VPN Guide

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is intended to help you understand the benefits and considerations of using a VPN. The decision to use a VPN is entirely up to you, and while we encourage you to consider the potential advantages of increased online privacy and security, it is important to note that some VPN services may charge a fee and free one's may not be as great. We recommend that you conduct your own research and choose a VPN service that best meets your needs and budget.

 

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure, hidden connection between your device and the internet. It helps protect your online privacy and security by masking you and making your internet activities private.

Why Use a VPN?

  1. Privacy: VPNs hide your IP address, making your online actions harder to trace back to you.
  2. Security: They encrypt your internet traffic, protecting you from hackers and cyber threats, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
  3. Access Restricted Content: VPNs can bypass geographical restrictions, allowing you to access content that might be blocked in your region.
  4. Avoid Censorship: In some countries, VPNs can help you access the unrestricted internet by bypassing government censorship.

How Does a VPN Work?

A VPN is like sending a secret letter through the mail. First, your data (like your message) is locked up in a special, secure package. Then, you give it to a trusted mailman. The mailman takes it through a hidden path, using a server that you choose, until it safely reaches where it needs to go. This way, no one can see what you’re sending or where it’s going. It’s much safer than delivering the letter yourself, where someone might see what you’re doing.

Choosing a VPN

Different VPN's have different bells and whistles, so it is important to consider the different features and prices that best match what you would like.

  1. Security Features: Look for strong encryption protocols and additional features like a kill switch, which stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
  2. Privacy Policy: Ensure the VPN provider has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store your browsing activity.
  3. Speed: Choose a VPN with fast servers to minimize any slowdown in your internet connection.
  4. Consider Server Locations: More server locations mean better chances of finding a fast, reliable connection and accessing geo-restricted content.
  5. Ease of Use: Opt for a VPN with a user-friendly interface and good customer support.
  6. Cost: While there are free VPNs available, paid options generally offer better security, speed, and reliability.

Tips for Using a VPN

  • Always Connect on Public Wi-Fi: Protect your data on unsecured networks.
  • Enable Kill Switch: Ensure your internet traffic is not exposed if the VPN connection drops.
  • Update Regularly: Keep your VPN app and any related software up to date for the latest security features.

 

Available Paid VPNs:

  • Nord VPN - Nord Is one of the most popular and premium VPNs in the market and is known for their premium and quality features

                    Pros: Fast VPN speed, Many Bonus features, User friendly, Many servers, Blocks ads 

                    Cons: Expensive, Bad customer service, Difficult to unsubscribe from

  • Surf Shark - Surfshark is one of the most popular VPNs on the market known for its affordable price and very solid VPN

                  Pros: Fast VPN speed, Many servers, Affordable price, unlimited devices

                  Cons: Few extra features

  • Proton - Proton is a very decent VPN that has a strong foundation on privacy and security

                  Pros: 10 Devices, Strong security

                  Cons: A bit difficult to navigate, limited customer support, 

  • Private Internet Access - PIA is the gold standard for VPN security although it primarily focuses on just providing a VPN

                  Pros: User friendly, flexible encryption, affordable pricing, unlimited devices

                  Cons: Few extra features

Free VPNs:

  • Proton Free - Proton also offers a free version of it's VPN and works just like the paid version but at the cost of not including any of the other features the paid version has

                  Pros: No ads, user friendly

                  Cons: 1 device 

  • Wind Scribe - Wind Scribe provides the standard free VPN service but it provides an above average data capacity compared to other free VPNs and offers the same features as a paid user

                  Pros: 10gb free data, Same features as paid version

                  Cons: Few server connection, possibly slow connection

  • Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is an alternative option that decently gets the job done albeit many restrictions

                  Pros: Streaming friendly

                  Cons: 1 Device, possible slow speed, ads, few servers

  • AdGuard - Adguard is a very user friendly and beginner friendly VPN although it only provides a little bit of data per month 

                  Pros: 2 Devices, Multiple servers, user friendly

                  Cons: Only 3gb of data per month