What Is a VPN and Why Might You Need One?

VPN stands for “virtual private network.” A VPN uses software technology and special servers to enable users to send and receive digital data via public networks as if their devices were directly connected to a private network. A VPN can be used on just about any device that connects to the internet. You can install VPN software on your laptop or desktop computer, your router, your smartphone, or a tablet device.

VPN originated as a way for businesses to allow employees to securely and privately connect to the firm’s internal private computer network from home or any other remote location. Although it is still used for that, VPN long ago expanded to ensure privacy and security for all types of internet users.

VPN technology creates a virtual tunnel that keeps prying eyes away from your internet activities. GRAPHIC: VyprVPN

The internet and the World Wide Web can be a lot like the Wild West, a fascinating but sometimes dangerous place. Data hacking and identity theft are everyday online dangers. Then there is also government-sponsored censorship imposed in many places around the globe. VPN services today are in a constant struggle to overcome roadblocks set up by governments and companies to prevent VPNs from successfully circumventing such digital blockades. Hackers are always looking for ways to defeat VPN, while VPN services are constantly working to increase protection against online bad guys.

Why Use a VPN?
Sooner or later, almost everyone feels a need for a VPN. Expats and frequent travelers are likely to turn to a VPN service once they experience geo-blocking for content from back home. That’s when streaming video content is blocked for copyright or other legal reasons in your country or region. You may see a notice stating something like: “For legal reasons this content can’t be viewed in your location.” This sort of thing can happen with online movies, the German-language TV networks, sporting events, and other content.

If you have a paid subscription to Netflix in the US, why shouldn’t you be able to watch their movies just because you’re currently out of the US? (Although some people use a VPN to illegally download movies and other proprietary content, we do NOT advocate that.) Watching streamed video content is not illegal. Geo-blocking is similar to the days when movie studios used region codes to prevent people from watching a DVD they owned, only because they happened to be in a country outside their own. There were ways to legally defeat DVD region codes, and VPN offers a way to defeat geo-blocking. Although Netflix and others recently have tried to prevent VPNs from circumventing geo-blocking, the VPN services we recommend below continue to deal with that.

But geo-blocking is not the only reason expats and travelers may want to turn to a VPN. People who travel a lot, are often forced to use a hotel’s unsecured Wi-Fi network or other hotspots. A VPN app can keep you safe and anonymous when you need to do some online banking, or any activity where you don’t want unknown eyes prying.

How can a VPN make your online experience better?
Among other things, a VPN can help you:

• avoid geographic restrictions on websites or streaming audio and video,
• overcome government censorship in the 30 totalitarian nations that ban VPNs,
• protect yourself when using an unsecured Wi-Fi network or hotspot,
• stream audio/video faster by preventing your ISP from throttling your data rate (by hiding you from an ISP’s network), and
• enjoy at least some anonymity online by hiding your true location.

No VPN service can completely guarantee your safety and security, but the better ones offer very good protection. Do you know what makes up an above-average VPN? Read on.

What You Should Look For in a VPN

Here are 9 key recommended features that you want your VPN to have:

1. Does not log (and sell) your online activity data.
2. Owns and controls its own servers (no third-party servers).
3. Uses a robust, time-tested encryption protocol.
4. Has no data/download caps or added fees.
5. Provides good customer support and helpful instructions.
6. Has many servers in the country or countries you want to connect to.
7. Offers a VPN app for a variety of devices and operating systems (Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, TV, routers, etc.).
8. Has fast connection speeds that are as speedy or almost as speedy a non-VPN connection. (Note: Speed comparison claims can be misleading. In truth, the differences are usually not significant.)
9. Has an automatic/integrated kill switch that protects you if your VPN connection is lost.

Free VPN is not good
Although everyone likes a bargain, and “free” sounds like a great deal, consider the hidden price you may be paying. Any provider offering VPN for no charge has to make money some other way. Usually they use one of these two, or both: (1) advertising and (2) selling data. The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” applies here. If you want solid, secure VPN, stay away from “free.” The cost of a paid service is very reasonable and not high enough to make you cut corners.

VPN Services We Recommend

Not all VPN services are the same. Some are free. Some cost a little more than others. Some are more reliable and trustworthy than others. Currently we recommend two VPN providers that we have evaluated and consider top notch. There may be others as worthy, but these are the two we have “inspected” for you. No one VPN is perfect for everyone. There are variables related to your location and your target locations. But these two are worthy of your consideration. Click on a link below for more information (listed alphabetically):

• NordVPN – Our Review
• VyprVPN – Our Review

Check back later to see if we have added any more VPN reviews.

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