VPNs and proxies share one thing in common: they are designed to protect confidential information and hide your IP address. This is where the similarities end.

Proxy or VPN	Proxy	VPN
Access to any content
Hides your location (IP address)
Hides your identity from scammers
Works with browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
Works with various devices (smartphones, tablets, consoles)
Works with games and apps
Encrypts your activity, protects against hackers
Protects you from malware and phishing tactics
Constantly changing virtual location (IP address)
High-speed surfing and streaming content
Conclusion As you can see, VPN outperforms proxy server in features. Both services allow you to hide IP addresses, but additional VPN functions - strong encryption, comprehensive system protection, etc. - make this technology more secure and confidential than a proxy server.

How to choose the best VPN

Now you understand why a VPN is needed in today's digital jungle. How to choose the service that is ideal for you? Here are some helpful tips to help you make the right choice.

Price

Price always matters, but getting exactly what you paid for is much more important. Free VPNs are usually full of problems - they almost always have some kind of hard restrictions. And how can you be sure that they don't try to make money selling your data? After all, maintaining a network of VPN servers is not cheap, so if you don't pay for a product, then most likely you are the product.

Speed

There are many factors that affect VPN speed. The server network needs to be well optimized for you to get the output, so make sure the service you choose optimizes your network. In addition, a really good service will not limit the amount of traffic and the bandwidth of the data transmission channel, so that you can enjoy the high speed as much as you want.

Confidentiality

Some VPN services keep your personal information, which negates the whole point of using a VPN to protect your privacy! If privacy is important to you, then only a service that strictly adheres to the principle of "No records" is suitable for you. It is also good for the privacy of the VPN if the VPN service accepts payment in bitcoins.

Safety

To ensure that a service provides good protection against various threats, look at the encryption protocols it uses. In addition, the client of the service must have a "Stop-tap" function to block any exchange of device data with the Network if the VPN connection was broken or terminated.

Number of servers / countries

Is absolutely essential to ensure a fast and stable VPN connection. The more servers a VPN service has and the larger the list of countries in which they are located, the better. But that's not all. Check if the service allows you to switch between different VPN servers without restrictions. You must be able to change your point of access to the Internet at any time.

Number of concurrent connections

Some services allow only one device to connect to their VPN network at a time. Others let you connect your PC, laptop, smartphone, Xbox, and tablet at the same time. At SaferVPN, we believe that more is better. Therefore, we allow you to simultaneously connect up to five devices per account.

Support service

Many VPN users need help at first to get used to the new technology, so an important factor when choosing a service can be the availability of a good technical support service, which, firstly, promptly answers users' questions and, secondly, gives really sensible advice. The SaferVPN team is always ready to answer your questions by email. mail or online chat.

Free trial, money back guarantee

Trying a product before buying is really. Not every VPN is ready to provide it. But there is no better way to find out if a service is right for you than to try it yourself. It's also good to have a money-back guarantee, especially if returns are made promptly.

Software

It's not easy to find a VPN that is convenient to use, easy to install, yet offers decent security and features rich functionality. Our one-touch connect function is incredibly convenient, and our automatic function ensures your safety.

Cross-platform compatibility

A separate VPN client is required for each platform. It's not an easy task, but a good VPN service should have a client for any device in its arsenal, offer clients clients for different platforms, and promptly provide technical support and help users fix problems.

VPN Dictionary

Internet security terminology is complex and confusing. But don't be in a hurry to despair! The SaferVPN team will help you figure out all the intricacies.

Adblocker

English. Advanced Encryption Standard is an advanced encryption standard. 256-bit AES is currently considered the "gold standard" encryption used by the US government to protect sensitive data. AES is the best encryption standard available to VPN users.

Backdoor

A mathematical loophole, a secret cryptographic code that is embedded in a cipher sequence so that the cipher can then be broken.

Bitcoin

Decentralized peer-to-peer (transferred from one user to another directly) open virtual currency (cryptocurrency). Like traditional money, bitcoins can be exchanged for products and services, as well as other currencies. SaferVPN accepts Bitcoin payments.

Connection log (metadata)

A registry that stores records of the dates of your connections, their duration, frequency, addresses, etc. The need to maintain such records is usually explained by the fact that they help solve various technical problems and deal with all kinds of violations. SaferVPN does not keep such records in principle.

Connection speed

The amount of data transmitted over a certain period of time. Usually measured in kilobits or megabits per second.

Cookies

English. cookies - cookies. These are small pieces of data that the browser stores as text files. With their help, you can do a lot of useful things (for example, remember the user's login information or personal settings on the site), but cookies are often used to track users.

DD-WRT is an open source router firmware that gives you a wide range of router control options. An excellent alternative to proprietary firmware for those who want to independently configure the router to suit their needs.

English. Domain Name System - domain name system. It is a database capable of transforming web page addresses (URLs) from the familiar and understandable form to a "real" digital format that computers can understand. DNS translation is usually done by your ISP, checking and censoring all your traffic along the way.

Data security

The rules or laws by which the company collects data about its users. In most countries, ISPs are required to store some user data (such as browsing history) for several months.

Encryption

Encoding data using a mathematical algorithm to prevent unauthorized access to it. Encryption is the only thing that can protect digital data from unauthorized persons. It is the cornerstone of Internet security.

Geo-blocking

Restricting access to online services based on geographic location. These restrictions are usually introduced so that copyright holders can enter into profitable licensing deals with distributors around the world. Of course, intermediaries make the product more expensive for the end consumer.

HTTPS is an SSL / TLS-based protocol used by banks and online merchants to protect websites.

IP address

English. Internet Protocol Address - Internet protocol address. Each device on the Web receives a unique digital address - an IP address. SaferVPN hides your IP address from outside observers, thus ensuring your privacy and access to any Internet service.

Internet service provider

A company that provides Internet access services. The right to provide these services is highly regulated: ISPs are required by law to monitor and censor their customers' traffic.

The technology that creates a logical network in another network has received the abbreviation "VPN", which literally stands for "Virtual Private Network" in English. In simple terms, VPN includes different methods of communication between devices within another network and provides the ability to apply various protection methods, which significantly increases the safety of information exchanged between computers.

And this is very important in the modern world, for example, for networks of large commercial corporations and, of course, banks. Below are detailed guides on how to create a VPN, instructions on the procedure for making a VPN connection and how to properly configure the created VPN connection.

Definition

To understand more easily what a VPN is, you just need to know what it can do. VPN connection allocates a certain sector in the existing network and all computers and digital equipment located in it are in constant communication with each other. But the most important thing is that this sector is completely closed and protected for all other devices in the large network.

How to connect VPN

Despite the initially seeming complexity of VPN definition, its creation on Windows computers and even the VPN setup itself will not present much difficulty if there is a detailed guide. The main requirement is to strictly follow the strict sequence of the following steps:

Further, the VPN setup is performed, taking into account the various accompanying nuances.

How do I set up a VPN?

It is necessary to configure it taking into account the individual characteristics of not only the operating system, but also the operator providing communication services.

Windows XP

In order for VPN in the Windows XP operating system to successfully carry out its work, the following sequential steps are required:

Then, when operating in the created environment, you can use some convenient functions. To do this, you need to do the following:

Note: The parameters are always entered differently, as they depend not only on the server, but also on the service provider.

Windows 8

In this OS, the question of how to set up a VPN should not cause any particular difficulties, because here it is almost automated.

The sequence of actions consists of the following steps:

Next, you need to specify the network options. To this end, perform the following actions:

Note: Entering the settings can vary significantly depending on the network configuration.

Windows 7

The process of making settings in Windows 7 is simple and accessible even to inexperienced computer users.

To produce them, a Windows 7 user needs to take the following sequential steps:

Note: in order to work correctly, a careful individual selection of all parameters is required.

Android

To configure the normal functioning of an Android gadget in a VPN environment, you need to do a few steps:

Connection characteristics

This technology includes different types of delays in data transmission procedures. Delays occur due to the following factors:

1. It takes some time to establish a connection;
2. There is a constant process of encoding the transmitted information;
3. blocks of transmitted information.

The most significant differences are present in the technology itself, for example, for VPN you do not need routers and separate lines. To function effectively, you only need access to the World Wide Web and applications that provide information encoding.

Previously, the state had a rather mediocre understanding of the Internet, so it did not legally interfere with users. Today, walking on the world wide web, more and more often you can come across the phrase: "This site is included in the register of prohibited ones" or "Your provider has blocked access."

So, if you want to return complete freedom of action on the Internet and acquire another level of protection, then you certainly need to familiarize yourself with the technology of virtual private networks - VPN.

VPN: term and principle of operation

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the name of a technology that provides the creation and overlay of one or more networks on top of any other user network.

Now, how exactly does VPN work. Your computer has a specific IP address that blocks access to specific sites. You enable VPN technology through a program or extension. VPN changes your address to an address from a server in another country (for example, Holland or Germany).

Next, a secure connection is created, which cannot be blocked by the provider. As a result, you get a secure protocol by which you can freely visit any Internet site, and completely anonymously.

Structure and varieties of technology

The whole technology works in two layers. The first is the internal network, the second is the external. When you connect to the technology, the system identifies your network, and after that it will send an authentication request. This technology is very similar to authorization in some social network, only here everything is carried out through secure protocols and without the participation of a provider.

The virtual networks themselves are also divided into several categories. The main classification is according to the degree of protection, that is, the user can use both paid VPNs and free ones.

The difference between the two is the secure connection. For example, subscription systems will give you secure protocols like PPTP, IPSec, and others. While free VPNs often provide only "trusted" channels. That is, your network itself should be highly secure, and a VPN will only increase the level of protection.

To be honest, the biggest disadvantage of free VPN services is not even security, but stability and connection speed. Through a free VPN, the Internet will most likely work very slowly, and not always stable.

The subscription to paid VPN does not exceed $ 10 per month, but not every user needs it. For ordinary tasks, there is no point in purchasing Premium accounts, the standard features are quite enough.

Reasons to use a VPN

Every user needs to use VPN technology, and here's why:

• Data protection. Especially suitable for those users who like to connect to a "free" neighbor's Wi-Fi connection, and then find that their card data has been stolen. Such situations include gatherings in cafes and, in general, in any points with free Wi-Fi.
• Complete anonymity. When you open a new tab with the site, this action will be displayed on the provider's server, so that any employee of the company can track your journey on the Internet. By turning on the VPN, you will hide your browsing or visit history because you are using a different IP address.
• The ability to surf the Internet without obstacles. Bookmakers, online casinos, torrents, forums, sites for adults - all the "underground" of the Internet is again available to you, everything is like in the old days.
• Using foreign resources. It is, of course, unlikely that you will use English-language services, such as hulu.com, but all the same - full access to all popular sites around the world is provided to you.

How do I use a VPN on my computer?

Consider a situation when we use a regular browser and want to visit blocked sites. In this situation, you can go in two ways:

1. install the VPN client (program) on the PC;
2. add browser extension via Webstore.

What is the first, what is the second option - they are easy to implement, but for a complete picture, we will consider both.

You can also use free,.

To install a VPN client, you need to download a program on the Internet, for example, "Betternet". Run the setup file and install the client. We launch it, click: "Connect" and that's it. The problem is that the program automatically gives us a random IP-address, and we cannot select a country, but by pressing just one button we are already using a VPN. And one more disadvantage is the need to constantly run the program, however, some clients have the ability to run it simultaneously with the OS.

The second way is to add an extension. The disadvantage here is that, more often than not, registration is required for use, plus, extensions have the properties to "fly out". But the extension is much easier to use - you click on the icon in the browser, select the country and profit. At the moment there are thousands of such programs, you can choose any of them, for example, "Hotspot Shield". Add the extension to the browser, go through the registration and there will be no more technical issues.

For example, this is how the ZenMate VPN extension works in a browser:

We wrote about VPN extensions for different browsers in the article:.

How do I use a VPN on mobile devices?

We will consider those devices that have popular operating systems on board, for example, iOS or Android.

Using a VPN on smartphones or tablets is also quite simple, namely through mobile applications. The problem is that some programs require root rights, and these are additional troubles, plus the ability to turn the phone into a "brick". So look for programs that don't require you to be root. On Android, for example, it's OpenVPN, and on iOS it's Cloak. Also on iPhone and iPad you can use free and tested. I use it myself sometimes, it works great.

The download technology is very simple: download the application from the Play Market or AppStore, install it on your device. Next, we activate the VPN, select the profile (from where, we get the IP address), then the connection is made and that's it. Now you are surfing the Internet via VPN, and the application you are using will tell you about it.

Now you understand how the VPN technology is implemented, and now your online presence will become more secure, anonymous, and most importantly, accessible and unlimited.

Today, there are popular questions about VPN - what it is, what its features are, and how best to set up a VPN. The thing is that not everyone knows the essence of the technology itself, when it may be needed.

Even on the financial and profit side, setting up a VPN is a lucrative business that can get you easy money for.
It would be nice to explain to the user what a VPN is and how best to configure it on Win 7 and 10.

1. General

VPN (Virtual Private Network) Is a virtual private network. Even simpler is the technology of creating a local network, but without physical devices in the form of routers and other things, but with real resources from the Internet. VPN is an additional network built on top of another.

On the Microsoft website, such a cognitive picture was found, which will help to understand that the expression "An additional network created on top of another."

The image shown displays the device as a computer. The cloud is a shared or public network, more often the standard Internet. Each of the servers is connected to each other using the same VPN.

This is how the devices are physically connected to each other. But practice has shown that this is not necessary.

VPN is specially configured not to use wires, cables and other interfering devices.

Local devices are not connected to each other via cables, but via Wi-FI, GPS, Bluetooth and other devices.
Virtual networks are most often a standard Internet connection. Of course, getting access to devices just won't work, because everywhere there are levels of identification aimed at avoiding hacking and ill-wishers in the VPN Network.

2. A few words about VPN structure

The VPN structure is divided into two parts: external and internal.
Each PC connects to two parts at the same time. This is done using a server.

The server, in our case, is the so-called guard at the entrance. It will identify and register those entering the virtual network.

A computer or device connected to the VPN must have all the data for authorization and so-called authentication, that is, a special, usually one-time, password or other means that could help pass the procedure.

This process is not particularly important to us. Experts are creating more and more powerful and serious methods of authorization on servers.

To find yourself in such a network, then at the entrance you must know the following:
1. Name, PC name, for example, or another login used to authenticate on the network;
2. Password, if any, to complete the authorization.
Also, a computer that wants to connect to the next VPN-network, "carries" all the data for authorization. The server will enter this data into its database. After registering your PC in the database, you will no longer need the aforementioned data.

3. VPN and their classification

VPN classifications are shown below.

Let's try to figure it out in more detail.
- DEGREE OF PROTECTION... Networks selected by this criterion:
1. Fully protected - these are initially protected networks;
2. Secure "trust" - less secure networks are used in cases where the original or "parent" network is reliable.
- REALIZATION... Implementation methods. Networks selected by this criterion:
1. Combined and software methods;
2. Hardware method - using real devices.
- PURPOSE... VPNs matched by this criterion:
1. Intranet (Intranet) - is used most often in companies where you need to combine several branches;
2. Extranet (Extranet) - used specifically for the organization of networks in which there are various participants, as well as customers of the company;
3. Access (Remote Access) is the organization of VPN networks, where there are so-called remote branches.
- BY PROTOCOL... Implementation of VPN Networks is possible using the AppleTalk and IPX protocols, but in fact I use most often and more efficiently than TCP / IP. The reason is the popularity of this protocol in mainstream networks.
- WORK LEVEL... OSI is preferred here, but the VPN can only work at the data link, network and transport layers.
Of course, in practice, one network can include several features at the same time. Let's move on to the points on how to directly configure the VPN network using your PC or laptop.

4. How to set up a VPN network (virtual network)

The first method was developed specifically for Windows 7.
On Windows 7, setup is done using fairly simple steps and following the following instructions:
1. Go to " Network and Sharing Center". Click on the connection icon on the quick access panel and select the item we need in the window.

2. The program does not always have the same form as in the figure above, it can still be like this:

3. In the new window we find the section " Setting up a new connection or network". This section is highlighted in the figure.

4. In the next paragraph, we find “ Workplace connection"And go to" Further».

5. In the event that any VPN connection already exists on the PC, a special window should appear, as in the figure below. We select "No, create a new connection" and go again " Further».

6. In the new window we find “ Use my internet connection (VPN)»

7. Now we enter the address, the name of the VPN network. You can find out all the details from the network administrator, which will also tell you a special window.

If the connection was made to an already functioning network, it is best to ask the administrator of that network for the details. This procedure usually does not take long. We enter data in the designated fields.
8. In the same window, put a tick to “ Don't connect now ...", And then go to" Further».

9. Enter your data (login and password) from the network. In the following figure, these fields are highlighted.

If the connection is the first with the network, then new data will have to be created; after checking them by the server, you will be allowed to enter the network and use it.

If the connection is not primary, then the server will not check your data and will directly let you into the desired network.

10. After entering the required data, click on " To plug».

11. The next window will ask you to connect to the network now. Better to close it.

The setup is successfully completed and all that remains is to connect to the network. To do this, you need to go again to the first paragraph " Network and Sharing Center».
12. In the new window, select “ Connect to the network».

13. Here we select our connection and connect to it.

VPN setup on Windows 7 completed.

Let's move on to setting up a VPN on Windows 10, the algorithm and actions are almost the same there. The only difference is in some interface elements and access to them.

So, for example, to get into the "Network and Sharing Center" you need to do everything the same as on Windows 7, besides there is a special item " Create and configure a new connection or ...».
Further, the setting is done in the same way as on Windows 7, only the interface will be slightly different.

Some inconvenience for Windows 10 users may be associated with the fact that they will be looking for a classic view of the network. You should go to " Network and Internet", And then select" View the status of tasks and networks "for further work with configuring VPN networks.

In fact, there is nothing complicated in setting up. By the way, such a VPN connection can be configured even on Android devices, the section below will be devoted to this.

5. VPN setup on Android

To perform such an operation, you will need to install and download a tool called SuperVPN Free VPM Client from the official Android stores.

A window of the program that will offer the creation of a VPN network on Android.

In general, everything is clear here, click on " Connect", After which the search for available networks will begin and further connection with them. Setting up a VPN for Android is done without additional programs.

The development of mobile Internet technologies has made it possible to fully use phones and tablets for surfing the Web. Mobile gadgets are used not only to find the necessary information, with their help: they communicate in social communities, make purchases, conduct financial transactions, and work in corporate networks.

But how about a reliable, secure, anonymous internet connection? The answer is simple - use a VPN, for example https://colander.pro/servers.

What is VPN and why you need it on your phone

Technologies that allow creating a logical network with one or many connections are collectively called Virtual Private Network (abbreviated VPN). Literally translated, this expression sounds like a virtual private network.

Its essence is to create a secure connection (a kind of tunnel) over or inside another network through which, thanks to the application installed on the gadget, the client can access the VPN server. Within such a connection, change, encryption and protection of all transmitted data is carried out.

Why have services that provide the opportunity to use such virtual networks have become so popular and is it really necessary to have them on a tablet or smartphone?

On tourist and business trips, it is often necessary to use the Internet: to enter a mobile office, business correspondence, order and pay for tickets and communicate via Skype, etc. It is convenient to check mail, analyze quotes, study news with the help of a device at hand. But for this you have to resort to Wi-Fi services, which is now free in many train stations, airports, cafes and hotels.

Of course, the ability to access the Internet anywhere is a useful and convenient thing, but how safe is it. Information security experts argue that through an unsecured Wi-Fi connection, you can easily and without much difficulty gain access to all the data on the gadget.

In this case, the choice of VPN services will be the best way to protect the user from theft of his confidential information. However, these virtual networks can be used for more than just security. Their use allows you to get the opportunity to go to a web resource that is not available in a certain region, bypass the restriction of the corporate network, and so on.

Features of mobile technologies

In order for the owners of mobile gadgets to take advantage of these cloud technologies, many VPN servers have been adapted to work with such devices. The communication channels used by smartphones and tablets to access the Network often change, it can be Wi-Fi, and then a 3G or 4G connection. This greatly complicates the ability of a conventional VPN server to maintain a stable connection on a dedicated channel.

This is due to the fact that he sees gadgets accessing him from different subnets and IP addresses, which leads to the loss of active connection by applications installed on the devices. To avoid this on specially adapted servers equipped with VPN technology, they began to use special authorization methods. Which make it possible to carry out two-way data transfer from the server to wearable gadgets, where the device periodically changes the network settings.

How to properly use VPN features on your phone

There are paid VPN server services and their free counterparts. What is better to choose is up to each user individually. If you manage to decide on the choice of a service and a server, you need to proceed to setting up. Now the most popular mobile gadgets are iPhone and Android devices.

Activating VPN on iPhone

There are two ways you can configure your iPhone to use these technologies. The first is to choose the most suitable application from the App Store and install it. Then perform the following actions:

• Visit the settings section.
• Open the VPN tab and activate it with the slider.
• Then select the installed service.

The second is to manually configure the VPN. To do this, you need to carry out the following manipulations:

• After entering the settings section of the device, activate VPN and click on the "add configuration" icon.
• Then select the type of protection: L2TP, IPSec or IKEv2 and activate the required configuration.
• After that, you should fill in the information about the settings of the private network: a description of the remote identifier, server and fill in the information required for registration - nickname, password.
• If you have a proxy server, you should choose based on your preferences, its use: auto or manual.
• By clicking the "Finish" button and switching the state slider to the desired position, you can start surfing the Internet.

Now all traffic from the iPhone will go through the VPN.

VPN setup on Android

Here it is much easier to connect the selected VPN service for this you need:

• Activate the section "Settings", where in the line "Wireless networks" click on the inscription: "Advanced".
• After that, after opening the "VPN" subsection and clicking on the + sign, data on the available connection protocols for such services will be provided.
• Having selected and saved the required connection, all that remains is to enter and create the necessary credentials for work: login and password.

Of course, the construction site of different smartphones may differ, but the basic steps are very similar.

Conclusion

It is hard to argue that the use of VPN on mobile devices is becoming an increasingly popular service. Thanks to such services, a lot of opportunities open up for users: when going on a trip, they have the opportunity not to break away from the work process, knowing that all his data are constantly protected, being in a different region to get access to the necessary resources and other preferences.