Trying Out A Virtual Private Network

I started subscribing to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) recently. I took a premium service, which means they take your money, at PrivateVPN. I want a secure and anonymous service provider and also linux friendly. It should also include my android phone in the umbrella of devices to be protected.

PrivateVPN

Initially, there's a glitch. It won't let me connect to their servers. I'm using openvpn on my archlinux gnome desktop. I checked if I got all the required installation and configuration done. PrivateVPN on their website mentioned support for openvpn and linux. So I went to my logs next. The logs are mentioning error in authentication so I checked if I'm using the right credentials. After another try at connecting to their server, my logs now mention an authentication failure. I included this in my report to their support. After 24 hours, an email prompted me to try a test password. This test password connected me to the service.

There is a speed hit when using a VPN service so you should pick a server after trying several out. Pick one that's fastest of course.

A VPN connects your home network to a public network, like a proxy service. VPN connects you to their network encrypted and hides your IP address in the process, unlike a proxy.

Torrent users are also protected if they are using VPNs. Streaming videos become possible because your geographical location is hidden. If you are using a VPN service, you can check how safe you are here.

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