Virtual private networks have a wide variety of uses. One of those uses is to connect to office (or home office), and school computer servers remotely. This article is not about this type of VPN use. For that, you are going to need to have a specific destination in mind. But you can download a virtual private network connection to connect to someone else's network. Why would you want to do this? A virtual private network download actually has more advantages than you might think.

When you borrow the use of a VPN service providers network, they assign you an IP address. The IP address they have available, are going to be from the country of the VPN server. If the server is in The US, you get a US IP. If the server is in German, you get an IP in Germany. A VPN server in Japan? Yup, a Japanese IP address.

This results in a number of changes to the way you surf the internet.

First, the IP address used to identify you is changed. Instead of using your real IP, you use one from the VPN server.

Second, the location reflects that of the VPN server, so the sites you visit will think you're in that country. This may change some language settings on the sites you visit. It may also allow you access to (or block your access to) some websites. For example, if you are in Spain and want to access US TV sites, you need to get an American IP. However, with your American IP, you may be blocked from some Spanish sites.

Third, though the IP address has an official location, it is not related to you in any way. This is also called an 'anonymous IP'. You surf the internet, but not as yourself - as an anonymous member of the VPN server.

The How To

To use virtual private network software you need to find a VPN service you like. When the price and the features meet you expectations, and you sign up, simply click on the download link provided. The download should only take a few seconds. Setup will vary based on the device you use and whether or not it has the proper 'VPN client'.

Most devices will be ready to use PPTP and L2TP, including your mobile phones. These are available at pretty much all VPN services. OpenVPN is as well, but you'll have to install the VPN client (just a bit of extra work), and OpenVPN won't work on your phone without a few modifications. If you're not skilled in this area, it's best to stick with PPTP or L2TP for your phone.

All that's left is to choose a server location that fits your needs, and sign in. Some VPN connection may drop, fragment, or have other technical issues from time to time. You may be required to send a copy of the VPN log to your VPN service to find out what the problem is. Don't worry though, the 'VPN log' won't track your activity - it only records events of the VPN connection for troubleshooting purposes. it is not an activity tracker. If you are concerned the VPN service may keep logs of your activity, be sure to ask support what their privacy policy says.