FAQ VPN

Have a question? Here are the most frequently asked questions gathered by our users. At vpnguide.org we are ready to help with any problem you may have. If you can’t find an answer to your question, leave us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

• What exactly is a VPN?
• Why would I need a VPN?
• How do I select a VPN service provider?
• Will I be able to use a VPN on my Mac?
• How safe is it to use a Free VPN service?
• Will a VPN affect my Internet connection speed?
• What can I do when using a VPN?
• How do payment plans work for VPN services?
• Do I really need a subscription to a VPN service?
• How can I differentiate between various VPNs?
• Does a VPN ensure my anonymity?
• Do I need a VPN every time I access the Internet?
• What do you mean by VPN protocol?
• Can I use a VPN on my mobile device?
• Does a VPN limit speed and storage?
• How can I differentiate between static and a dynamic IP address?
• Can I use a VPN with a dynamic IP address?
• I want to use my VPN only for specific websites. Is it possible?
• What exactly is split tunneling?
• How can split tunneling help me have a better VPN experience?
• Do I require a firewall while using my VPN?
• What is meant by clientless VPN?
• How do I know if a VPN is reliable?
• Does a VPN increase my security online?
• Is there an advantage to building my own private VPN server?
• What is the key difference between Tor and VPN?
• What is a DNS leak mean?
• While using a VPN, how can I prevent a DNS leak?
• Which security measures should I adopt in order to make my VPN servers more secure?
• What is site-to-site VPN?
• Should I always select a provider with servers in many locations? If so, why?
• How do I know that my router supports a VPN?
• Is there any legal implication on using a VPN?
• Is there a chance that my ISP may block my VPN?
• Is my VPN provider able to track all of my online activities?
• Can a VPN provide me protection against viruses?
• Is there any disadvantage of using a VPN?
• How difficult is it to set a VPN?
• Can I access my VPN from any location?
• Is it possible for me to use multiple VPNs; all at the same time?
• What are the advantages of using two simultaneous VPNs?
• Is there any difference between a proxy server and a VPN?
• I want to improve the speed of my VPN connection. How can I do it?
• Can I use the same VPN on multiple devices?
• Is it possible that I can use a VPN on a public computer?
• I want to change my VPN server location. How can I do this?
• Do any countries block VPN connections?
• How can we differentiate between shared and dedicated IP addresses?
• I am a gamer. How can I ensure a VPN doesn’t slow down my computer?
• What are the most important things to look for when selecting a VPN provider?

What exactly is a VPN?

The term VPN means “Virtual Private Network.” A VPN is used essentially to maintain the confidentiality of private communications over the Internet. With an encrypted VPN network, companies can enjoy benefits and security of a private network at a much lower cost.

Why would I need a VPN?

Individuals wanting to protect their personal data and maintain privacy while browsing the Internet can use VPNs at home. Another main reason to use VPN is to avoid the censorship or restrictions imposed in a particular region. VPN is an ideal solution to avoid geo-blocking.

How do I select a VPN service provider?

A large number of organizations offer their employees access to their private networks through a VPN. As an individual, you also have many options for using a VPN. The best way to select a VPN provider and open up an account with them is to research by surveying customer reviews and feedback for that particular service provider. With proper research, you will get an idea about the reliability and trustworthiness of a VPN provider.

Will I be able to use a VPN on my Mac?

Yes! You can definitely use a VPN with your Mac. In fact, newer versions of Macs have built-in support for VPNs. OS X gives you the benefit of having multiple VPN accounts on the same computer. This can be easily set up through the ‘’Network’’ option in ‘’System Preferences.’’

How safe is it to use a Free VPN service?

It is not recommended to use free VPN service providers. The changes are high that a VPN provider is offering you free services, but it is earning money by tracking your online activities. But this might not always be true. We cannot say that all Free VPN services are unreliable or unsafe. You can always research for a trustworthy free VPN service provider by checking the feedback and reviews of their clients.

Will a VPN affect my Internet connection speed?

Sometimes. Depending on what activities you perform while using a VPN, your Internet connection may slow down. You can always use a VPN for routing all of your information and online activities that you want to keep private such as online banking. For others, let’s say browsing the Internet for DIY home improvement projects, you can simply not use a VPN for faster speed. Depending upon your own individual needs, you can select the right balance between privacy and connection speed. VPN’s geographical location and the number of people connected to a VPN also greatly affect the connection speed.

What can I do when using a VPN?

With the help of a VPN, you can send or receive private information while using a public Internet connection. A VPN maintains your privacy, security, and anonymity while accessing the Internet that may be available to the general public. You can keep your private information secure with the help of a VPN even if you are connected through an open Wi-Fi Internet connection. It helps you in keeping your browsing history private and protects you against data tracking. Most importantly, you can always maintain your anonymity online, as the Internet will think you are located where the VPN server is based.

How do payment plans work for VPN services?

Many VPN service providers charge monthly or yearly subscription fees. However, there might be other hidden costs associated with your account. Before picking a VPN, ask questions such as: is there a limit on how much bandwidth I use? Are there any cancellation charges? DO I have to sign a contract? If it’s a free service, how is the company making money? Make sure you do a detailed research and select the VPN service that best meets your requirements.

Do I really need a subscription to a VPN service?

All VPN service providers have different subscription plans. Some will charge you a monthly fee while others require a yearly subscription. A few VPN providers demand yearly contracts or subscriptions while many don’t. You have to select a VPN subscription that best suits your needs.

How can I differentiate between various VPNs?

Online reviews and feedbacks about VPN service providers are the easiest and the best way to choose between different VPN providers. You have plenty of information on the Internet that can tell you in detail about pros and cons of different VPN service providers. Online reviews provide in-depth information by comparing and contrasting different VPN providers. Once you shortlist the best ones, you can take further help from their customer feedback and reviews before picking a VPN service.

Does a VPN ensure my anonymity?

It is always a good practice to assume that no one can ensure complete anonymity over the Internet. However, VPN providers conceal your online presence and offers a high level of anonymity. The great thing about a VPN is that you may be browsing the Internet from the US, but because your VPN server may be in Australia, the Internet thinks you’re surfing the web from that location. The level of your anonymity largely depends on the VPN provider and their security protocol (i.e. how much do they really track your online activity?). Again, do your research and compare different VPN providers to see who gives you the most security online.

Do I need a VPN every time I access the Internet?

It depends on why exactly you are using a VPN service. For example, your office may require you to use their VPN connection whenever you access their network remotely. However, if you are using a VPN for personal use, then you can always keep the VPN service for only private communications and perform all other online activities in a regular browser.

What do you mean by VPN protocol?

A VPN protocol refers to the approach that a VPN provider takes on handling your Internet access and encrypting the activity. There is a wide range of VPN protocols, each having their own benefits and disadvantages. Every VPN protocol comes with a different security level and you need to research that offers the best protocol.

Can I use a VPN on my mobile device?

Yes, you can use a VPN on a mobile device; however, the physical location of the mobile user does not remain stationary. People who are commuting all the time and need an uninterrupted access, usually opt for mobile VPNs. A mobile VPN allows you to keep all your apps running and keeps you connected while you are on the move.

Does a VPN limit speed and storage?

There is no set limitation of speed and storage. Every VPN provider offers its own speed and storage limit. One needs to consider the pricing of the VPN service along with the speed and storage limitation.

How can I differentiate between static and a dynamic IP address?

When a static IP address is assigned to a device, it means that the address does not change, which makes it easier for hackers and data mining companies to access your information. On the other hand, if a device is given a dynamic IP address, it means address will be different every time the user logs on. A device with dynamic IP address definitely has an added security advantage, as it cannot be easily tracked because of its changing address.

Can I use a VPN with a dynamic IP address?

As static IP addresses are constant, a VPN provider can easily remember them. This is the reason static IP addresses are considered to be an ideal choice to be used with a VPN. Though VPNs can also be used with dynamic IP addresses, it would require a little extra effort to make things work technically. First, you need to sign up for a free DNS service. Next, you need to update your router with your account details and hostname. You can then put your hostname into remote clients, which will always point to the current IP address of your computer.

I want to use my VPN only for specific websites. Is it possible?

Normally a VPN is set to run on all Internet traffic through the same encrypted tunnel. However, if a client wishes to use their VPN only for specific websites, a Split Tunnel VPN can allow them to do so. The majority of VPN providers do not offer the option of a split tunneling, as it poses a greater security threat.

What exactly is split tunneling?

By default, a VPN is set to send all Internet traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel. However at times, the Internet traffic is split as per user’s choice; where some of the traffic will pass through a secure VPN server and the rest will go through the default browser/gateway. This is known as split tunneling.

How can split tunneling help me have a better VPN experience?

The key advantage of having split tunneling is a faster Internet connection. VPNs are known to slow down Internet connection speeds. To avoid moderate speeds, many people opt for a VPN only when they are accessing private information and/or transferring confidential data. In order to speed things up, split-tunneling is used for hassle free solutions. However, one should keep this in mind that split tunneling always exposes your computer to potential threats.

Do I require a firewall while using my VPN?

By default, a router provides you with a hardware firewall when you are browsing without a VPN. However, once you install your VPN, all your data and information will be encrypted, and pass through the firewall. In order to compensate against this security threat, VPN providers usually offer NAT firewall services that filter all traffic between the VPN server and the Internet. You need to check what protection your VPN service provider is offering.

What is meant by clientless VPN?

A VPN is considered as a ‘clientless VPN’ when it is not connected to a specific host. Some VPNs are not assigned to a client, and they are designed to run from a web browser. Anyone can access these VPNs from any Internet connection by just launching that browser.

How do I know if a VPN is reliable?

Before selecting your VPN provider, you must check their privacy policy and terms of use. A VPN that doesn’t keep a log of its user’s online activities is always a trustworthy and reliable service provider. A reliable VPN provider cleans it logs on a regular basis to avoid hacking and privacy/security threats. You can also check the reputation of a VPN provider from its customer’s feedback and online reviews.

Does a VPN increase my security online?

A VPN plays a key role in securing your online activities and maintaining your privacy. The VPN provider encrypts all data and hides your computer’s IP address. This provides you protection against hackers and websites that try to steal your information. Even when you are accessing an open or shared network, your information remains intact as it is presented in a coded form. Moreover, a reliable VPN provider includes software that protects users from phishing, spyware, adware and malicious software.

Is there an advantage to building my own private VPN server?

Finding a trustworthy and affordable VPN provider is a tricky affair. To make things simpler, secure and affordable building your own private VPN server is an ideal solution. Having your private VPN server will ensure guaranteed privacy, and it also doesn’t put any extra burden on your pocket. With your own VPN server, you can easily connect to your secure home network anytime from anywhere around the world.

What is the key difference between Tor and VPN?

Tor and VPN are two entirely different products. Though both are used to ensure privacy and security, they both work on different systems. A VPN will take your Internet connection, encrypt it, and pass it through a server so that you are not directly connecting to the Internet. On the other hand, Tor takes your connection, encrypts it, and then relays it around a few other servers before decrypting it and sending it to its destination. Tor is definitely much more reliable than a VPN, but you have to compromise a lot on the speed. If you are handling a highly sensitive data and require greater speed then go for Tor otherwise, VPN is a good option.

What is a DNS leak mean?

The DNS or Domain Name System is used to turn website names into numerical codes or IP addresses. Whenever a computer or a device contacts an Internet server, it will automatically contact a DNS server and request the IP address. ISP assigns a DNS server to every customer. Internet Service Providers use this DNS server to keep track of customer Internet activities. A DNS leak occurs when an operating system doesn’t use the anonymous DNS server that was assigned to a computer, and instead uses its default DNS server. This means that all the private data has a security threat and can be leaked.

While using a VPN, how can I prevent a DNS leak?

Some VPN providers offer built-in DNS leak protection that ensures protection against a DNS leak. However, not many VPN providers offer this DNS leak protection option. Another good way to prevent DNS leak is to put a good DNS service in place; OpenDNS is one such example. You can also purchase utilities like VPNCheck, which can prevent and fix DNS leaks.

Which security measures should I adopt in order to make my VPN servers more secure?

A VPN cannot ensure absolute security. It is always a best practice that you keep your device’s anti-malware and anti-spyware up to date and running. Using an anonymous web browser in addition to your VPN will encrypt your browser data and ensure that even your own VPN provider cannot track your online activity. Another option is to install HTTPS onto your browser. This free extension will force your browser to use encrypted HTTPS connections wherever they are available.

What is site-to-site VPN?

Site-to-site VPNs are beneficial company networks. Organizations that have numerous branch offices at different locations around the world may take advantage of site-to-site VPN. With this, offices maintain a secure and encrypted connection to the office intranet. A site-to-site VPN makes it easy for employees accessing the company network from different geographical locations to share documents and information securely and swiftly.

Should I always select a provider with servers in many locations? If so, why?

Selecting a VPN provider that is closer to your location will greatly affect your Internet connection and service speed. If you travel a lot then it is advisable to select a VPN provider with servers in multiple locations so you can easily access the server network that is closest to you.

How do I know that my router supports a VPN?

Buying a pre-configured VPN router is the easiest and convenient way to make sure you can use your VPN. These routers come with a built-in VPN firmware ensuring compatibility with a number of VPN providers and protocols. Though you still need to purchase the VPN service alongside the router, but with a pre-configured router, you will save yourself from a lot of hassle. If you still want to make your current router compatible with a VPN, you might need to equip it with appropriate firmware. You can find help online that will assist you in checking compatibility of your router with your VPN.

Is there any legal implication on using a VPN?

Browsing the internet through another IP address is legal, and would only be problematic in case one abuses the services offered by a VPN for illegal activities such as scamming, hacking, spreading viruses, or viewing child pornography. Other problems can arise when a VPN user streams material from overseas websites without prior and formal permission of the copyright owner; which is called infringement. In a nutshell, using a VPN not only can be counted as legal but beneficial when used for the correct reasons.

Is there a chance that my ISP may block my VPN?

Whether your ISP can block your VPN or not completely depends on the VPN protocol that you are using. An ISP can block a PPTP because it works on a single port and uses a specific kind of packet. Whereas, the majority of Open VPNs cannot be blocked by an ISP. An ISP will not be able to differentiate your Open VPNs from a regular HTTPS websites, as it runs on multiple ports and protocols.

Is my VPN provider able to track all of my online activities?

A VPN provider can always access and track your online activities. Your VPN’s privacy policy plays an important part in maintaining your privacy. A VPN provider should not keep a log of your data, nor should they share it with any third party. There is always a possibility of sharing, hacking and stealing of online activity if it is kept in the form of a record. It’s better to choose a VPN that does not keep a log or at least delete all records at regular intervals. You can check these details in the Privacy Policy section of your VPN service provider website.

Can a VPN provide me protection against viruses?

Connecting through a VPN offers you added protection than a regular network. With a VPN, you get protection against viruses, worms, Trojans and bots. It also shields you from the display of advertisements on your computer and removes automatic downloads that are harmful. As for example, if you accidently hit a download link that contains a virus, the VPN will immediately cancel the download before the infected file can be transferred.

Is there any disadvantage of using a VPN?

There is no actual disadvantage of using a VPN. The main issue is the reliability of the VPN service provider. Proper research before opting for a VPN service provider can save you a lot of trouble.

How difficult is it to set a VPN?

Setting up a VPN on Windows is simple and hassle free. Windows come with a built-in VPN client that supports some of the most common VPN protocols. Another much easier VPN set-up option is to buy routers that have built-in VPN server. You can always find online support for your VPN set-up.

Can I access my VPN from any location?

Yes, you may access your VPN anytime from anywhere in the world. VPN is an ideal option for businessmen who have to travel abroad on regular basis. They can easily access their official documents and shared files through VPN from any corner around the globe. If you have to commute abroad, a VPN provider with multiple servers in different countries keeps you connected securely with good connection speed.

Is it possible for me to use multiple VPNs; all at the same time?

Yes, it is possible that you use two or more VPNs simultaneously. Using multiple VPNs will provide you with additional security and your data will securely travel through doubled encrypted tunnels. There is only one prerequisite; that the IP addresses used in both networks should not overlap. If you are thinking of using two VPNs simultaneously, it is ideal to run each one on a separate virtual machine and then creating a route between them on the host server.

What are the advantages of using two simultaneous VPNs?

Additional security is the main advantage of using two simultaneous VPNs. People who are communicating sensitive and secret information always use two VPNs simultaneously to ensure maximum protection. If you make sure that you always connect in the same order to your VPNs, it will provide you better anonymity. The first provider will be able to see your data, but it won’t be able to track where your data is going (as it will be routed to the second server) and the second server can see your online activities but will not be able to track you and your data.

Is there any difference between a proxy server and a VPN?

A proxy server and a VPN mainly perform the same functions. However, their working is quite different. A proxy server hides your IP address, but it cannot provide you complete protection against hacking. You appear to be coming from a different IP address, but your information is still exposed to threats. On the other hand, a VPN offers a much safer mode. It encrypts all your information and data, which then passes through a secure tunnel. Even your ISP cannot trace your movements beyond your connection to the VPN.

I want to improve the speed of my VPN connection. How can I do it?

If you feel that your VPN speed is slow, you can always increase it by changing your protocol. Different protocols are supported by different ISPs. Changing your protocol may help you resolve your speed issue. PPTP tends to be less encrypted and therefore runs at a higher speed, whereas L2TP offers a higher level of encryption but a slower service. Getting connected to a VPN server that is closer to your location can also boost your connection speed.

Can I use the same VPN on multiple devices?

Many of the top rated VPN service providers automatically offer at least two simultaneous connections. Some of the VPN providers offer an opportunity to have as many as eight simultaneous connections. If you want to get connected to a VPN through multiple devices i.e. Laptop, PC, phone, and tablet, all at the same time, it is always a good idea to do some research and find out which VPN service providers are matching your needs.

Is it possible that I can use a VPN on a public computer?

It is advisable not to share any private and sensitive information while using a public computer. There might be security and spyware threats involved in that connection. A VPN is the best way to keep your Internet activity secure and private. But in most cases is it not possible to install a VPN client on a public computer.

I want to change my VPN server location. How can I do this?

Many people change their server location to boost the speed of their connection. In addition, many clients need to change their VPN server location because they traveled to a different geographical location. Changing your VPN server location is a simple process, but it greatly depends on your VPN service provider. Make sure you need not to reconfigure your account with each switch.

Do any countries block VPN connections?

Due to security and censorship, the governments of few countries have applied VPN blocking. For example, China has been blocking access to VPNs for many years. Although some VPNs are still functioning in China, they often experience disrupted services. In Iran, VPNs need government sanctions before operating in that region. And according to reports, government approved VPNs are under constant government surveillance.

How can we differentiate between shared and dedicated IP addresses?

A dedicated IP address is usually assigned to a single site while a shared IP address is used for multiple sites. While browsing online with a shared IP address, you can have a better degree of anonymity. But with a dedicated IP address, you will definitely have a personalized layer of security offering you perfect security for logging into private servers.

I am a gamer. How can I ensure a VPN doesn’t slow down my computer?

VPNs are known to slow down Internet connection speed. The best way to ensure that a VPN allows you smooth gaming is to have a separate router and VPN specifically for online gaming. If you have to share the same VPN with other family members, make sure you have a designated time to play (when others are not using the Internet) so that you can enjoy faster speeds.

What are the most important things to look for when selecting a VPN provider?

Some important aspects that you should always look for when selecting a VPN provider include costs, security protocols used by the provider, VPN server locations (if you can use it on mobile devices), and lastly if the provider will be logging your browser activity.