随着数字设备越来越多地融入我们的日常生活，黑客攻击、未经授权的访问、数据窃取、勒索软件攻击等经常发生的事件也在增加。虽然不可能缩短计算机、笔记本电脑、智能手机和平板电脑的使用时间，但现在是时候通过监控我们的数字设备与互联网的交互方式来加强它们的安全性了。
因此，当涉及到计算机的安全(Security)和隐私(Privacy)时，除了安装防病毒软件(Antivirus software)或Internet 安全套件(Internet Security Suite)外，还应考虑在Windows计算机上使用虚拟专用网络(Private Network)或VPN 软件(VPN software)来保持匿名、安全和有保障，并保护您的隐私。您可能会争辩说，VPN可能仅在商业网络或办公室需要 - 但现实情况是，在当今时代，即使在家用计算机上也必须使用它。
VPN 或虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Network)对于在网络上保持隐形或匿名至关重要。VPN软件将加密您的 PC 发送的所有数据，使其不会被黑客入侵。既然美国参议院(US Senate)已经投票允许 ISP 出售您的网络浏览历史记录，那么使用VPN就变得更加重要了。
什么是虚拟专用网络(Private Network)或VPN
VPN代表虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Network)。顾名思义，VPN是创建在公共网络（例如Internet ）上运行的专用网络。它主要被公司用来保护他们的敏感数据。VPN广泛用于访问不在同一LAN上的计算机上的数据。但是，在使用不受信任的公共网络时，它也是保护和加密通信的有效方法。
当您使用 VPN 软件时，您的 IP 地址会被替换或屏蔽(your IP address is replaced or masked)，从而使您隐形。您发送的所有数据都是加密的(data that you send is encrypted)。简而言之，VPN服务器充当隧道(Tunnel)，位于您的计算机和网站之间。因此，ISP(ISPs)也无法追踪您或跟踪您的浏览历史记录。
详细阅读(Detailed read)：什么是VPN，我们为什么要使用VPN(What is a VPN, and Why should we use a VPN)？
虚拟专用网络的工作原理
要使用虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Network)，您必须启动VPN客户端。市场上有许多可用的VPN软件。
在您的机器上启动VPN软件后，您需要使用您的凭据登录。这将建立与远程机器的连接。VPN连接确认网络上的两台 PC 是否都是真实的，并允许两者之间的连接。这两台 PC 之间的通信是加密和安全的。
不仅是两台 PC 之间共享的数据，而且虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Network)还可以保护您 PC 上的互联网连接。因此，它确保您的 PC 发送或接收的任何数据都经过加密和保护。
提示(TIP)：下载此 VPN 可为您的 Windows 提供终极隐私保护(Download this VPN to give your Windows the Ultimate Privacy Shield)。
为什么使用VPN来保障安全和隐私
如前所述，VPN在计算机之间创建安全且加密的连接。因此(Hence)，数据始终不被窥探。您的 PC 和私人服务器之间的任何流量都不会被看到。因此(Hence)，几乎不可能看到此流量甚至修改它。当然，VPN可以查看并记录您的所有活动。但是，与Internet上的浏览器或其他实体不同， (Internet)VPN软件通常不会记录或共享这些数据。
通常，人们出于多种目的使用虚拟专用网络。(Virtual Private Network)其中一些目的是出于善意，而其他目的可能被法律视为非法。这些包括：
- 远程连接组织的专用网络
- 使用公共Wi-Fi时，保护数据
- 隐藏 BitTorrent 盗版
- 躲避政府审查或监视
- 从其他国家访问Netflix库(Netflix)
但是，当今面临的最突出和最常见的问题之一可以使用VPN来解决。所有互联网服务提供商都会大量收集(Internet Service Providers mass-collect data)有关您在线活动的数据。这些收集到的数据提供了关于您的各种信息，例如您喜欢什么、访问的网站、居住的地方、穿的衣服、工作的地方等等。有时，这些信息会出售给在线营销人员——这是在未经您同意的情况下完成的。
然后是我们现在已经习惯的免费 WiFi 的危险。(dangers of free WiFi)当您连接到公共 Wi-Fi 网络(public Wi-Fi network)时，您的敏感信息（例如银行帐户密码、在线登录和电子邮件密码）很容易被黑客入侵，因为这些网络并不安全——这就是为什么我们建议您遵循这些WiFi 安全提示(WiFi Security Tips)– 其中之一是安装VPN。
阅读(Read)：如何选择最好的 VPN(How to choose the best VPN)？
您应该在一个好的虚拟专用网络中查看哪些内容(Virtual Private Network)
选择VPN时，您需要寻找它的一些功能。高效的VPN必须提供各种功能、良好的连接协议、服务器位置和实惠的价格。除了一般类别的免费和付费VPN(VPNs)外，一些VPN(VPNs)还适合偶尔使用。如果您想长时间使用虚拟专用网络，您可以选择绕过位置限制的(Virtual Private Network)VPN(VPNs)。
提示(TIP)：使用自由门反审查软件(Freegate anti-censorship software)绕过互联网审查和自由浏览。
哪个VPN对你有好处
这是您必须提出的一个关键问题。您将必须查看您的要求，然后决定选择(see your requirements and then decide)哪一个。您(Are)是否担心隐私或安全？或者地理封锁更令人担忧，您希望能够查看被封锁的网站。或者，也许您更关心绕过限制性网络。您希望发送的数据加密程度如何。您的VPN不记录您的数据重要吗？您对这些问题的回答将帮助您做出决定。
VPN(VPNs)使用不同类型的协议(Protocols)来建立连接。如果您担心隐私，最好选择支持 OpenVPN的(supports OpenVPN)VPN，并避免使用PPTP等其他协议。(PPTP)
并非所有的VPN(VPNs)都很好。因此(Hence)，重要的是只安装流行的VPN(VPNs)。您可以在我们的网站上阅读一些VPN的评论。(VPNs)我还遇到了这项出色的研究(this excellent study)，它比较了一堆VPN软件，并在表格中列出了它们的优缺点。并非您在互联网上看到的所有比较都可能是真实的——但这对我来说看起来很可靠。
有几种流行的可用，例如NordVPN、 Traceless.Me VPN、TunnelBear、Freelan Open Source VPN software、 VPN One Click、 Ultrasurf、 TOR、 Betternet、 Jumpto Browser、Hide.Me、 strongSwan、 Psiphon、 Avira Phantom VPN、 Hotspot Shield VPN , Globus Free VPN , SecurityKiss , Spotflux , Neorouter , Hotspot Shield , Hola Unblocker , Windscribe VPN等。
我建议你先安装一个免费的 VPN 软件(free VPN software)(free VPN software)，试用一周左右，看看你是否喜欢它，它是否在你的电脑上运行良好。有时，VPN软件可能会破坏您的互联网连接。因此，请每周尝试几个VPN ，然后决定哪一个最适合您。(VPNs)
CyberGhost是另一个值得信赖且流行的VPN。就像(Just)任何其他高效的VPN服务一样，CyberGhost是一种适用于(CyberGhost)Windows的匿名VPN解决方案，可以完全隐藏和保护您的在线身份。免费版用户通常需要等待几分钟才能连接 - 但付费版非常好。他们的CyberGhost Premium VPN可在 18 个月内以 63 美元的价格购买 7 台设备，从而节省 73% 的巨额费用！
如果您可以投资一些金额，为了您的安全，您应该购买付费VPN版本——但免费版本也可以。大多数免费VPN(VPNs)每月都会为您提供一定数量的免费数据。但是有些允许您增加此配额。TunnelBear 每次发推文时都会为您提供 1GB 的额外免费数据。Windscribe VPN每月为您提供 10GB 的免费数据——但目前，他们的促销活动将为您提供终身每月 50GB 的免费数据！
在互联网上隐形！
老实说，即使您是家庭 PC 用户，我也觉得是时候采用VPN软件了。(VPN)对你们中的一些人来说，这可能看起来很复杂，但是一些VPN软件，如CyberGhost VPN 、 Traceless VPN 、TunnelBear(CyberGhost VPN)等(Traceless VPN)，对(TunnelBear)你来说真的很容易。您需要做的就是单击连接(Connect)或断开连接(Disconnect)按钮。我使用过Cyberghost、Traceless和TunnelBear，发现它们很容易使用——但我相信还有其他一些很好用的好用的。
如果您有什么要添加到这篇文章或分享您使用任何 VPN 软件的经验，我们很乐意听到。(If you have anything to add to this post or share your experience with using any VPN software, we’d love to hear.)
Why use VPN service or software for Security and Privacy
With digital devices continuing to find more and more involved in our daily lives, whаt is also increasing is the regular inсidents of hacking, unauthorizеd access, data prying, ransomware attacks, and more. While it is impossible to shorten the usage of computers, laptops, smartрhones, and tablets, it is time to beef up the security of our digital devices by monitoring how they interаct with the internet.
So when it comes to the Security and Privacy of your computer, apart from installing an Antivirus software or Internet Security Suite, one should consider using a Virtual Private Network or a VPN software on your Windows computer to stay anonymous, safe & secure, and to protect your privacy. You may argue that VPN may be required only at commercial networks or at offices – but the reality is that in today’s time, is that it has become imperative that one use it even on a home computer.
A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is essential to stay invisible or anonymous on the net. A VPN software will encrypt all the data that your PC sends so that it will not be hackable. And now that the US Senate has voted to let ISPs sell your Web Browsing History, it has become even more important to use a VPN.
What is Virtual Private Network or VPN
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. As the name suggests, VPN is the creation of a private network that works over public networks, such as the Internet. It is mainly used by corporations to protect their sensitive data. A VPN is widely used to access the data on a computer that is not physically on the same LAN. However, it is also an effective way to secure and encrypt communication when using the untrusted public network.
When you use a VPN software, your IP address is replaced or masked, thus making you invisible. All the data that you send is encrypted. In short, the VPN server acts as a Tunnel and stands between your computer and the website. The ISPs too are therefore not able to trace you or track your browsing history.
Detailed read: What is a VPN, and Why should we use a VPN?
How Virtual Private Network works
To use a Virtual Private Network, you have to launch a VPN client. There are a number of VPN software available in the market.
Once you have launched the VPN software on your machine, you need to log in with your credentials. This establishes a connection with the remote machine. The VPN connection confirms whether both the PCs on the network are authentic and allows the connection between the two. The communication between these two PCs is encrypted and secured.
Not only the data shared between the two PCs, but a Virtual Private Network also secures the internet connection on your PC. Thus, it ensures any data sent or received by your PC is encrypted and secured.
TIP: Download this VPN to give your Windows the Ultimate Privacy Shield.
Why use a VPN for security and privacy
As mentioned before, VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between computers. Hence, the data always remains hidden from prying eyes. Any traffic between your PC and a private server remains unseen. Hence, it is nearly impossible to see this traffic or even modify it. Of course, the VPN can see and record all your activities. However, a VPN software does not typically log or share this data, unlike the browsers or other entities on the Internet.
In general, a Virtual Private Network is used by people for several purposes. Some of these purposes are with good intentions, while others may be considered illegal by law. These include:
- Taking the remote connection of an organization’s private network
- When using public Wi-Fi, protecting the data
- Hiding BitTorrent piracy
- Hiding from government censorship or surveillance
- Accessing Netflix library from other countries
However, one of the most prominent and common problems being faced today can be tackled using a VPN. All Internet Service Providers mass-collect data about what you do online. This collected data provides all sorts of information about you, such as what you like, sites you visit, where you live, what do you wear, where you work, and so on. Sometimes this information is sold to the online marketers – and this is done without your consent.
And then there are the dangers of free WiFi which we are so used to now. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network your sensitive information such as bank account passwords, online logins, and email passwords can be hacked easily, as these networks are not safe – and that is why we recommend that you follow these WiFi Security Tips – one of which is installing a VPN.
Read: How to choose the best VPN?
What things should you look in a good Virtual Private Network
When selecting a VPN, you need to look for some of its features. An efficient VPN must offer various features, good connectivity protocols, server location, and affordable prices. Apart from a general category of free and paid VPNs, some VPNs are good for occasional use. If you want to use a Virtual Private Network for prolonged use, you can select the VPNs that work around the location restrictions.
TIP: Use Freegate anti-censorship software to bypass internet censorship & browse freely.
Which VPN is good for you
That’s a critical question that you must ask. You will have to see your requirements and then decide which one to go for. Are you concerned about privacy or security? Or is geoblocking more of a concern and you want to be able to view blocked sites. Or maybe you are more concerned about bypassing restrictive networks. How strongly do you want the data you send to be encrypted. Is it important that your VPN does not log your data? Your answers to such questions will help you decide.
VPNs use different types of Protocols to establish connections. It’s best to choose a VPN that supports OpenVPN and avoid using other protocols like PPTP if you are concerned about privacy.
Not all VPNs may be good. Hence, it is important to install only the popular VPNs. You can read the reviews of some of the VPNs on our website. I have also come across this excellent study which compares a bunch of VPN software and lays down their pros and cons in a tabular chart. Not all comparisons you see on the internet may be genuine – but this one looks pretty dependable to me.
There are several popular ones available like NordVPN, Traceless.Me VPN, TunnelBear, Freelan Open Source VPN software, VPN One Click, Ultrasurf, TOR, Betternet, Jumpto Browser, Hide.Me, strongSwan, Psiphon, Avira Phantom VPN, Hotspot Shield VPN, Globus Free VPN, SecurityKiss, Spotflux, Neorouter, Hotspot Shield, Hola Unblocker, Windscribe VPN, etc.
I suggest that you install a free VPN software first, try it for a week or so and see if you like it and if it works fine on your computer. Sometimes a VPN software may just break your internet connection. So do try a couple of VPNs for a week each and then decide which one works best for you.
CyberGhost is yet another trustworthy and popular VPN. Just like any other efficient VPN service, CyberGhost is an anonymity VPN solution for Windows that completely hides and protects your identity online. The free version users are often required to wait for a few minutes before they can get connected – but the paid version is very good. Their CyberGhost Premium VPN is available at $63 for 18 months for 7 devices resulting in a huge SAVING of 73%!
If it is possible for you to invest some amount, you should, for the sake of your security go for a paid VPN version – but the free versions are fine too. Most free VPNs give you a set amount of free data every month. But some allow you to increase this quota. TunnelBear gives you 1GB extra free data every time you tweet. Windscribe VPN gives you 10GB free data every month – but currently, their promo will give you 50GB free data per month for life!
Go invisible on the Internet!
I honestly feel that it is time you adopt a VPN software even if you are a home PC user. It may all look complicated to some of you, but several VPN software like CyberGhost VPN, Traceless VPN, TunnelBear, etc. are really easy to you. All you need to do click on the Connect or Disconnect buttons. I have used Cyberghost, Traceless, and TunnelBear and find them easy to use – but I am sure that there are several other good and easy-to-use ones too.
If you have anything to add to this post or share your experience with using any VPN software, we’d love to hear.
