A VPN or virtual private network allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. VPNs can be used to access restricted websites in the region, to protect your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more.

VPNs are now very popular, but not for the reasons they were originally created. Initially, they were just a way to securely connect business networks together over the Internet or allow you to access a home business network.

VPNs essentially redirect all network traffic to the network, which is where all the benefits come from - such as remotely accessing local network resources and bypassing internet censorship. Most operating systems have built-in VPN support.

How does a VPN help me?

In simple terms, a VPN connects your computer, smartphone, or tablet to another computer (called a server) somewhere on the Internet and allows you to browse the Internet using that computer's internet connection. So if that server is in another country, it will appear as if you came from that country and you can access things that you would not normally be able to access.

So how does this help you? 

• Avoid geographical restrictions on websites, or stream audio and video.
• Watch streaming media like Netflix and Hulu.
• Protect yourself from searching for untrusted Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Gain at least a little online anonymity by hiding your true location.
• Protect yourself from being connected during a torrent.

Many people nowadays use a VPN for torrenting or bypassing geographic restrictions to view content in another country. They are still very useful to protect yourself while working in a cafe, but this is no longer the only use.

What VPN should I take?

Depending on your needs, you can either use a VPN at work, create a VPN server yourself, or sometimes host one outside of your home - but realistically, the vast majority of people are looking for just something to protect them while they do torrents or help them. Watch some online media that I can't seem to access from their home country.

The easiest thing to do is simply contact the NSHOST team and ask them for advice on which VPN they recommend, once they understand your needs.

How does a VPN work?

When you connect your computer (or another device, such as a smartphone or tablet) to a VPN, the computer behaves as if it were on the same local network as the VPN. All network traffic is sent over a secure VPN connection. Because your computer behaves like a network, this allows you to securely access your local network resources even when you're on the other side of the world. You will also be able to use the internet as if you were present at the VPN location, which has some advantages if you use public Wi-Fi or want to access geographically blocked websites.

When you browse the web while connected to a VPN, your computer contacts the website through the encrypted VPN connection. The VPN redirects the request to you and redirects the response from the site through the secure connection. 

We encourage you to consider requesting the NSHOST team for a VPN to secure your online access.