Who Uses a VPN

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Thanks to this thread, I finally looked up how to set up a VPN from my Asus router...and apparently did it incorrectly, setting up split tunneling so only my access to my home network was over the VPN. Luckily for me I was visiting a friend who is a network engineer, and he was able to help me figure it out. I believe I have fixed it as I found a split tunneling option on and turned it off, but I'll need to wait until I can try my personal laptop outside my home again to be sure.

 

[camfused]

Deal alert: fastestvpn has a sale. Lifetime subscription for 10 devices for $20.

 

[Chuckanut]

Deal alert: fastestvpn has a sale. Lifetime subscription for 10 devices for $20.

That seems almost to good to be true. Anybody have experience with this VPN service?

 

[Sunset]

Which service is that?

Windscribe

 

[W2R]

I am such a severe cheapskate that it pains me to think of making regular payments for stuff like a good VPN.

Perhaps I have no need for a VPN. I read the thread, and from what I gather it is useful when traveling or streaming video or trying to access foreign sites. But I don't travel or use my laptop anywhere except here at home, and I don't stream video or have any problem getting to the sites I want to view. I never go to any illegal sites, porn sites, or to the dark web. I do go to extremist political sites sometimes, but none that advocate violence or other illegal activities. I suppose my party affiliation isn't totally private.

So I don't see any justification for me to pay for a VPN. On the other hand, given the opportunity I'd vote for any increase in routine privacy protection for everyone on the internet, in a heartbeat.

 

[Gotadimple]

W2R
You're absolutely correct. You don't need a VPN if you never use a device outside of your home - that includes a cell phone where you might check mail or do an internet search. So if your laptop is at home always, and you never use a free Wi-Fi hotspot with your cell phone, then you don't need the service.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

I am such a severe cheapskate that it pains me to think of making regular payments for stuff like a good VPN.

NordVPN has a 3 year single payment plan.

 

[Sojourner]

Deal alert: fastestvpn has a sale. Lifetime subscription for 10 devices for $20.

I have no direct experience with FastestVPN, but I don't think I've ever seen them listed on any reputable VPN review sites...and honestly have never heard of them at all until now. They could be totally legit and provide excellent service, in which case this is a fantastic offer. But I think when it comes to things like VPN, typically you get what you pay for.

By way of comparison, NordVPN costs about $3/month and is usually ranked at or near the top of most "best VPN" reviews. Personally, I would only use a VPN that's been reviewed and highly rated by at least two unaffiliated, reputable sources (e.g. PCMag, TechRadar, PCWorld, CNet, etc.).

 

[easysurfer]

I am such a severe cheapskate that it pains me to think of making regular payments for stuff like a good VPN.

Perhaps I have no need for a VPN. I read the thread, and from what I gather it is useful when traveling or streaming video or trying to access foreign sites. But I don't travel or use my laptop anywhere except here at home, and I don't stream video or have any problem getting to the sites I want to view. I never go to any illegal sites, porn sites, or to the dark web. I do go to extremist political sites sometimes, but none that advocate violence or other illegal activities. I suppose my party affiliation isn't totally private.

So I don't see any justification for me to pay for a VPN. On the other hand, given the opportunity I'd vote for any increase in routine privacy protection for everyone on the internet, in a heartbeat.

Raises hand , I'm a cheapskate also.

I don't subscribe to a VPN service but on my computer do occasionally use a browser (not my regular browser) with a built-in VPN. Also, when traveling do use a free VPN when using wifi connections at hotels and airports.

My view is at times I want the use of a VPN (or VPN like connection, as I'm sure a case can be argued that a browser with built-in VPN isn't truly VPN) for extra safety. But I'm too much of a cheapskate to pay when IMO there is a free enough solution for my needs.

Sometimes I come across sites that I'm not sure are scams or not. Instead of using my regular browser and risk being tracked or have malicious code installed. As a measure of safety first I browse with built-in VPN.

 

[camfused]

I have no direct experience with FastestVPN...

Me either, but they were reviewed on techradar, vpnmentor, and pcworld, so they appear to be legit. They promise they do not log the sites you visit, and have servers all over the world. For a one-time 20 bucks, it's not too much of a gamble, especially if you use it only occasionally (like when you travel).

 

[camfused]

FastestVPN

Ok, normally I use TunnelBlick on my Mac to connect back to my router, which is running OpenVPN. I am traveling today and for some reason (probably need to reboot the router or something), this is not working today. So, I figured what the heck, might as well try FastestVPN.

So I bought the lifetime membership for 20 bucks. I installed on my Mac (pretty straightforward), and connected up. Connection was within a few seconds. Just surfing and doing email, I can detect no difference in surfing speed.

So far, so good. I'll report if I find any problems.

 

[tulak]

W2R, I agree that you don’t need a VPN.

I’m able to connect to my home for VPN access when traveling. In the rare cases I need a VPN that is located in a different country, I use a pay per month VPN. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s a nice option when you need to access region locked content.

 

[Out_the_Door]

I use PIA and I always use a VPN (whether home or out and about) as I don't like the idea of anyone tracking what I do and I still use a 10 year old flip phone for the rare occasion I need to call AAA.