Summary
Youve heard about VPNs, but youre not sure if you should be using one.
Perhaps you use one at work–but why should you use a VPN at home?
What Is a VPN?
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Operating systems feature software for setting up a VPN from one to another on a single internet.
Between your box and their server, the data is hidden.
Heres Why You Should Use a VPN
It sounds good to increase your online privacy, right?
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Access Public Wi-Fi Securely
Everyone uses public Wi-Fi at some point.
But how secure is it?
There isnt any easy way to find out, but unsecured wireless routers are a problem.
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Using a VPN is a great solution to this problem.
Save Money on Shopping and Flights
Most VPN providers have several servers positioned around the globe.
This enables region-blocking and localization to be circumvented.
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The same tactic can be used on many other items, from cars and PCs to shoes and books.
Not all VPN services offer a solution to region-blocking, so check the features before signing up.
Other localization limitations can also be avoided with a VPN.
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Avoid Government Censorship
Certain countries and economic zones around the world operate brutal restrictions on human expression.
Others simply block access to specific online services.
A VPN can be used to subvert these blocks, although this is not without risk.
Encrypted internet connections cannot be observed by government operatives.
Such activity comes with risks, of course.
This is doubly true if youre connected to a corporate resource.
The privacy of your work and that of your colleagues is enhanced with a VPN service.
Encryption Can Improve Internet Speeds
Heres a slightly surprising use for a VPN.
But as ISPs cannot identify encrypted data, it cannot be prioritized.
