Every time you find it difficult to access an internet service, you must first think of a VPN. What is VPN? A VPN expands to Virtual Private Network. A VPN enables you to access any geographically restricted or blocked service or content from anywhere around the world.
It is always recommended that you use a VPN at all times when you are online. A VPN not only enables access but has many additional benefits and privacy and security are just two of them. VPNs have become a necessity in the modern digitized era.
It is very easy to use a VPN. By the end of this article, you will become well-versed with VPNs and their usage.
Step-by-step: How to use a VPN?
Follow the simple steps below to use a VPN:
Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN service (preferably ExpressVPN for best user experience).
Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device.
Step 3: Set up your VPN app and log in.
Step 4: Connect to a VPN server on the VPN app.
What happens when you use a VPN?
All networks have an IP address. An IP address is a unique identity of each network connection which reflects the location of the device in use. So, you IP address reveals your location to each service that you access on the internet.
When you use a VPN, you connect to a VPN server in a location of your choice. By doing so, a VPN hides your original IP address and masks it with an IP address of your chosen location. This way, your true identity is kept safe and hidden from everyone online.
It is very important that you choose the right VPN. Here is a list of the most important factors that you should consider while choosing a VPN:
Access all blocked services with a VPN
It is common for services to be geographically restricted to maintain exclusivity and to comply licensing and content guidelines. For this, and several other reasons, many services are available only in certain places.
In order to get access to any service like Netflix, VUDU, or Jio Cinema you want from any country in the world you need to bypass these geographical restrictions or blocks imposed on them.
Using a VPN service is the best and safest option. A VPN can bypass geographical restrictions by hiding the original IP address of the device you are using and in return providing it with a fake IP address of a country where it is accessible.
In this way, a VPN lets you bypass geographical restrictions and allows you to enjoy any service from anywhere.
Other benefits of a VPN
The multiple ways in which a VPN can help is one of the most attractive attributes of a good VPN. There are many ways in which you can use a VPN. These include:
- VPN makes sure that no one including the government, your Internet Service Provider, etc can access your data.
- Helps you to download any service quickly and safely.
- Best way to keep your confidential data private and secure as it is good at maintaining online anonymity.
- Do not let your security and privacy get affected even when you are connected to public wifi.
- Allows you to enjoy playing online games without any lags.
- It saves money while booking hotels, flight tickets, car rentals, etc.
- Your Internet Service Provider can slow down your Internet speed, using a VPN can improve your Internet speed.
Which VPN to use?
As VPNs are becoming a more and more commonly used technology, there are now a plethora of VPN options available. So, as a beginner, it becomes difficult to decide which VPN to choose.
- Privacy and security features
- No-log policy
- Server network
- Number of simultaneous connections
- Anonymity and encryption technology
- Service speed
- User-friendliness
- Customer support
- Money-back guarantee
Can I use a free VPN?
Using a free VPN might fulfill your requirements at first glace but it is not at all advisable to use one. This is because free VPNs do not have strong protection and encryption features like paid VPN services which can ensure online security and privacy.
There have been many cases where using free VPNs have led to personal information and confidential data being leaked to third parties. This means that these VPNs fail at guaranteeing you online safety.
Free VPNs are way less capable than paid VPNs. So it is not necessary that you will be able to do what you want using of a free VPN. For example, a free VPN might fail at bypassing geographical restrictions.
So, you should avoid using free VPNs and always go for good paid VPNs. Use ExpressVPN for strong encryption and the best user experience.
Is it illegal to use a VPN?
No, it is not illegal to use a VPN. What you must ensure at your end is that the content and the services that you are trying to access with a VPN are legal at your location. Many services are considered illegal by various governments for various reasons, so you must check before you access them.
In most cases, it is legal for you to bypass geo-restrictions to access services available overseas.
Note: This article is solely for educational purposes. We do not encourage breaching government guidelines with a VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I keep a VPN service on?
You should keep your VPN service turned on all the time because apart from bypassing restrictions, improving gaming experience, saving money while booking tickets, etc. a VPN service ensures safety and privacy which is needed every time you make use of the Internet. Hence, it is advisable to keep the VPN enabled all the time.
How does VPN services work?
VPN services maintain online anonymity by assigning your device a fake IP address. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel through which all your data passes with complete security and privacy.
Is a VPN capable of hiding your location from any online service?
Yes, a VPN is capable of hiding your device’s location from any online service. The IP address of your device is how any service finds out your location and a VPN is well capable of hiding the original IP address of your device and thus your location.
Is it safe to make use of a free VPN service?
No, making use of a free VPN service is not safe at all. It is better not to use any VPN than using a free VPN. Free VPNs have a history of leaking data and causing harm to your online security and privacy.