A VPN or virtual private network is a type of network that basically lets anyone connect to the internet through a server that is run by a VPN provider. A VPN can basically be considered as a tunnel that connects your private network or personal computer to the public network that can potentially be harmful for your information. The date that travels between this VPN server and your devices such as a computer, laptop, and tablets is encrypted. Hence, you get privacy, security, and protection from the hackers.
Knowing the use of a virtual private network is very important for any home computer user. A VPN is a pain service that can be accessed from a VPN provider. So once you have been connected to a VPN anyone in the world cannot spy on you or retract any information regarding your browsing data and anything you do on your personal computer. The catch here is that your data can be seen by you, the website you are visiting and the VPN provider.
So if you have decided to set up VPN for home. Here are a few things you should know:
1. Choose the VPN service provider carefully
There are a huge number of VPN providers out there for every type of personal device a person can possibly own that it has become extremely difficult to choose the perfect one. So, there are two options you can choose from, one is a free VPN and the other one is paid. The free options that are given in the market are not safe and will not give you complete protection. They have a lot of loopholes in them. VPN is a service and it is obvious if you want to get a better service, there will be a price to pay for it. Secondly, the free VPNs allow a particular amount of service per month and are way slower than the paid ones.
The paid VPNs should totally be preferred any time. They are not at all costly and give you the best as well a safe internet experience.
So to choose the perfect VPN for you, keep in mind the following things:
- What information does the VPN protect and for how long?
- How effective is it?
- Do they record and save any of your details such as websites you visit, your IP address or any other personal detail?
After checking all these things, go for the VPN that saves the minimum information from you and the ones that keep your information for a longer time. The more privacy a VPN provider give you, the better it is. Try and research online and check if there are any loopholes in the services of the VPN provider. Your own safety is in your hand. So, educate yourself.
2. VPNs are not 100% fool proof
The VPNs can surely be used to mask your identity in most of the countries but in the countries with restrictions, it is very difficult for you to access all the data out there on the web. Even if you do evade some censorship, the VPN will still have restricted use. It cannot be used to look for private sites and more serious information that the government in your country strictly prohibits. Although sites like Facebook and twitter can sometimes be used. Achieving total anonymity on the internet is an almost impossible task to achieve. But there are some very high-quality VPNs that can help you achieve the best anonymity.
3. You can create your own VPN at home
VPNs are basically private network providers and it is easy for you to create your own VPN. With the help of your own VPN that is created between your devices and your home network. This is very useful when you have a lot of appliances at home that use the internet. You can access all of them privately without leaking your private information.
You can use your home router or an old computer in your house. There are many VPN routers available in the market that can be used. Some of the best VPN routers are:
- ASUS RT-AC88U
- Netgear R7000
- Netgear AC1450
- Asus AC5300
4. Keep Checking For Firmware and Security Updates
Checking regularly for the firmware updates is very important in maintaining the performance of your device. As soon as there is a new device that you install, check for the firmware updates. In most cases, there is updates present and the update can even enhance the security of your device. The details of the process for updating of your device can be easily found on the manufacturer’s websites in most cases. Although there are many devices that are automatically programmed to check and update themselves, some of them are not and can be a huge threat to your security. So, keep checking and updating regularly.
