VPN?

Do any of you use a VPN? Just been reading a little about it and wondered how many folks use one.

Also, is it worth changing my DNS settings to manual and using Google’s DNS Server? I ask because I’ve had trouble with some web pages not loading properly or at all. In fact I “lost” the “create new thread” on this site just recently.

when i was on the road i had to use a vpn, now i work from home and have good security i dont really need it as i dont remotely access my server.

Can't comment on VPN, but I do use Quad9 for a DNS

Bill

I use a VPN called IPVanish. Very easy to use on various platforms. I use it when wanting to access web sites that are normally restricted to UK users but they have servers throughout the world.

Russell

Vickers Pyramid Number?

JA

Hi Vic,

A VPN is just a secure tunnel between your computer and another computer (or Server) the vpn's listed above allow you to connect to there server securely and then emerge onto the internet from there 'address'. when you emerge onto the internet from a VPN you are essentially anonamous.

This will bypass your secure connection to your internet service provider (BT, Sky, Plusnet etc) so they cannot monitor what you are doing, which they are legal obliged to to store details of.

In this situation there is not really a security benefit, the VPN just anonamises you.

However if you normally use your computer in Cafes, Airports, hotels etc there is a security threat that your connection to the internet could be compromised and/ or monitored (not good if you check your bank account for example).In this situation a secure connection to a VPN is of great benefit.

This is a basic explanation, there are a few details / caveats I've omitted for clarity. I you decide you want a VPN I would choose a subscription one (i use PROXPN)

There are a couple of recommendations to improve your security / browser performance for free.

install a browser extensions called

'ublock origin' it will stop all the crap that webpages load (adverts etc)

'HTTPS Everywhere' this will try to force the browser to always make a secure connection to a website (some websites allow both secure and insecure).

Quad 9 is also a good call!

If you pay for an antivirus, consider using the free one in windows 7 , 8 and 10. its more than good enough.

If you have any questions please just ask!

Regards

Paul

The Opera browser gives you the option of a free included VPN

And don't forget, the VPN servers store your details in one place, usually for a fee. Just another area for hackers to break. Bit like Faceache and Tw*tter.

Regards Ian.

Thanks folks. Can’t think why I’d need it but these suggestions come up from time to time.

I use a VPN to access the MTM server, it's pretty much essential for remote working.

For home networking I use workgroups, lets me shift files via wifi.

Neil

Does this website make any restrictions on access? I think I'm on a VPN to Europe at the moment, though it sometimes decides to timeout around 6pm.
WRT DNS. It is always best to leave this on automatic and let your ISP deliver the primary and backup DNS server addresses. They will provide a fast link to them as they are in-house and will have proper failover systems in place. It used to be that lots of know-it-all geeks would tinker with their DNS settings and after a few weeks waste our call centres time with their problems when the 3rd party system fell by the wayside.

My employer specifies the use of GlobalProtect for VPN / authentication. I'd not recommend it particularly - it often takes multiple attempts to establish a secured connection, although this may depend what application it's interacting with.