The Complete Beginner‘s Guide to Understanding and Using a VPN

Considering getting started with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? As an information security expert with over a decade of experience, I‘m here to walk you through everything you need to know.

A VPN can provide a useful layer of protection, but it‘s important to understand exactly what it does, how to set it up properly, and when it‘s actually necessary to use one. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you the insider knowledge to make VPNs easy to understand and use for enhancing your privacy.

What Is a VPN and Why Should You Care?

Simply put, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for all of your online traffic, hiding your real IP address and physical location. Your data is sent through a remote server run by the VPN provider. This provides privacy, security, and anonymity benefits.

Here are the main reasons you may want to use a VPN:

Browse Anonymously

Your internet service provider (ISP) can normally see every website you visit. A VPN hides this so your browsing remains private.

Secure Public Wi-Fi Access

On open Wi-Fi networks, hackers can spy on your connection and steal data. A VPN encrypts your traffic.

Bypass Geographical Restrictions

Some websites limit content based on your location. Connecting via a VPN can bypass these blocks for accessing restricted content.

Remote Access to Private Networks

Connecting from home or on the road? A VPN allows secure access to office networks and other private connections.

Hide Activity from ISP and Employer

Whether you want to keep your online activity private from surveillance or prevent throttling, a VPN can help bypass monitoring.

How Widespread is VPN Usage?

VPN adoption has exploded in recent years. According to GlobalWebIndex data, VPN usage grew by 164% globally from 2016 to 2018. They found that 27% of internet users worldwide were using VPNs as of Q2 2019.

Increased adoption is being driven by growing awareness around online privacy and security. High profile hacks and data breaches have also prompted more consumers to take steps to protect themselves online. Given their ease of use and affordable pricing, VPNs are an obvious solution.

Understanding VPN Protocols: PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and WireGuard

There are different protocols that can be used to establish a VPN connection, each with their own technical characteristics. Understanding the differences can help when it comes to selecting a VPN provider.

PPTP – Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol offers fast speeds but weak security making it unsuitable for most users.

L2TP/IPsec – Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol paired with IPsec encryption provides better security but can be slow and difficult to configure.

OpenVPN – Open source protocol using SSL/TLS encryption. Offers excellent security with decent speeds. Available for most devices.

WireGuard – Emerging protocol using state-of-the-art cryptography. Very fast speeds with good security. Not yet widely supported across platforms.

The best all-round option for security, speed, and compatibility is OpenVPN. Most reputable providers offer apps that automatically configure OpenVPN connections. This makes it fast and easy to establish a secure VPN tunnel on many different devices.

For the best security, look for providers utilizing 4096-bit encryption and RSA-4096 handshake authorization. This ensures your connection cannot be compromised and traffic cannot be decrypted.

Speed Comparison of VPN Protocols

Protocol	Speed	Use Case
PPTP	Very Fast	Obsolete due to poor security
L2TP/IPsec	Slow	Only necessary for specialty use cases
OpenVPN	Fast	Recommended for most users
WireGuard	Very Fast	Emerging standard, limited platform support

Choosing a Reliable VPN Provider

The quality of your VPN experience depends almost entirely on which provider you select. Here are key criteria to look for when comparing options:

1. Strict No Logging Policy

Privacy is the main reason to use a VPN, so you want to be sure your provider isn‘t recording your activity. Ask specifically about their logging policies before signing up.

2. Fast Server Speeds

VPN connections can often reduce speeds. Look for providers with consistently fast servers to reduce lag.

3. Range of Server Locations

More server locations gives you options to switch connections and bypass geographic blocks. Top providers offer 1000+ servers across 50+ countries.

4. Leading Protocol Support

OpenVPN and WireGuard are the top protocols. Providers should offer easy connections through apps, not require manual setup.

5. Unlimited Bandwidth

Some providers limit data usage each month. Unlimited bandwidth ensures you can use the VPN as much as needed.

6. Pricing and Plans

Avoid free VPNs in favor of paid plans around $5-$10 per month. Multi-year subscriptions offer the best rates at about $2-$3 per month.

7. Third-Party Audits

Independent audits help validate marketing claims around security and privacy. Providers with audits instill greater trust.

8. Reliability and Connection Speeds

Read third-party reviews and test them yourself watching for speed, stability and any restrictions. The fastest VPNs have little noticeable lag.

For recommendations, some of the top-rated providers meeting these criteria include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and ProtonVPN. Each brings something unique with high-quality apps, great server coverage, and reliable connections.

VPN Ownership and Trust – Does it Matter?

When you route all your internet traffic through a VPN provider‘s servers, you are inherently trusting them with your data. This raises the question of who actually owns and operates these services.

Many popular consumer VPN brands are owned by larger parent corporations. For example, IPVanish is operated by StackPath while SaferVPN falls under the Avast umbrella. The ownership behind a VPN may matter depending on your threat model and who you want to trust.

Some consumers specifically seek out VPNs run by smaller independent providers often with founding principles around privacy. These include ProtonVPN from the ProtonMail team and OVPN based in Sweden. They typically have robust transparency reports with rigorous audits.

On the flip side, bigger corporate-owned brands like ExpressVPN (operated by Kape Technologies) can instill trust through their financial resources and proven track records. But these larger providers are potentially more susceptible to legal jurisdiction pressures depending on where their parent company operates.

There are good arguments on both sides. Do your research on who operates a VPN service, their policies, history and company values before subscribing.

The Pros and Cons of Free VPN Services

If you search online, you‘ll find lots of free VPN options. But should you use one? Here are some key considerations when it comes to free vs paid VPN services:

Pros of Free VPNs

• Obviously costs nothing to try
• Allows basic access to region-restricted content
• Better than using no VPN in some cases

Cons of Free VPNs

• They log activity and sell user data
• Offer very limited bandwidth each month
• Lack key features like a kill switch
• Have slower speeds with frequent disconnections
• Contain ads and have security vulnerabilities
• Limited server locations and no customer support

Free VPNs survive by monetizing user data, which completely defeats the purpose of privacy. They also cut corners providing an unreliable connection.

Paid VPNs on the other hand offer a premium experience:

• Strict no logging policies
• Unlimited bandwidth each month
• 1000s of servers across the globe
• Leading protocols for fast speeds
• Encryption through IPv6, obfuscation
• Advanced features like VLAN tagging
• Reliable connections and helpful customer service

For only $2-$10 per month, paid VPNs are worthwhile for complete peace of mind. ProtonVPN notably offers a free tier with unlimited bandwidth but at slower speeds.

Step-by-Step: Installing and Setting Up a VPN

Once you‘ve selected a reputable paid VPN suited for your needs, it‘s time to set it up. The process is quick and easy with most providers.

On Windows:

1. Download the VPN provider‘s Windows app from their website. Common installers include .exe or .msi files.

2. Run the installer through the prompts to setup the VPN. You‘ll need to enter your subscription credentials or create a new account.

3. Launch the VPN app on your desktop. Look for a prominently displayed connect button or indicator showing your status.

4. Select a server location if given the option. This controls where your traffic will be routed through.

That‘s all there is to it! With one click, your Windows VPN will be live encrypting your connection through the chosen server.

On MacOS:

1. Download the provider‘s Mac VPN app from the Apple App Store.

2. Install and open the app. Just like on Windows, you‘ll log in or sign up.

3. Click "Connect" within the software and pick a server location if offered one.

The process is extremely straightforward. Apple makes adding VPN profiles simple through their network settings panel as well. But downloading the provider‘s own app is recommended for the best experience.

On iOS and Android devices:

1. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android)

2. Search for your VPN provider and install their official mobile app

3. Open the app, log in, and click to connect

That‘s all you need to do to route your mobile traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel.

Manually Setting Up a VPN Connection

Sometimes manually configuring a VPN may be necessary instead of using a provider‘s application. Here‘s how to do it:

On Windows 10:

1. Go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> VPN

2. Click "Add a VPN Connection"

3. Enter a name, server address, and any other information provided by your VPN service.

On MacOS:

1. Go to System Preferences -> Network -> (+) icon

2. For interface select VPN, protocol, and fill in the server address

3. Add account details like username and passphrase

You‘ll need to get the technical connection details like encryption protocols from your VPN provider. Manual setup is only recommended for advanced users when an app is not available.

Optimizing Your VPN Connection

Beyond just turning your VPN on, there are steps you can take to get the best experience:

Run a connection speed test

Compare speeds before and after connecting to see if the VPN introduces lag. Fast VPNs have little noticeable slowdown.

Enable the VPN‘s kill switch

This prevents exposure if the VPN drops. It‘s an important failsafe for uninterrupted protection.

Change to different server locations

Switching servers can help bypass geographic blocks or find faster routes.

Adjust protocol settings

Toggling different protocols like OpenVPN vs WireGuard may improve speeds.

Contact support

If you encounter issues like buffering or disconnects, their team can provide specialized troubleshooting.

Update the VPN app and OS

Using outdated software can prevent establishing fast, stable connections.

Following these tips will ensure you‘re maximizing both the security and performance of your VPN.

When Should You Use Your VPN?

You don‘t necessarily need to be connected to a VPN at all times. In many cases, your home Wi-Fi network is reasonably secure. Situations where a VPN is recommended include:

Public Wi-Fi

Open hotspots are ripe for attackers to steal data. Always use a VPN when connecting outside your home.

International Travel

Keep your data safe and access favorite services abroad by using a VPN to bypass geographic blocks.

Streaming Blacked-out Content

Changing your virtual location with a VPN lets you skirt around blackout restrictions on streaming sites.

Remote Access to Private Networks

Securely work remotely by using a VPN to tap into your employer‘s network or personal NAS device.

So while useful in many scenarios, don‘t feel the need to needlessly run a VPN at all times. After all, VPN connections can use more battery life and marginally slow your speeds.

How to Check Your VPN Connection Status

Once connected to your VPN app, verifying everything is working can be done in a few quick ways:

Check the VPN app

It should indicate connected status along with your new virtual IP address and location.

Visit an IP checking site

Do a search for "What is my IP" and confirm it matches the VPN server‘s IP range.

Check a geolocation site

Websites like www.iplocation.net map your IP address to your physical location. It should reflect your VPN endpoint.

Run a speed test

Check if your network speeds change after connecting to the VPN. Drastic dips could indicate an issue.

Verify hidden network access

Attempt to open a site or service limited to a certain region, network, or IP range.

Following these tips ensures your traffic is being correctly routed and encrypted through the VPN tunnel.

Understanding VPN Usage Laws and Privacy Rights

There‘s heated debate around the legal status of VPN usage given how it skirts traditional geoblocks. It‘s important to understand where things currently stand:

• Consumer VPN usage is currently legal in most countries – Exceptions include Iraq, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Belarus, and the UAE where VPN restrictions are in place.

• Governments oppose VPNs which allow access to illegal, dangerous or extremist content. However, merely bypassing region filters is not inherently illegal in most places.

• Streaming sites discourage but rarely directly block consumer VPN access. The legality remains questionable but difficult for streaming platforms like Netflix to prevent.

• Enterprise network usage policies may prohibit VPNs to prevent data exfiltration or security risks. Otherwise, general personal usage is a protected right in countries like the US and UK.

• Pending legislation could impose further VPN restrictions. For example, the EU is debating tighter regulations. But concrete changes have yet to emerge limiting general public use.

Using a VPN to browse privately or access content available to other global users does not make you a criminal. But it‘s wise to avoid illegal activities that intentionally cause harm. Ultimately, VPNs remain an important tool for exercising digital privacy rights.

Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues

Don‘t panic if you encounter problems after setting up your VPN. There are troubleshooting steps you can try:

Buffering or lag – Switch to a different server location. Contact support about optimizing protocol settings. Update your VPN app, operating system, or device drivers.

Disconnections – Turn off battery optimization settings throttling the VPN app. Whitelist the app to prevent put to sleep. Enable always-on VPN option if available.

Failing to connect – Restart your device and VPN app. Reinstall the VPN software. Double check account credentials. Flush DNS and renew IP.

IP address leak – Ensure kill switch is enabled. Check for WebRTC or IPv6 leaks. Change DNS settings to VPN provider‘s servers.

Certain sites blocked – Try toggling different VPN protocols or obfuscation settings. Switch server locations. Contact support about bypassing deep packet inspection.

With a few simple checks, you can troubleshoot most VPN connection problems. Reach out to your provider‘s support channels for assistance identifying root causes and optimized settings for your network.

Closing Thoughts on Using a VPN

I hope this guide has demystified VPNs and provided everything you need to know to get started. The main takeaways around using a Virtual Private Network are:

• Enhances online privacy – Prevents ISP snooping and hides your IP on public WiFi

• Lets you access restricted content – Skirt geographic limitations to stream or browse sites blocked where you live

• Simple to setup and use – Provider apps make connecting a breeze with one click

• Adds important security layers – Encrypts traffic reducing the risk of data theft

• Isn‘t necessary at all times – Only connect when on public networks or accessing sensitive sites

• Paid services deliver the best experience – Avoid free VPNs selling your data and throttling speeds

Take your time, do your research, and select a top-rated premium VPN suited for your needs. With the knowledge from this guide, you‘ll master VPN setup across your devices and understand when protection is essential. Don‘t wait to take control of your online privacy.