What is a VPN and why do you want one?
A Virtual Private Network or VPN directs your Internet traffic through a computer server located in another part of the world, this has an important advantage in that all your traffic appears to be coming from that part of the world and more importantly all your browsing is encrypted meaning that there is less chance of a hacker sniffing your network and seeing what you are browsing.
A VPN can be used to bypass Internet censorship for instance if you select the America as a destination it might be possible to watch a US TV station in the United Kingdom or if your using your laptop at school it will allow you to access sites such as Facebook which are normally restricted.
One excellent product is Hot Spot Shield from AnchorFreeINc which you can download and install from here Hot Spot Shield Download and follow the instructions below.
- After downloading the software click on the *.exe file and select run
- On the welcome screen click the install button and allow the software to install
- When the software is installed it will restart your browser, this is normal.
- When the installation is finished the following screen pops up, allowing you to select which country you wish to connect to the Internet through. At this point it is worth restarting your PC
- Check that the icon is green to ensure it is working OK
- Click on the test button to ensure Hotspot Shield is working correctly and hopefully you will find that the IP address displayed in your browser is in the country you choose
.The downside of a VPN is that the speed of your Internet connection will be reduced as it is funnelled through another network in a remote location. One word of warning while a VPN can help you browse the Internet anonymously there is always a chance someone can monitor what you are but within reasons the more levels of security you use the better you are in the long run.
