Content

• Steps
• Advice

A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is a way for individuals or businesses to protect data and personal identity. VPNs are used to block IP addresses and redirect to other websites. VPNs are useful for blocking sites that track your data and browsing habits, or for viewing websites and services that are not available in your area. VPNs also increase the level of security against government organizations or hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi services. Some VPNs allow employees to access company resources when not in the office. There are many VPN services to choose from, both free and paid. Using a VPN is as simple as installing software on your computer, phone or tablet and launching it.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: VPN Setup

1. 

   
   
   Turn on the computer and connect to the network. If you are at home, your computer will automatically connect to the network. If you are working in a public place such as an airport or coffee shop, you have to connect to the Internet yourself if this is your first visit to this place.
   • Since there is no VPN, be careful when using public Wi-Fi. It's best to turn off sensitive apps like email until it's secure.

2. 

   Decide whether to use paid or free VPN software. VPN comes in 2 versions: paid and free, both of which work fine. You don't have to have a comprehensive VPN setup if you just want to access Netflix or BBC iPlayer from another country, or want to keep your social credentials secure when using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop; the free version can still meet your needs. However, if you are looking for more comprehensive encryption to hide all your activities from government scrutiny or data tracking from advertising agencies, you should choose the paid version. .
   • Be aware that free services often add some unwanted toolbars, apps, or third-party ads on the website you visit.
   • There are many free but highly reliable VPN services out there like VPN Gate, TunnelBear, ProtonVPN, Windscribe, Cyber ​​Ghost, and Starter VPN. Keep in mind that most free VPNs will limit free storage, sell user data to third parties, download multiple ads, or label a trial. However, some VPN services like ProtonVPN, as stated on their website, have no privacy-invading ads, no malware, no bandwidth limits, and no user data sales. for third parties. However, it also has some restrictions, such as simultaneous access to the servers and devices you use.
   • Most VPN services work on Windows, Mac, tablets, and smartphones.
   • A VPN can be used within a company to connect privately with people and protect sensitive company information.

3. 

   
   
   Download the VPN you want. Go to the VPN service's website. You will see a download button on the home page, or a download link on the site's navigation bar. Click the download button and follow the instructions to choose the version that is compatible with your operating system.
   • If you need to use a VPN for work, contact your company's IT department to get the VPN software. You need to install the software on your computer to access the company's servers. The IT department will determine if your computer is compatible with the VPN software, otherwise they will adjust and help you install the software and reconfigure the VPN access settings.
   • Many VPN software offer iOS and Android download options. If you open the company's website on your computer, click on the link corresponding to the phone's operating system. You will be taken to the phone application store.
   • If you do not use a personal computer and want to download the VPN directly to your phone, open the application store on your phone and search for VPN keywords, download the application directly to your device.

4. 

   
   
   Install VPN software. After downloading the VPN software to your computer, locate the download file. Open the file and follow the installation instructions, then launch the software. Some VPN software like CyberGhost can be used right after creating an account. Others require you to sign up with an email address.
   • On a Mac, open the .dmg file and be asked to drag the app into the folder Applications (Application). If a password is set on the computer, you will be asked to enter it before you run the application for the first time.
   • On Windows, open the.exe file and follow the installation instructions. After installing the VPN, launch the software in the menu Start (Starting).
   • On the smartphone, start the application from the desktop. You are prompted to sign in to your account or create a new one if you haven't already.

5. 

   Read the terms of use. If you use a VPN for personal use, don't forget to read the terms of use. Some VPNs, especially free ones, often install intermediary apps or set a storage limit. Don't forget to find out what that VPN service offers and asks you, or what information they collect.
   • Read reviews on the online forums to see which software is good.
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Part 2 of 2: Using a VPN

1. 

   Start the VPN software. After downloading and installing the VPN, it's time to boot. Locate the app in the directory Applications, Taskbar (Toolbar) or desktop.
   • On Windows, you can find an app icon on your desktop or click the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen to select the software under Taskbar or menu Programs (Programme).
   • On the Mac, you can find the VPN app in the ‘’ Applications ’folder.

2. 

   Follow the instructions. Most VPN software provide simple instructions to help you get acquainted with the service the first time you use it. Some services like CyberGhost require nothing to do other than clicking the yellow button in the middle of the software window. TunnelBear requires you to set up the account. You can adjust the settings to suit your personal experience.
   • Most applications have the option to automatically connect when you start your computer.
   • There is often a TCP overrides option (overriding Transport Control Protocol). That is, if your network provider blocks the connection, you can force the VPN to use a more stable, albeit slower, TCP (Transport Control Protocol).

3. 

   Enter your username and password when prompted. If you do not have an account, you must register a new one. If you use a corporate VPN or personal software, it will help you access the network more securely. At this step, how you do it depends on how your company configures VPN access.
   • VPN software can open a new window that looks like a desktop, although this is just a virtual desktop where you can access corporate resources. If your VPN does not start up the virtual desktop, your IT department will provide you with instructions for accessing company resources.

4. 

   Turn on VPN. After registering and logging in, you can turn on a VPN to protect your identity, protect files from being accessed in the network, or access websites and content unavailable in your country. You can change the settings to allow VPN to automatically turn on and randomly connect to the network, or choose when and how you connect.
   • If you use a free VPN, usually the service will limit the capacity for a month, or have limited usage time. Therefore, you should only enable VPN when you need to secure your IP address. For example, you should use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, not when at home.
   • You can use a VPN to watch Netflix in other countries, a VPN allows you to access movies and TV shows not available in your area. VPN allows you to choose current location by changing the IP address, you can choose any country. If you are in the UK, you can change location to the US to watch US Netflix.
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Advice

• Your IT department can give you the default VPN password, then change it yourself. Set a special password that is easy to remember, and don't write it down on a sticky note or anywhere near your computer. Avoid using the date of birth, the name of the person closest to the family or anything else that can be guessed.
• Notify IT if you forget your password or the VPN no longer allows you to access.
• Contact your IT department immediately if you reinstall or upgrade your operating system, or restore your computer to an earlier point in time. The computer might lose the VPN settings.
• Find out about the VPN software you plan to use on the forums before downloading to your device. Make sure that the software is not collecting your information.
• Most free VPN software can serve the need to access private networks on a secure server when you are not at home.
• If you have a paid VPN version, make sure your payment method is secure and that the VPN provides the service you need.