How “Complicated” are VPNs to Use?

While it’s a known fact that the use of VPNs has started to catch up in recent years, there are still a lot of people who do not subscribe to it. Perhaps the more accurate way of putting it is that the awareness regarding the importance and benefits of VPNs has definitely risen, but most people would rather not to utilize a new tool with the hope and mentality of it being “too complicated”. While most people know what VPNs are for, some are still in the dark as to what it would really mean to them as casual internet users and private individuals. In this post, we review some of the basics about VPNs and hopefully debunk any lurking misconceptions about its use, functions, and benefits.    

First off, let’s take a quick look at the basic stuff regarding a VPN:

What are VPNs?

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are a tool which re-routes your online data traffic through another server. Most VPN service providers have a huge network of servers where a user can choose from. When you choose a server and connect to it, the website you access sees the IP address of the VPN server you connected to, and not your original IP address. Furthermore, the data you transmit online is encrypted so in the event that a hacker attempts to intercept your data, they won’t be able to get a hand on your private information.

VPNs also help you “mask” your online and real identity, and they keep you safe from surveillance threats (online censorship) as well as hackers, most especially when you connect to the internet through a free public Wi-Fi network. You can also save money through the use of VPNs when you  shop online, and access geo-restricted content on apps such as Netflix and YouTube. With many benefits you can get from a VPN, you’ll realize that you’re only missing out on a lot of things just because you “think” it’s complicated to use. Hopefully, you can decide for yourself whether or not VPNs are truly complicated after reading this post.     

Why some people think VPNs are complicated to use

Before they hit the mainstream market though, VPNs were primarily used by large IT firms which allowed them to safely connect to servers while keeping their data secure and protected. Also, VPNs weren’t originally designed for individual use. Nevertheless, with the advancement of technology, more and more people have started to put a premium on their online security and privacy. Because of this paradigm shift, VPN companies have also made efforts to offer their services not only to large companies, but also to individual users. The services come in the form of simple-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux and Android. Nowadays, downloading and running a VPN app is not different from installing any regular app. So, if you can run Candy Crush on your device, then you can definitely run a VPN app, too. It’s that easy! 

Expectation Versus Reality

What other people may think about VPNs in general is different from what they really are once you use it. Commercial VPNs are different from individual VPNs. As already mentioned, individual VPNs are available in the form of apps which can be easily downloaded, installed, and run on your laptop or mobile device. And while there are some VPNs that require manual configuration, most VPNs offer their own basic mobile apps. Even those which require manual configuration are not complicated at all. Configuration is a one-time procedure and would only take about 10 minutes or even less. To know more how VPN providers can help you with your worries on how to use their service, be sure to ask and check for availability of support.

The Takeaway

Even if not many people have started on using VPNs on their devices, the fact remains that utilizing a VPN app would not affect or complicate your user experience at all. Your internet experience, if anything, would stay the same and even better – with all the benefits you get from a VPN tool. Just remember to get a reliable VPN service such as VPN Surf to enjoy hassle-free online activities as well as best connection speeds at a very affordable price.