A reader from Maryland has a question about VPNs.
“Under ‘Active Networks’ my Wi-Fi is listed as a private network. Can you discuss the difference between that and a VPN? (I’ve tried various free VPNs and the only thing they accomplish is slowing down my internet speed).”
Great question, reader. I hope this response sufficiently answers your question.
What is a VPN?
There’s definitely a big difference: a VPN (virtual private network) is a private connection to your network that can be accessed from any location. This makes VPNs very popular with businesses that may have remote workers who need to access the in-office network. VPNs additionally encrypt all of your outbound information. For example, when you are browsing the internet, a VPN will encrypt this information to prevent unauthorized users from seeing your data.
What is the Windows Private Network?
When you connect to a wireless network for the first time, Windows will ask if you are on a private (also called home), work, or a public network. If you choose “Private Network,” then your computer will enable file-sharing and discovery features. As such, you’ll be able to easily share files and other media amongst your home computers.
Source: Digitial Citizen
Private networks only allow nearby devices to connect with each other. VPNs allow you to connect from any device and from any location around the world. Furthermore, a private network will not encrypt your outbound data like a VPN does—you will have to enable other encryption methods, such as WPA2 encryption on your router, to keep your information secure.
I hope this was helpful to you.
–Alice
What would be the best VPN to use please?
How about a how to for Windows 10 VPN?