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May 5, 2017updated 20 Jul 2022 11:48am

How to use VPN

Have you ever considered the benefits of using a VPN?

By Tom Ball

Before detailing how to use VPN, one must understand exaclty what it is. VPN stands for virtual private network, and you might be interested in using one of these if you are keen to make sure your internet use is not being spied on. A VPN can also mask you whereabouts, stopping anyone tracking where you are in the world with your device.

VPN services often feature encryption, a very strong protective layer that will contribute greatly to maintaining the security of your data when it is sent; this is widely known as anonymous file sharing.

Mobility is an established and growing trend, and using devices on the move is common in everyday life, and for work. With a VPN you can ensure that your location will not be disclosed from any of these devices.

You can in fact misdirect anyone who might be spying on you by making it appear that you are in a different country to the one you really are. This is possible because VPNs work by sending your traffic through another network.

How to choose a VPN

How to use VPN

When you set out to track down the ideal VPN to suit your needs, you will be faced with a plethora of options. These options will include predominantly subscription based options, but there are also free options that may also do everything you need them to.

Android device users can find guidance on this part of the mission by consulting our list of the top VPN options that are out there right now for Android.

READ MORE: Best VPN for Android

Before embarking on this mission, it would be beneficial to find out what kind of VPN service you require, as there are a range of options available. There are even some router-based options for achieving these outcomes that will not require you to pay for anything extra.

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Some areas you might want query to inform your decision are the number of servers used by the provider, where these servers are situated, and what payment options are on offer.

How to get started and use a VPN

Even if you do not currently have a clue about how to use a VPN, you soon will. Once you have found the right VPN, you will have to follow the instructions on the website to download it; this process is likely to also involve signing up to the service provider.

Many VPN options will give you a set of options when it comes to downloading and getting started, these will be based on price and duration of time you are looking to be committed to the service. There will often be money back guarantees on offer if you are only dabbling in the world of VPNs.

VPN

Whether you are downloading a VPN on a desktop, laptop or device, it will usually come in the form of an application. Once you have downloaded the file and it is ready for use, you can go ahead and click on it to begin the launch.

The next step toward knowing how to use VPN  is locating and choosing a server to run on, and the user will often be presented with a list of countries, there should also be a list of servers in accompaniment. As you might have guessed already, the location which the server you choose is located will govern the place you appear to be to unwanted watchers.

To actually connect to the server, there should be a highly visible button relating to each server option, click this to connect. Users can be reassured that in most cases there is a switch that will disconnect you while ensuring you are not left hanging free and vulnerable to attack. The you have it, you now know how to use VPN.

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