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.