VPN Use

[PaulSB]

I have been reading about VPNs. I often log in to public WiFi, cafes, hotels etc. I feel I should use a VPN in these situations.

Can people recommend a provider(s) for use with a Samsung phone?

Any tips for using a VPN? Please don't get all techie on me!!

 

[ianrauk]

Proton vpn.
Free to use, works well too.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Another vote for Proton. I use the free version and it's easy to use and transparent. The only downside is that on occasion I've had web sites present themselves in the language of the country that the website thinks I'm in.

 

[PeteXXX]

I use DuckDuckGo browser and it has a built in vpn and everything blocker.
One problem with that is that if I wish to fire up SurfVPN, I have to switch it off as it all gets confused.

 

[markemark]

Don’t worry, lots of people have become experts on vpns in the last 6 months. Just can’t put my finger on why…..

 

[Once a Wheeler]

Nord VPN, works well, not too expensive, lots of support. Click here for info. Even allows you to do important things such as managing your Premium Bond account when you are holidaying in Spain.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Another vote for NordVPN here, especially if you want to use it on more than one device. Proton (free version) is only available on a single device.

There’s always a sale on, it’s currently 75% off, and it’s easy enough to get a continued reduction when renewal time comes. In fact, I’m now paying less for it than I did when I started using it four years ago.

My subscription for the next two years is £63. That covers up to 10 devices on a single account, meaning multiple family members can use it too.

If you sign up for that via this referral link, we’ll each get a 3 month bonus. 👍

https://refer-nordvpn.com/ZjFokPZipcq

 

[Psamathe]

Which VPNs are good depends on the reasons why OP is considering a VPN. What issues are to be addresses/improved?

eg there are two internet protocols used by most devices these days IP version 4 and IP version 6. Proton on many devices only supports IPv4 and on occasions it doesn't turn off IPv6 so you have "leaks" and can end-up not fully protected. (Proton are introducing IPv6 "this summer" ie they really are not motivated ...).

What OP is looking to achieve is crucial in selecting a VPN provider.

 

[numbnuts]

Q. Do we really need one ? or are we all worried about saying hurty words on the internet ?

 

[Electric_Andy]

I use duckduckgo which I didn't know had VPN. We did subscribe to NordVPN a couple of years ago, only to watch american stuff on streaming platforms that weren't on the UK ones. My partner tried to use it for her work as a bookkeeper but the systems she used were blocking it. All told, it made our connection slower and I didn't really see any benefit. But I suppose it's a bit like insurance, you only see the benefit if something goes wrong and you are saved for free

 

[figbat]

I use DuckDuckGo browser and it has a built in vpn and everything blocker

DuckDuckGo does not include a VPN unless you subscribe to it. The search engine and browser include various tools to limit user tracking, but not a VPN.

 

[PaulSB]

What OP is looking to achieve is crucial in selecting a VPN provider.

My experience of VPNs is extremely limited. Around 26/27 years ago I worked with a specialist software engineer who would use a VPN, I think it was that, to remotely access our machines as part of a project we were developing. Since then nothing.

Recently I've read this is a useful way of protecting oneself when using public WiFi. I do this a lot and while I'm aware of the risks have never done anything about it.

My recent reading suggests a VPN is very simple to use. If I can do so to protect my phone when using it on public WiFi that would be all.

I might do the same 2 - 3 times a year with my laptop.

 

[KneesUp]

Be aware with Nord that unless you say otherwise it will auto renew at the imaginary price you got “75% off” when you signed up (ie 4x what you paid initially if you got 75% off) and you will not be able to contact anyone from Nord to discuss it.

It was sufficiently buried in the small print and badly advertised that I was able to persuade Barclaycard to do a chargeback so currently I have it for free because Nord don’t seem to have noticed.

 

[the_mikey]

Q. Do we really need one ? or are we all worried about saying hurty words on the internet ?

Mostly people don't want to submit personal information to access places where there's a potential for content that is deemed unsuitable for people below a certain age, and not necessarily adult entertainment, because we've all been conditioned not to share personal information as a sensible precaution against identity theft, or scams , and that doesn't change just because the government now wants you all to submit personal information in exchange for access.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Q. Do we really need one ? or are we all worried about saying hurty words on the internet ?

They have various uses, pros and cons etc. But stopping you from saying hurry words isn't one of them.