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What is a VPN?
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network.
This allows you to have a secure connection to another network on the internet. They can be handy for accessing region-restricted websites like Hulu and are great for keeping your privacy when browsing the internet on public Wi-Fi and even more.
VPNs were originally created to connect business networks together securely over the internet or allowing you to access a business network from home. Other benefits include accessing local networks remotely and bypassing internet censorship. You’ll find that most operating systems have integrated online VPN support now they’ve become more popular for not just business needs.
So how does it really work?
Simply, a VPN connects your PC, smartphone, tablet to another computer (server) somewhere on the internet, this allows you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection. If that server is in a different country, it will appear as if you are coming from that country, you can access things that you wouldn’t be able to usually.
So why do I need one?
Watch streaming sites like Hulu and watch the other Netflix regions. You won’t face geographic restrictions on other websites either, I love it for catching up with my US tv programmes before waiting for them to finally be on in the UK. It looks like I’m in the US when I use my VPN and that’s how it’s no longer restricted for me. This can also be the same for online gambling in other countries.
We forever now see public hotspot signs for Wi-Fi but how secure are they? Avoid the snooping on your browsing by using a VPN.
Privacy concerns?
Feel like you’re being watched wherever you go. Smartphones and getting too smart maybe? But you can hide your true location using a VPN. You can access a business network while travelling. This increases your security whilst working remotely and you’re not putting the business at risk by using a public or open hotspot instead.
Access your home network too whilst working remotely can be handy if you need to access a file back at home. You can hide your browsing activity from your local network and ISP. Did you know that your browsing activity on non-HTTPS websites is actually visible to everyone nearby… if they know how to look.
Bypass censorship restrictions. This is getting to be a popular reason in China for needing a VPN. You may have seen various spam messages about VPN being needed when you have streamed TV and movies before. This may have lead you to wonder what is a VPN?
Downloading files is a REALLY big reason that people want a VPN connection. These might be completely legal torrents that you are downloading but without the VPN you’ll find the speeds are slower.
Thoroughly recommend one if you are travelling too. Also Ivacy VPN are really affordable, that was my biggest surprise about them.
Now, you know the answer to the question ‘what is a vpn?’ and why you need it.
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