Staying safe online is one of the biggest worries we all have, and using a VPN is key to that, effectively hiding your identity – but what is a VPN and why should you use a VPN??
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. In a nutshell, it hides everything you do online in a virtual ‘tunnel’.
This protects your identity and browsing activity from hackers, businesses, government agencies, and other snoops (including Facebook, Google and your internet provider).
How does a VPN work?
To use a VPN, you’ll need to download an app to set your computer up (you can do it manually, but it’s pretty ciomplicated). Most VPNs then allow you to simply click on a ‘connect’ button to activate the secure connection.
From this point on, all the data coming to and from your computer, phone or tablet is routed through the VPN rather than going straight onto the open internet where it can be snooped on.
Why do I need a VPN?
A VPN is well worth it just for every day security.
Using a VPN in another country can also be useful if you want to stream TV and movies. For instance, connecting to a VPN in the UK if you’re in America would allow you to watch shows on the BBC’s iPlayer. If you’re in the UK, it could allow you to watch American TV easily.
Many also offer the option to block ads.
NordVPN – The best VPN for seniors
We’ve tried a bunch of VPNs, and the one we use every day is NordVPN. It’s simple to use and understand, but also quick – which is crucial for everyday browsing (and streaming TV shows from other countries).
In use, it’s as simple as setting it to connect automatically – the app will handle the rest.
While it’s really simple to use as a basic VPN, it also has a lot of flexibility for more experienced users, letting you tweak the connection method and type of VPM for different tasks.
