A VPN provides an extra layer of security and privacy to your online browsing experience. Whether you want to connect to public Wi-Fi or you’re concerned about online privacy while browsing the web, a VPN is for you.
Getting a VPN is one step you can take to secure your online browsing experience. You should combine it with password managers and use two-factor authentication. In addition to security features, VPNs facilitate access to sensitive data on smart devices.
In this article, we will discuss how to install a VPN on macOS or Windows computers.
Why do you need a VPN?
A VPN creates an encrypted connection between a private server and a computer to hide traffic from prying eyes. However, VPNs can monitor traffic. It is recommended to use a VPN from a trusted and reliable provider.
Home users can set up a VPN using a router, which usually involves more steps, but you don’t need to configure the settings on each device. You can also download third-party tools to connect to a VPN on your computer.
It is recommended to use a paid VPN app instead of downloading a free VPN to improve security. Sometimes free apps steal your data and don’t charge you for using the services. They can manipulate the data differently.
But remember that VPNs also have some drawbacks. For one, they negatively affect your computer’s resources. If you’re using a laptop, for example, you may notice that your device’s battery is draining quickly, prompting you to find a solution to alleviate the problem. .
Windows VPN setup
Creating a VPN profile on Windows is easy, whether you want to use it for home or professional purposes. A VPN provides a more secure connection, especially when connecting your corporate network to an airport or coffee shop.
Before connecting to a VPN, it is necessary to set up a VPN profile on your computer. You can create a VPN profile yourself or create a business account to get a VPN profile from your organization. To get started, you need to think about a few things.
If you want to connect to a VPN for work-related purposes, search for the VPN app or settings on the company’s intranet site, or contact their IT support team.
If you are setting up the VPN for personal use, download an app from the Microsoft Store. After downloading the application, visit the official website of the VPN to see if the network connection settings are listed on the site.
To set up a VPN on your Windows 10 PC, click the Start button, click Settings, and then choose Network & Internet. In the Network and Internet window, select VPN and click Add VPN connection.
In the Add VPN Connection window, follow the steps below:
For VPN provider, select Windows (embedded)
Type a name for your VPN in the Connection name box, and you’ll use that name to connect to the VPN.
Next, enter your VPN server address in the Server Name or Address box.
In the VPN Type section, select the type of VPN connection you want to make.
For the type of login information, you may be asked to provide the username and password credentials for your VPN account.
Then click “Save”.
If you need to modify your VPN connection information or select proxy settings, click the name of your VPN connection and then click Advanced. This is all about creating a VPN profile on your Windows 10 PC. Next, you need to connect to a VPN connection.
Connect to a VPN on Windows.
Click the network icon displayed on the right side of the taskbar. Select the VPN connection you want to connect to by tapping on the name. You’ll see a Connect button below the VPN connection or in the Settings window. Click it to connect to the VPN.
You may be asked to provide login credentials or other login information. Once you connect to the VPN, you will see a connector below.
Let’s now move on to the process of setting up a VPN on macOS.
Setting up a VPN on macOS
If you’re using the Mac’s built-in VPN settings, make sure the VPN is configured correctly and you have all the information you need to establish a connection. You will need the VPN connection name, server address, username, password, and other login information.
- Click the Apple icon displayed at the top left of the screen, then click System Preferences.
- Select the Network icon from the System Preferences window and click the + sign to create a new VPN connection.
- From the Interface drop-down menu, select VPN, then select L2TP over IPSec in the VPN Type section. Also, make sure you specify the correct service name for the Service Name field. Click Connect.
- Next, enter the account name and server name. Click on Authentication Settings.
- Enter the password and shared password, and click OK.
- After providing the password credentials, click Apply and then click Connect.
Your VPN is connected. After you’re done, tap Disconnect to close the VPN. To view the status of your VPN connection on macOS, go to the Network tab.
