses what are called networking protocols. This is the language the VPN uses to encrypt the information you are sending or receiving over the VPN (consult the dedicated protocols answer for more information).
• The type of VPN you use will depend on how you want to connect to the Internet, and how secure you want that connection to be.
• In most cases, you will be able to set up your VPN by downloading the setup software after signing up to a provider and installing it on your device. Most VPNs offer software for all major operating systems.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

1. Privacy and Anonymity
When total privacy is needed, a VPN is the ideal solution. Unlike proxy services or applications that hide your device’s IP address, a VPN offers a greater level of privacy since a secure connection is made between your device and the server or network you are connecting to.

2. Enhanced Security
A very good reason for using a VPN is the added security that it brings. If you need to send or receive any sensitive information over the Internet, a VPN is vital. Match the level of security you need to the VPN protocol to ensure you’re always safe and secure online.

3. Access All Websites and Applications
A VPN offers unrestricted access to websites and apps that might otherwise be blocked, for example due to local censorship. No matter where you are located, a VPN will give you access to a number of servers located around the world, allowing you to access your favorite websites with ease.

Can I use a VPN on any device or operating system?

Generally speaking, most VPNs are available on more or less every device you are planning to use but please check that the VPN you are planning to subscribe to covers your operating system. For example, SaferVPN and CyberGhost support all of the leading operating systems.

The level of security you need will also mean choosing the right VPN protocol. You will see that VPN vendors will have different protocols available for specific operating systems. This is why you should take your time to assess the VPN protocol you want to use and then identify which VPN vendors offer this for the operating system you use.