Internet security and privacy are major issues facing Internet users around the world. For hackers and identity thieves the web holds a wealth of opportunities for invading the privacy of unsuspecting users and accessing their most personal and private information. One of the ways you can protect yourself from hackers and the like is to use a VPN on your computer.
About VPNs
If you are reading this web page, you are most likely already aware of what a VPN is. But just in case you need a quick refresher, VPNs are virtual private networks. These are private networks that can be launched over public Wi-Fi bandwidth. However, unlike when you use public Internet, when you use a VPN your personal data is all protected by a secure encryption system. This encryption technology creates a kind of “tunnel” for your data to travel through. Using a VPN on your computer is one of the most secure methods for connecting to the Internet.
People use VPNs for a variety of reasons. Not only are they secure, but they can also be used to penetrate firewalls and unblock websites. With a VPN on your computer you can freely access websites from around the world. VPNs conceal your actual IP address with one that is assigned to you, typically from a server that’s located in a different country. That means that no matter where you live or are currently located, with a VPN on your computer you can watch online TV from the United States, the UK or anywhere else.
Reasons to Have a VPN on Your Computer
Even for users who privacy is not a major issue, it can still be useful to have a VPN on your computer. People who travel for business prefer using VPNs because they can connect to their home server at work from anywhere in the world. The same goes for students who want to connect with their university network from off-campus. Internet service can frequently be slow and unreliable if you use public Wi-Fi. With a VPN on your computer, you can always have access to reliable, fast, stable high-speed Internet.
Using a VPN on Your Computer
Setting up and using a VPN on your computer is generally pretty easy to do. The process will vary somewhat, depending on whether you have a Mac or a PC.
How to Set up a VPN on Your Computer with Windows:
Open “Network Connections” window
Click “Create a new connection.”
Click “Next” and then choose “Connect to the network at my work place.”
Click “Next” again then click “Virtual Private Network Connection.”
Click “Next.”
Enter a name for the new VPN connection.
Choose a “Public Network” screen option and then click “Next.”
Enter the name and IP address of the VPN remote access server you want to connect to and click “Next.”
Choose a “Connectivity Availability” option and click “Next” again.
Click Finish.
How to set up a VPN on Your Computer if it’s a Mac:
Open the Network Control Panel.
Click “Next” on the network system preference.
Click the “+” icon under Network system preferences to make a new connection for the VPN.
Set the interface to VPN and then set the connection type and name.
A new service sheet should appear when you select “+.” Select the interface pop up menu for a list of choices.
Select “VPN” from the list.
VPN type should automatically be set to “L2TP over IPSec.”
Type “PubicVPN.com” in the Service Name window.
Click “Create” to make a new connection.
Once you’ve made your VPN connection, you’ll need to make a configuration for it. Click the “Configurations” popup menu.
Click “Add Configuration” and type “PublicVPN.com” for the configuration’s name.
Click “Create.”
Once you’ve created a VPN connection for your Mac enter your username.
Click “Authentication Settings.”
Enter your password.
When you are finished, simply click “OK.”
