VPN（虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Network)）听起来像是一个令人生畏的术语，但任何使用过它的人都会告诉您它们的设置和使用多么容易。过去，VPN(VPNs)主要是企业级现象。然而，注重隐私的互联网用户现在比以往任何时候都更依赖 VPN 。(users are now relying on VPNs)
您现在可以以更低的价格 获得VPN ，在几分钟内完成设置，并确保您的连接安全和隐私。(VPN)
本指南将引导您了解有关设置和使用VPN的所有信息。
VPN如何帮助您？(How Does a VPN Help You?)
VPN(VPNs)可以帮助您解决以下问题：
- 保持匿名在线（始终选择具有无日志政策的 VPN）(Stay Anonymous Online (Always Choose a VPN With a No-Logs Policy))
当您连接到VPN服务器时，具有严格无日志政策的VPN不会收集任何数据。一旦断开连接，就好像您从未在那里一样。
您应该选择十四眼(Fourteen Eyes)国家以外的VPN 。这些国家要求在其领土内运营的公司在国家安全需要时监控和共享用户活动。
主要 VPN 的总部通常位于没有数据保留法的国家，例如英属维尔京群岛(Virgin Islands)和巴拿马(Panama)。
- 加密您的互联网流量(Encrypt Your Internet Traffic)
FTC 2021 年的一份报告(2021 FTC report)显示，许多ISP(ISPs)（互联网服务提供商(Internet Service Providers)）至少(at least)可以像广告平台一样侵犯隐私。许多ISP(ISPs)可以访问您未加密的活动，并且可以将该活动追溯到您。
不仅您的 ISP 可以访问用户的未加密流量。例如，当使用公共WiFi时，您的数据可能容易受到中间人攻击。如果您需要在咖啡馆使用公共网络传输敏感文件和使用网上银行，您应该使用VPN。
VPN(VPNs)会加密您的流量，因此任何试图访问您的在线活动的人都无法解密数据，即使他们得到了数据。
- 访问受地理限制的网站或绕过审查(Access Geo-Blocked Websites or Bypass Censorship)
假设(Say)你要去马尔代夫(Maldives)旅行。当您到达那里时，您将无法访问 Netflix US(access to Netflix U.S.)或HBO Max 。打开Netflix会自动将您带到马尔代夫(Maldives)图书馆。除非您使用 VPN(unless you use a VPN.)，否则您无法在马尔代夫(Maldives)尽情观看您最喜欢的Netflix 美国(Netflix U.S.)节目。
您可以通过连接到基于美国的VPN服务器来做到这一点。这将帮助您获得美国 IP(U.S. IP)地址。当您使用美国 IP(U.S. IP)地址登录Netflix时，该网站会认为您实际位于美国并允许您访问美国图书馆。您还可以使用VPN从不同国家/地区访问仅在美国可用的HBO Max等平台。
您还可以使用VPN(VPNs)绕过政府审查。例如，如果您要去中国(China)旅行，但需要访问Facebook ，则需要使用VPN绕过中国(China)的防火墙(Great Firewall)。
但是，并非所有VPN(VPNs)都可以绕过地理封锁或审查。您需要一个可以隐藏您的 IP 来自 VPN 服务器的事实的(VPN)VPN 。(VPN)
如何设置 VPN(How to Set Up a VPN)
设置VPN是一个简单的三步过程，不需要技术技能。如果您在选择VPN时需要帮助，我们将在下一节讨论。我们将使用ExpressVPN来说明设置过程。
- 从其网站(website)注册 ExpressVPN 。
- 下载(Download)适用于您设备的ExpressVPN应用程序并安装它。它适用于所有主要操作系统，包括Windows、Mac、Android和 iOS。如果您使用的是 iPhone/iPad 或Android设备，您可以从Play Store或App Store下载(App Store)VPN应用程序。
- 启动ExpressVPN并按下电源按钮以连接到服务器。它会自动连接到最佳服务器位置，但您也可以从列表中自己选择一个。
您还可以通过选择左上角的汉堡图标并选择选项来根据您的偏好配置(Options)ExpressVPN。大多数 VPN 设置要么不言自明，要么过于高级，无法满足典型用户的需求，但让我们谈谈重要的设置：
- 网络锁定：(Network Lock:) ExpressVPN 将其称为终止开关(kill switch) Network Lock。您希望保持启用此功能，以便应用程序可以在VPN连接突然断开时停止所有互联网流量。这将确保您永远不会使用未加密的连接意外访问互联网。
- 拆分隧道：(Split tunneling: )此功能允许您为特定应用程序使用VPN连接，而其他应用程序继续使用未加密的连接。ExpressVPN允许您创建允许列表（可以使用VPN连接的应用程序）或阻止列表（不能使用VPN连接的应用程序）。
配置VPN后，您可以连接到VPN服务器并访问网站，而无需担心安全和隐私问题。
3 个最佳 VPN（包括免费替代方案）(3 Best VPNs (Free Alternative Included))
有无数的VPN提供商，但您需要选择可靠的服务来确保您的在线安全和隐私。我们选择了三种最佳VPN服务。其中两个是根据其功能组合和受欢迎程度选择的。第三种选择是免费VPN，适用于那些还不想花钱购买VPN的人。所有列出的VPN(VPNs)都有无日志政策（它们不会跟踪您的活动）。
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN是目前可用的最佳VPN。它通过OpenVPN等(OpenVPN)VPN协议及其专有的Lightway协议与AES-256加密 相结合，提供一流的安全性。
它绕过了几乎所有流媒体服务的地理限制，包括Netflix。由于ExpressVPN提供无限带宽和出色的连接速度，您可以在自己喜欢的流媒体平台上享受无缓冲流媒体。
请注意，在大多数情况下，VPN 连接至少会(will)稍微降低您的速度，因为您的流量需要通过中间服务器（VPN服务器）。在ISP(ISP)一直在限制速度的某些情况下，VPN可能会提高您的速度。(VPNs)您可以使用ExpressVPN(ExpressVPN)上的内置速度测试来测试速度。
ExpressVPN满足所有条件——它快速、安全、可靠。唯一的缺点是它很贵。如果您愿意为高级服务多花钱，ExpressVPN可能是适合您的VPN。没有试用版，但如果您在使用ExpressVPN(ExpressVPN)几天后不喜欢它，可以使用 30 天退款保证要求全额退款。
- 北方VPN(NordVPN)(NordVPN)
NordVPN在几个方面非常接近ExpressVPN。它几乎一样快，可以保护您的互联网连接，并提供您在ExpressVPN(ExpressVPN)上可以找到的所有花里胡哨，例如拆分隧道。
VPN适用于所有主要操作系统，并允许六个同时连接（相比之下 Express VPN 为五个）(VPN)。但是，您可以在路由器上安装这两个VPN 。(VPNs)这允许将VPN用于任意数量的设备，只要它们连接到该路由器即可。
NordVPN在安全性方面比(NordVPN)ExpressVPN更进了一步。它具有多跳服务器，可通过多个服务器而不是一个服务器来路由您的流量，从而增加了另一层保护。它还具有一项称为CyberSec的功能，该功能可作为防病毒软件，保护您免受恶意网站上的恶意软件的侵害并阻止广告。
最好的部分？NordVPN的费用是(NordVPN)ExpressVPN 的一半，并且(and)还提供 30 天退款保证。
如果您正在寻找更便宜的替代品，请考虑Surfshark 或 CyberGhost(Surfshark or CyberGhost)。不想要付费VPN(Don)吗(VPN)？检查下一个提供商。
- 爬墙者(Windscribe)(Windscribe)
最好的VPN服务是付费服务。虽然有大量免费的VPN服务，但其中大多数都不可靠且不安全，除了Windscribe和Tunnelbear等少数服务。
Windscribe与付费(Windscribe)VPN(VPNs)一样保护您的连接。如果您想要一个免费的VPN在使用公共WiFi网络或热点时保护您的连接免受黑客攻击，Windscribe将免费提供。
您可以在您的计算机或移动设备上安装Windscribe 。它还具有适用于所有流行浏览器的浏览器扩展(browser extension)，包括Chrome。
与其他VPN(VPNs)不同，Windscribe 的浏览器扩展不仅仅是桌面应用程序的远程控制。它提供了额外的好处，例如ROBERT，该功能允许阻止广告和恶意网站。
Windscribe很容易成为最好的免费VPN，但免费版本有一些限制。免费版的每月数据上限为 10GB。此外，速度充其量只是平庸，在高清流式传输时偶尔会遇到缓冲。
准备好使用 VPN 了吗？(Ready to Use a VPN?)
VPN(VPNs)提供安全性和隐私性，因此您永远不必担心有人窃取您的数据或将任何在线活动追踪给您。VPN 应用程序通常适用于所有主要操作系统和设备，无论您使用的是 Microsoft Windows、Android还是Apple设备。但是，您是否知道在 Windows 上还有一个带有免费内置 VPN(browser with a free built-in VPN)和内置 VPN 服务(built-in VPN service on Windows)的浏览器？
How to Set Up and Use a VPN: A Beginner’s Guide
VPN (Virtual Private Network) sounds like an intimidating term, but anyone who has used one will tell you how easy they are to set up and use. In the past, VPNs were mainly an enterprise-level phenomenon. However, privacy-cautious internet users are now relying on VPNs more than ever.
You can now get a VPN for a much lower price, set it up within minutes, and ensure your connection’s security and privacy.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and using a VPN.
How Does a VPN Help You?
VPNs can help you with the following things:
- Stay Anonymous Online (Always Choose a VPN With a No-Logs Policy)
A VPN with a strict no-logs policy doesn’t collect any data when you’re connected to a VPN server. Once you disconnect, it’s almost as if you were never there.
You should select a VPN based outside the Fourteen Eyes nations. These countries require companies operating within their territory to monitor and share user activity when necessary for national security.
Major VPNs are usually headquartered in countries with no data retention laws, like the British Virgin Islands and Panama.
- Encrypt Your Internet Traffic
A 2021 FTC report revealed that many ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can be at least as privacy-intrusive as ad platforms. Many ISPs have access to your unencrypted activity and can trace that activity back to you.
It’s not just your ISP that can access a user’s unencrypted traffic. For instance, when using public WiFi, your data may be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. If you need to transfer sensitive documents and use online banking using a public network at a cafe, you should use a VPN.
VPNs encrypt your traffic, so anyone who tries to access your online activity won’t be able to decrypt the data even if they get their hands on it.
- Access Geo-Blocked Websites or Bypass Censorship
Say you’re going on a trip to the Maldives. You won’t have access to Netflix U.S. or HBO Max when you get there. Opening Netflix will take you to the Maldives library automatically. You can’t binge-watch your favorite Netflix U.S. show from the Maldives, unless you use a VPN.
You can do this by connecting to a U.S.-based VPN server. This will help you acquire a U.S. IP address. When you log into Netflix with a U.S. IP address, the website will think you’re physically located in the U.S. and let you access the U.S. library. You’ll also be able to access platforms like HBO Max that are only available in the U.S. from different countries using a VPN.
You can also use VPNs to bypass government censorship. For instance, if you’re traveling to China but need to access Facebook, you’ll need to bypass China’s Great Firewall using a VPN.
However, not all VPNs can bypass geoblocks or bypass censorship. You’ll need a VPN that can hide the fact that your IP comes from a VPN server.
How to Set Up a VPN
Setting up a VPN is an easy three-step process and doesn’t require technical skills. If you need help choosing a VPN, we discuss that in the next section. We’ll use ExpressVPN to illustrate the setup process.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN from its website.
- Download the ExpressVPN app for your device and install it. It’s available for all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you’re on an iPhone/iPad or Android device, you can download the VPN app from the Play Store or the App Store.
- Launch ExpressVPN and press the power button to connect to a server. It will automatically connect with the best server location, but you can also choose one yourself from the list.
You can also configure ExpressVPN based on your preference by selecting the hamburger icon at the top-left and selecting Options. Most VPN settings are either self-explanatory or too advanced for a typical user’s requirements, but let’s talk about the important ones:
- Network Lock: ExpressVPN calls its kill switch Network Lock. You’d want to keep this enabled so the app can stop all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops abruptly. This will ensure you never access the internet with an unencrypted connection unexpectedly.
- Split tunneling: This feature lets you use a VPN connection for specific apps while other apps continue using the unencrypted connection. ExpressVPN lets you create an allowlist (apps that can use the VPN connection) or a blocklist (apps that can’t use the VPN connection).
Once you’ve configured the VPN, you can connect to a VPN server and access websites without worrying about security and privacy.
3 Best VPNs (Free Alternative Included)
There are countless VPN providers, but you’ll want to choose a reliable service to ensure your online security and privacy. We’ve picked the three best VPN services. Two of them were selected based on their feature portfolio and popularity. The third option is a free VPN for those who aren’t looking to spend on a VPN just yet. All listed VPNs have a no-logs policy (they don’t track your activity).
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is currently the best VPN available. It offers top-notch security through VPN protocols like OpenVPN, and its proprietary Lightway protocol, combined with AES-256 encryption.
It bypasses geoblocks on almost all streaming services, including Netflix. Since ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and excellent connection speeds, you can enjoy buffer-free streaming on your favorite streaming platforms.
Note that a VPN connection will slow down your speeds at least marginally in most cases because your traffic will need to travel through an intermediary server (the VPN server). VPNs may improve your speed in some cases where the ISP has been throttling speeds. You can test speeds using the built-in speed test on ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN checks all the boxes—it’s fast, secure, and reliable. The only downside is that it’s expensive. If you’re open to spending extra for a premium service, ExpressVPN might be the right VPN for you. There’s no trial, but you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee to claim a full refund if you don’t like ExpressVPN after using it for a few days.
- NordVPN
NordVPN comes very close to ExpressVPN in several aspects. It’s almost as fast, secures your internet connection, and offers all the bells and whistles you’ll find on ExpressVPN, like split tunneling.
The VPN works on all major operating systems and allows six simultaneous connections (compared to five on ExpressVPN). However, you can install both VPNs on a router. This allows using the VPN for any number of devices as long as they’re connected to that router.
NordVPN goes a step further with its security than ExpressVPN. It has multihop servers that route your traffic through multiple servers instead of one, adding another layer of protection. It also has a feature called CyberSec, which functions as an antivirus by protecting you against malware on malicious sites and blocking ads.
The best part? NordVPN costs half of ExpressVPN and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper alternative, consider Surfshark or CyberGhost. Don’t want a paid VPN? Check the next provider.
- Windscribe
The best VPN services are the paid ones. While there are tons of free VPN services, most of them are unreliable and insecure, except a few like Windscribe and Tunnelbear.
Windscribe secures your connection just as well as paid VPNs. If you want a free VPN to secure your connection from hackers when using a public WiFi network or hotspots, Windscribe will do that for free.
You can install Windscribe on your computer or a mobile device. It also has a browser extension for all popular browsers, including Chrome.
Unlike other VPNs, Windscribe’s browser extension isn’t just a remote control for the desktop app. It offers extra goodies like R.O.B.E.R.T., a feature that allows blocking ads and malicious websites.
Windscribe is quite easily the best free VPN available, but the free version comes with limitations. The free version has a 10GB monthly data cap. Plus, the speeds are mediocre at best, and you’ll experience occasional buffering when streaming in HD.
Ready to Use a VPN?
VPNs offer security and privacy, so you never have to worry about someone stealing your data or tracing any online activity back to you. VPN apps are usually available for all major operating systems and devices, whether you use Microsoft Windows, Android, or an Apple device. However, did you know there’s also a browser with a free built-in VPN and a built-in VPN service on Windows?
