VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is a widely used encryption tool all over the world. Due to a number of remote servers in various locations, the users who subscribe to a VPN service provider may benefit from a plethora of choices. To be more specific, they may choose which server they are going to use at a time for connecting to the web. If you have been wondering why the VPN suits you and your digital needs, read on! You will be amazed at the different uses of the VPN, enabling your Internet navigation to be exactly like you would have hoped it to be.
First things first and there are multiple reasons why somebody would want to use VPN. Due to the fact that there are remote servers for you to have your pick from, you do not need to worry about somebody hacking your sensitive data. In fact, you are out of reach and you do not give away anything – let alone your IP address! This can be proven extremely useful in the hands of Internet users, who cannot risk becoming victims of a hacking attack. So, protection of one’s privacy and anonymity comes first in the needs of Internet users.
Censorship is another serious reason for making sure that you subscribe to VPN. There are many countries that do not allow their citizens full freedom online. Imagine not being able to access YouTube or Facebook, social media platforms and news feeds. Besides countries, there are also local censorship actions that require your constant vigilance. Schools and educational institutions, work environments and even your own home can apply such restrictions. However, with the use of VPN you have the chance to bypass these limitations in a jiffy.
Moving on, with the use of VPN you may unblock a series of GEO-IP restricted channels and sites. This offers the opportunity to people everywhere towards getting exactly the content they want, no questions asked. Lovers of Netflix and Hulu are certainly going to adore this option of VPN, since they can now enjoy the original version of their favorite channels without any problem or delay. The same goes for geographically restricted sporting events and other streaming content of interest.
Of course, enhancing online protection means the world for businesses and professionals who wish to exchange classified information and documents. Think of the problems that the lack of security would bring to the corporate world! Avoiding eavesdroppers, snoopers and hackers altogether is a wonderful feeling for individuals and businesses alike.
Now that we have taken a glimpse at what the VPN can offer, let’s have a closer look at the most frequently asked questions on the matter.
FAQ on VPN
- Does VPN Cost a Lot?
Well, fortunately there is competition that keeps the price rates low. Generally, using a VPN service provider does not cost more than a few dollars per month. Even more affordably, you may choose a longer commitment at your subscription for getting more generous discounts.
- Can I Use VPN on All Devices?
VPNs have got special guides for setting up your account on multiple devices. In this way, you can enjoy safe and unrestricted web navigation on your desktop, laptop, iOS and Android running devices, tablets and such. Nevertheless, you should look out for the VPN service provider you are about to subscribe to. In the contract, you will find the number of simultaneous devices that are allowed.
- Do I Need Technical Knowledge?
In most cases, you will be able to start using the VPN you have subscribed to in a couple of minutes. There are detailed instructions for you to read and follow to the letter. Given that, being technologically literate is an asset – but, it is not a necessity!
- Will VPN Affect Internet Speed?
This depends on a lot of factors. Typically, there is speed loss due to encryption that you ought to consider. However, the extent of this speed loss can be minimized when choosing a quality remote VPN server. Server switching can be of great help, in order for you to realize which server does the best work for you at a time.
- Are There Any Leaks When Using VPN?
The only scenario where VPN does not involve full protection is its disconnection. Once VPN is disconnected, you are out in the wild. Still, you can deal with such a scenario pretty effectively. In fact, you may choose to use a VPN that enables VPN Kill Switch. This guarantees that, once VPN gets disconnected, you also get disconnected from the web. No leaks to worry about!
- Are There Any Other Options Besides VPN?
As we will get to see later on, there are several other options for you to consider online, besides VPN. However, as you will realize, these options only cover some of the services that VPN provides. For instance, there are options that enable you to remain anonymous online and there are others that can help you unblock channels and sites, without offering any kind of encryption.
Now that we have covered the most frequently asked questions of VPN, let’s focus and have a few more words about the advantages and disadvantages of VPN, shall we?
On the one hand, we have got the advantages of VPN. These are the following:
- Reliability
- Security Online
- Encryption
- IP Masking
- Anonymity
- Avoidance of Censorship
- Protected Communication and Information Sharing
- Unblocking of GEO-IP Sites
On the other hand, the disadvantages of VPN include:
- Potential Speed Loss Due to Encryption
- Setup Options for Multiple Devices
- Higher Cost Than Other Tools
- Possible Heavy Traffic to Servers
What are the differences of VPN and its major competitors, one would ask? Behold the differences that will allow you to make up your mind, as to which tool you will ultimately use!
VPN and Proxies:
Proxies do not involve any encryption whatsoever. They only allow you to mask your IP, appearing to be located at the exact place where the proxy server is. They come really cheap and you can even find them for free. This is their major advantage over the VPN, which is in fact far more reliable than the proxies. VPN includes advanced encryption and therefore masks your IP and all your traffic, regardless time and place. Still, if you are interested in plain IP masking and you do not wish to pay a single penny for that, proxies can serve your needs.
VPN and SmartDNS
SmartDNS is a more trustworthy option than proxies. It helps you unblock geographically restricted sites and channels, without encryption and without the potential loss of speed and performance. If you are not concerned about the lack of encryption (which means thorough online protection at all times), SmartDNS is an affordable services that provides great speed and easy setup. If, however, privacy is your main concern, VPN certainly does a wonderful job and cannot be matched to any other alternative.
This completes our guide on the VPN or the Virtual Private Network. We hope that we have covered all the information you have aimed at finding out about whether or not you should use VPN. It is indisputably a great tool that has been increasing in popularity over the past few years. You can trust advanced encryption and benefit from its reliability, convenience and superb protection. Have your pick among the most suitable VPN plans in the global market and find out yourself why most Internet connoisseurs cannot do without VPN!