Virtual private networks (VPNs) are among the most downloaded tools across the world wide internet, but what makes VPNs so popular? This DigitalEdge article will look at how you can make the most of VPNs.
Many internet users find that they are restricted in performing certain searches. One quick and easy way to get around this is by downloading a legal VPN. A VPN will circumnavigate around restrictions by changing the user’s IP address to one which is located in a different country, where the restrictions do not apply.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are completely legal and can be downloaded for free. There are also certain VPNs that you must pay a monthly fee to use. A VPN simply allows a user to disguise his/her own IP address and access websites as if they are in a different country.
VPNs are certainly not illegal, but there are some users who perform illegal actions using a VPN – we do not condone this in any way, shape, or form.
5 Ways VPNs can be Used
VPNs open up a whole world of possibilities for users. Here are a few ways in which you can get the most out of a VPN.
Receive Google search results from a different country
Google is by far the most used search engine in 2022. But what you may not know is that Google search results vary depending on what country you are searching in. For example, the search ‘best high roller slots’ will be different depending on where you can search. In the UK, you are likely to get results from casinos that allow UK players to play whereas if you are from Sweden, you will get results favored towards Swedish platforms. Incidentally, you can click here if you are searching for the best high roller slots in 2022.
If you are currently visiting a country but you want to get the results that you would receive if you were still at home, then a VPN is a way in which you can do this successfully.
Access websites which are you cannot access in your own country
Please do not do this if it is illegal, but you can use VPNs to access websites that would be banned if you used your home’s own IP address. For example, in 2022 Russians are using VPNs to access websites such as Instagram, which, following the invasion of Ukraine, Russians have been banned from using.
Streaming sports events
There are lots of websites that will allow you to stream the largest sports events (Premier League Football, Cricket, etc) all for free. However, the catch is that these websites are not always accessible depending on what country you live in. Therefore, you can use the VPN to switch your IP address so that the streaming website thinks you are coming from another country. You will then be able to stream it.
Netflix country of origin
Depending on your region, paid streaming sites such as Netflix will offer different movies and television series. For example, American users will get different series in comparison with French users, for example. However, if you are a French person who would like to get the same offerings as Americans, then you can use a VPN so sign up for an account from the USA. Be aware, if you sign up for an account in France and then you use your VPN from the USA, you will still receive the France Netflix streams only.
Security on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi in an airport or at your local cafe is convenient but it does come at the expense of privacy. Using a VPN in such a scenario will protect your online activity and will hide your internet history and private data.
Which VPN to Use
There are many different VPNs. We can recommend HMA, ExpressVPN and TunnelBear. If you have Norton internet security, you can also help yourself to the Norton VPN for a discount price.