Planning to use a VPN but then don’t know how to get started? If yes, you’re in the right place. This guide gives you information everything about a VPN. Without further ado, let’s start!
VPN – Definition
Also called as Virtual Private Network, a VPN is a kind of service that allows you to access the web with anonymity, safety, and privacy. It typically routes your connection thru a server while hiding your internet activity from hackers, government spying agencies, and trackers.
A VPN generates an encrypted and secure connection between your device and a server.
When you connect to a VPN proxy server, your network traffic passes thru a protected tunnel, which no one can track and access.
How Does a VPN Work?
Let’s say you have installed your chosen VPN software, selected the best security settings, and set up a connection with a server. What happens next? Read on for more details!
- The software on your home computer or smartphone encrypts your data before your ISP, and public Wi-Fi sees it.
- The data goes to your VPN server and your online destination. It could be a popular streaming platform, bank, or shopping website.
- Whether it’s Netflix or Facebook, your online destination sees your data from the location of your VPN.
That’s it! There’s nothing complicated to expect and follow.
VPN – Level of Security
Over the past decades, VPN security has led to debates among IT professionals. Generally, VPN is a great tool that ensures the user’s safety and privacy. In fact, VPNs invest in quality protocols, including PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEV2, and SSTP.
As one of the oldest protocols, PPTP was originally designed by Microsoft. Ideal for old computers, PPTP is a flexible security protocol for VPN. It is also convenient to set up.
IPSec and L2TP is a combination of Cisco’s L2F protocol and PPTP. Compared to other protocols, IPSec and L2TP use keys to guarantee a secure connection throughout your data panel.
Another Microsoft-built protocol is SSTP, also called a Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol. It is developed on symmetric-key cryptography while the connection is established with both TLS and SSL encryption.
IKEv2 is another protocol from Microsoft. Although it is not as strong as SSTP, IKEv2 is also secure, reaching your unique needs.
OpenVPN, on the contrary, is based on TLS and SSL. As the name implies, OpenVPN undergoes a constant update from hundreds of developers. Just like IPSec and LT2P, OpenVPN secures connection thru keys, making it the most versatile protocol to take advantage of.
Is VPN Legal?
VPNs are predominantly legal in many countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, and other parts of Europe.
But VPNs are banned in Turkmenistan, China, North Korea, Iraq, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Belarus, and Oman.
Before you pay a premium plan of your preferred VPN, do some research on its legality in your country. Study existing laws and regulations to avoid problems in the future.
Which is Better Between a Paid and Free VPN?
A free VPN has been a trend these days. While there’s no fee to settle, it might have good and useful features. But let’s be honest. They are limited.
A paid VPN, on the contrary, gives you full access to unlimited bandwidth, simultaneous connections, live chat support, quick response time, no-log policy, and more.
Although VPNs might break your bank at some point, their quality and functionality make the price worth it.
For an entry-level option, a free VPN is ideal. As days pass by, upgrade to a premium package.
How Much Does It Cost?
Generally, the price of VPNs is usually available at $4.99 per month. But it depends. You can also find packages that are competitively priced. But it takes a lot of time and effort to look for them online. Ask a colleague or your friend for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VPN a perfect tool for torrenting?
Of course! But choose the right VPN. Torrent-friendly solutions are Surfshark, NordVPN, VyprVPN, ExpressVPN, and more.
Can you use a VPN to use streaming platforms?
Definitely! In fact, you can watch all your favorite movies on Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming websites.
Does it work on IOS and Android?
Yes. VPNs support Android and IOS-powered devices. They might also be compatible with Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.
