VPN (Virtual Private Network) ?

Bear Islander · 02-12-2023, 10:02 AM

I don't use a VPN on my family computer. However I have been using PIA (Private Internet Access) on my laptop for years. I do everything sensitive or private on my laptop

I have selected an ip in Canada because up there I can get a static port. That is a 5 digit port number that doesn't change.

The VPN is $12 by the month, but quite a bit cheaper with a two year commitment. You can use it on up to 5 devices. I don't have any speed problems with the VPN, however if you do gaming or video streaming that could be an issue.

You can use the VPN just for you emails or a browser, however it is easier to just set it up to turn on with the computer and route all connections through the VPN.

One small downside is when you go to a web they will think you are somewhere you are not. If, for instance, you were to pick an ip in France you will find many webs come up in French.

Woodsy · 02-15-2023, 10:08 AM

I use IPVanish and like its ease of use. However, some of the more popular streaming apps don't play nicely with it. They don't like a ghosted IP.

Woodsy

LikeLakes · 02-15-2023, 11:15 AM

I'm considering using a VPN. While I'm not excited about any more hassle with connections I think I'd feel better about the security.

Having said that, like Broadhopper said, I've had excellent luck so far with Win 10's security features. I also am not on social media. Finally, I don't use public wifi. If I'm at a coffee shop or similar I use my cell phone's hot spot rather than the free wifi.

BrownstoneNorth · 02-15-2023, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I use IPVanish and like its ease of use. However, some of the more popular streaming apps don't play nicely with it. They don't like a ghosted IP.

Woodsy

ExpressVPN worked fine to stream some shows I wanted to watch on French and Australian TV sites. However, not only some other sites but also some email servers, including the one of a friend I'm in constant with, rejected it as suspicious. I got tired of having to keep turning it on & off, so eventually dropped it.

Woodsy · 02-15-2023, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrownstoneNorth

ExpressVPN worked fine to stream some shows I wanted to watch on French and Australian TV sites. However, not only some other sites but also some email servers, including the one of a friend I'm in constant with, rejected it as suspicious. I got tired of having to keep turning it on & off, so eventually dropped it.

IPVAnish has a setting where you can include/exclude different apps. So you can ghost what you want, and not worry about others like Prime Video not working.

Overall I am pretty pleased with IPVanish.

Woodsy

02-15-2023, 10:08 AM	#2
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,974 Thanks: 80 Thanked 984 Times in 443 Posts	I use IPVanish and like its ease of use. However, some of the more popular streaming apps don't play nicely with it. They don't like a ghosted IP. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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02-12-2023, 10:02 AM	#1
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,766 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	I don't use a VPN on my family computer. However I have been using PIA (Private Internet Access) on my laptop for years. I do everything sensitive or private on my laptop I have selected an ip in Canada because up there I can get a static port. That is a 5 digit port number that doesn't change. The VPN is $12 by the month, but quite a bit cheaper with a two year commitment. You can use it on up to 5 devices. I don't have any speed problems with the VPN, however if you do gaming or video streaming that could be an issue. You can use the VPN just for you emails or a browser, however it is easier to just set it up to turn on with the computer and route all connections through the VPN. One small downside is when you go to a web they will think you are somewhere you are not. If, for instance, you were to pick an ip in France you will find many webs come up in French.

02-15-2023, 11:15 AM	#3
LikeLakes Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 339 Thanks: 50 Thanked 92 Times in 66 Posts	I'm considering using a VPN. While I'm not excited about any more hassle with connections I think I'd feel better about the security. Having said that, like Broadhopper said, I've had excellent luck so far with Win 10's security features. I also am not on social media. Finally, I don't use public wifi. If I'm at a coffee shop or similar I use my cell phone's hot spot rather than the free wifi.