School me on VPN

[stealthn]

Sorry I don’t get the whole NordVPN thing, it’s decrypted somewhere before it gets to the end destination so what’s the point? Maybe I’m missing something?

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Sorry I don’t get the whole NordVPN thing, it’s decrypted somewhere before it gets to the end destination so what’s the point? Maybe I’m missing something?

There are legitimate business needs for appearing to come from a specific or unique address other than your own external IP.

They also do not log so there is a limit to the backtrace, stops at them.

If your data contains PII then it's no different than not using a VPN and sending in the clear.

With Nord you are encrypted from end to end.

[stenter]

I use TunnelBear, but for now the free version. There is the option of expanding free megabytes from 500 to 1GB if you make a post on Twitter, but I have enough now. I can say that this is a great service, there is a PC app that simplifies my work. I saw additional info in the post about this app and how it can be used in different tasks. I can only say that a lot of locations in this program.

[93nav]

I also have used Opera's newest version. It allowed me to look at some videos on Youtube I could not otherwise. But, it has also prevented me from looking at some stuff. Also, like noted, it will not work with all sites.

Originally Posted by Eric at Pelican Parts

I just use the Opera browser, you can enable VPN natively for free, and basically gives you an IP from a different country of your choosing. It will solve your geoblocked content, but i'm not 100% sure if it'd work with hulu/netflix.

[red-beard]

If you asked if you need a firewall, then yes. VPN for a home user? No.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by red-beard

If you asked if you need a firewall, then yes. VPN for a home user? No.

Methinks we've got two types of users....casual....you are correct. T-Rex sez anyone "working from home" in corporate america is using VPN...and if they are not, then why not?

[VincentVega]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I am a computer tech but my job focuses more on hardware and keeping ancient computers running with bubble gum and bailing wire.

We got high speed internet a few months ago at home and a few people (and a few websites) are suggesting I set up a VPN.

A quick search and it appears this is a service you have to pay for?

I get that a VPN makes out internet connection super safe, but for a casual home user is it really necessary?

TIA

This thread has turned into a game of telephone.

Redbeard for the win

If you asked if you need a firewall, then yes. VPN for a home user? No.

[KFC911]

Who's on first?

red-beard wins! ...but just wait 'til next year

[Kanpier]

At home at the beginning I used Opera with builtin VPN but it was not working stably and not all resources were available interruptions and slow loading. For myself I found a paid service VeePN connected the package for a year it is cheap. Now I use VeePN on all my devices especially I’m sure that my data is protected in public Wi-Fi networks when I use Internet banking and do online punching and I always have access to streaming video. It seems to me that it is imperative to use virtual private networks of the home network although this does not completely protect us from data loss.

[Steve Carlton]

What's the 2024 opinion on this? I want to be able to access some streaming TV that's not showing in the US. Also, I hear it is a good internet/privacy upgrade.

[Tervuren]

I can't get to the final page of the thread.

One thing not mentioned so far is any P2P connection can be giving whomever an amazing access method into you. If there are gamers in the family that play anything that isn't purely server sided a VPN in this crazy world is a nice tool.

I should be using a VPN for this reason, but haven't done my research as to who's VPN to sign up for.

[flatbutt]

I have been most reticent to use VPN. Please school me on why I should use it.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I have been most reticent to use VPN. Please school me on why I should use it.

The theory is that your ISP can watch everything that you do online (not a far fetched theory). In addition, as you surf the web, every site that you go to can also track you by the information that it garners from your browser and you IP address.

If you connect to a VPN then you create an encrypted connection from your computer to the VPN so your ISP can no longer see what you're doing or where you're going. Also, the sites that you go to no longer see your IP, but see the IP address of your VPN provider.

Of course, using a VPN kind of makes the VPN provider into a sort of ISP, so instead of your ISP tracking you, you've moved the ability to track your activity to someone else. Most VPNs say that they don't watch/log/track you. That's great if you believe/trust them.

Here's more info.

https://www.perimeter81.com/blog/cloud/what-can-vpn-providers-see

https://www.reddit.com/r/VPN/comments/p68pay/can_vpn_provider_see_my_activity/

https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/73816/can-you-still-be-tracked-when-using-a-vpn

[greglepore]

For geoblocked stuff, it depends. Some Euro sports, yes. But anything on Eurosport (the channel) needs a subscription and you need a UK credit card address for that.

For NFL and MLB, rarely works. It used to be that I could watch football games (Eagles fan) that were geoblocked for me due to a Commanders game being on Fox or otherwise. Set the VPN to a city that had the Birds, and watch on Fox Sports on computer. Doesn't work anymore, Fox has figured it out. Hulu, never works. If you set your VPN to a remote location, Hulu says "oh your not at home, you can only watch our non live stuff" or change your home location, which is cumbersome and limited to 4 times.
And VPN's don't always play well with smart tv's. Sometimes you can cast from a phone running a vpn, sometimes there are compatibility issues.
In short, I have one for cycling stuff but its becoming rarely used. The streamers are on to it and are blocking vpn remote nodes.

[masraum]

The theory is that either it's better for the VPN to know what you're doing than your ISP, or you may think that your VPN doesn't keep track of what you're doing (which may be so in some situations).

I used to work at a place that separated into two businesses. One of the businesses provided Internet access. Law Enforcement used to occasionally show up and say "Can we plug this thing into your network and you let us watch some traffic?" That's probably a lot easier to do at an ISP than a VPN, but if it's on the Internet, it can be tracked.



And yes, as GregL said, it started with folks using VPN to look like they were coming from another city, area, country, so they could watch stuff that wasn't available in their local area. I used a freeVPN for that once, 10-12 years ago (watched something streamed from the BBC).

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by widebody911

I too use Nord; at home when I'm downloading and on my phone when I'm travelling.

I use Nord on my laptop when away from home to access my email or log into bank or credit union sites.

At home I use it rarely, but I do have it on my main computer. On my home system, it is a cat 6 cable from the computer to the router. I am not very worried about getting hacked, and I have strong passwords for all of my financial sites.

[flatbutt]

[QUOTE=masraum;12298326]T.




So, why are YOU so spot on with my search history?

[Steve Carlton]

I just thought it was flatbutt vapin' when I saw flatbuttVPN at BigJuggs.com.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by id10t

VPNs are useful if you travel or connect to unknown or untrusted wireless access points, etc. Basically all traffic is encrypted and tunneled over the VPN and exits to "the world" from the other end point of the VPN.

I'm too lazy to do it, so when I need that functionality, I use a SSH tunnel and either create a SOCKS4/5 proxy or simply forward X11 over the SSH tunnel.

Good call! Yes, if you use any sort of wifi other than your own (stores, hotels, airports, coffee shops, etc...), then VPN is a good idea. For me, I generally only connect to trusted wifi or use the Internet on my phone (directly or as a hotspot), so it's not as big a deal.