How to Use A VPN: A Beginner’s Guide

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Surfing the internet with your original IP address can make you an easy target for hackers and you may end up exposing your personal information to potential attackers.

Because of this rise in cyberattacks, VPNs are becoming as necessary as antivirus tools to keep your online identity secure and private. Even when no one is “trying” to hack your personal data, your ISP can keep track of browser history and sell it to advertisers.

If you want to prevent your online traffic from getting exposed to third parties, then this article is for you.

How to Use A VPN?

A VPN tool is necessary to access the web contents securely and anonymously. You should cover all your devices that can access the internet. If you want to use a VPN on any device that you own, go for a reliable VPN provider which is compatible with widely used platforms.

There are lots of VPN providers available in the industry, each having its own uniqueness. So give your research a little time and go for a VPN that best suits your needs.

Here’s how you can get a VPN and start using it right away.

1. Choose Your VPN Plan

First, subscribe to a VPN plan. Trusted providers usually offer a one-month plan, a six-month plan, and a one-year or two-year plan. The longer-term plans offer a high percentage of discounts so you’ll have to pay lesser. But the catch is that you have to pay an upfront amount.

But if you’re not sure about committing to a longer-term VPN plan then take advantage of the money-back guarantee methods usually offered by trusted VPN providers. This way, you can test their VPN tool and get a refund too if you don’t enjoy using it.

Moreover, there are seasonal and holiday discounts too, so keep an eye on them.

2. Sign Up

After choosing a VPN plan, go to their website and sign up for it. You’ll probably need to fill a form with your basic information like email address and bank account details. After entering the details, the amount for the subscription plan will be deducted from your account and you’ll get the credentials for your VPN subscription.

3. Install VPN On Your Device

You have to download and install the VPN tool on your device. Download it from the provider’s website if you’re using a PC (macOS, Windows, Linux). Or download it from your smartphone app store (Android, iOS). Launch the app, enter your VPN credentials and log in.

4. Connect to a VPN Server

You can connect to a nearby and fast server by tapping the ‘connect‘ button available on your screen. But if you want to connect a server of your choice then just tap ‘Locations’ and choose a server.

How to Use A VPN (Windows 10) 

• Create a VPN Profile first by heading into Settings and then Network and Internet.
• Click on Add a VPN Connection.
• For VPN Provider, select Windows (built-in).
• In the Connection Name, enter your VPN name which is easier to remember.
• In the Server Address, enter the VPN server.
• Choose a VPN protocol in VPN Type.
• Select type of sign-in, it can be username and password, smart card, or a certificate.
• Save your settings.
• Now click on the network icon in your Window’s taskbar.
• Connect to your VPN. If prompted, enter your username and password.

How to Use A VPN (macOS)

• Go to System Preferences and head to Network.
• Find the (+) sign in the left corner, and click it.
• Click on the drop-down menu and select VPN.
• Enter your VPN Name in the Service Name, and select a Protocol in VPN Type.
• Click on Create and add your local ID, remote ID, and Server address.
• In the Authentication Settings, connect to your VPN. If prompted, enter your credentials.

How to Use A VPN (iOS)

First, download the app of your VPN provider from the App Store of your iOS device and follow the steps below.

• Go to the Settings and tap on General.
• Head to VPN and tap on Add VPN Configuration.
• Choose a VPN protocol by tapping on Type.
• Fill in the information for remote ID, local ID, description, and server in the VPN Configuration.
• In the available connections, tap on your created VPN connection and connect to it.

How to Use A VPN (Android)

First, download the app of your VPN provider from the Google Play Store of your Android device and follow the steps below.

• Go to the Settings and search VPN in the search bar.
• You will see already installed connections, tap on Add a VPN Network.
• Fill in the information for VPN Name, Server Information, and VPN Type.
• Save your settings.
• Go back to the list of already installed connections and tap on your VPN connection.
• Type in the username and password and connect to your VPN.

What Is A VPN And How Does It Work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure bridge from which the user traffic passes. While you perform your activities on the internet, every data is passed through that tunnel being encrypted which makes you secure and anonymous on the web.

When you turn your VPN on, a secure channel is formed between you and the VPN server. Every request you make on the web has to go through that channel.

The VPN server assigns you an IP address, hiding your original IP address to keep you safe from hackers and eavesdroppers.

As cyberattacks are becoming common, VPNs are becoming important to corporations because no one wants to lose their sensitive data, especially large businesses and organizations which are potential targets.

Wrapping it up!

With a VPN turned on, you eliminate all the risks of being attacked or exposing your online identity on the internet. Just make sure you get a subscription to a reliable and trusted VPN provider so you don’t have to face problems while accessing your favorite geo-restricted content on the web.