What is a VPN and how to use it?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which is a virtual network service that protects internet privacy and security when using the internet.
VPN works by disguising IP addresses and encrypting data that is on its way to the VPN server. Thus, a VPN can help you go online safely and unblock content that is blocked in your country or region.
VPN was first coined by a Microsoft employee in 1996 to connect two computers using the peer-to-peer tunneling protocol (PPTP) method. As the internet develops, VPNs are now widely used by the general public and companies for various purposes.
The following are some of the functions and benefits of a VPN that you need to know:
1. Securing personal identity
One of the main functions of a VPN is to secure your personal identity while online on the internet. VPN can hide your IP address which is the unique identity of your device on the internet network. This IP address can be used by unauthorized parties to track your location, activities and online preferences. By using a VPN, you can replace your IP address with the IP address of a VPN server located in a different location. This can make you more anonymous and difficult for unwanted parties to track.
2. Opening blocked sites
Another function of a VPN is to open blocked sites in your country or region. Some sites may be blocked by governments, internet service providers or certain organizations for political, legal or cultural reasons. By using a VPN, you can access these sites easily because a VPN can change your virtual location according to the VPN server you choose. For example, if you want to access sites that are blocked in Indonesia, you can choose a VPN server in another country that doesn't block those sites.
3. Securing data on public networks
A VPN can also secure your data when using public networks such as Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, airports or other public places. These public networks are often insecure as they are vulnerable to being intercepted or hacked by hackers or cybercriminals. If you use a public network without a VPN, your data such as email, passwords, credit card numbers or other important information can be stolen or misused by irresponsible parties. By using a VPN, your data will be encrypted so that it cannot be read or modified by anyone other than you and the VPN server.
4. Encrypt data
A VPN can also encrypt your data while online on the internet. Encryption is the process of turning data into a secret code that can only be read by recipients who have the decryption key. Encryption can protect your data from wiretapping, hacking or theft by unauthorized parties. VPNs use encryption technologies such as IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) or SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to encrypt your data before it is sent to the VPN server and then decrypt it again once it reaches its destination.
5. Access regional content
A VPN can also help you access regional content that may not be available in your country or region. Regional content is content intended only for users in certain regions due to licensing, copyright or regulatory reasons. For example, some video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ have catalogs of movies and TV shows that vary by country. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location according to the country that has the content you want to watch.
How to Use a VPN
After knowing what a VPN is and its functions, now you might be interested in trying to use a VPN. To use a VPN, you first need to download and install a VPN application on your device, be it a laptop, PC or smartphone. There are many VPN applications available on the market, both free and paid. Some examples of popular VPN applications are Hotspot Shield, TunnelBear, Hide.me, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and others.
After installing the VPN application, you need to register an account first if needed. Then, you can select the desired VPN server from the list provided by the VPN application. Usually, the closer the VPN server is to your location, the faster and more stable your internet connection will be. However, if you want to access regional content, you need to choose a VPN server according to the country that owns the content.
After selecting the VPN server, you can click on the connect button or connect to start using the VPN. The VPN app will display a lock icon or VPN logo in the status bar or notification to indicate that you are already connected to a VPN. Now, you can surf the internet more safely and freely.
To disconnect the VPN connection, you can click on the disconnect button or disconnect in the VPN application. The VPN app will display a disconnected icon or no VPN logo in the status bar or notification to indicate that you are no longer connected to a VPN. Now, you are back to using the normal internet network.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a VPN
Like any other technology, VPN also has advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider before using a VPN. Following are some of the common advantages and disadvantages of VPNs:
Pros of VPNs:
- Improve internet privacy and security
- Opens blocked sites
- Secure data on public networks
- Encrypt data
- Access regional content
Disadvantages of VPNs:
- Slow down internet connection
- Causes compatibility issues
- Requires additional fee
- Violating certain laws or regulations
- Vulnerable to data leaks
Conclusion
VPN is a virtual network service that protects internet privacy and security when using the internet. VPN works by disguising IP addresses and encrypting data that is on its way to the VPN server. Thus, a VPN can help you go online safely and unblock content that is blocked in your country or region.
To use a VPN, you first need to download and install a VPN app on your device. Then, you can select the desired VPN server and click on the connect button to start using the VPN. To disconnect the VPN connection, you can click on the disconnect button or disconnect in the VPN application.
VPN has advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider before using a VPN. The advantages of a VPN are increasing internet privacy and security, opening blocked sites, securing data on public networks, encrypting data, and accessing regional content. The disadvantages of a VPN are that it slows down the internet connection, causes compatibility issues, requires additional fees, violates certain laws or regulations, and is prone to data leaks.
