VPN or Not to VPN? That is the Question.

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 Hey there, internet enthusiasts! Today, we're going to talk about a topic that's been hotly debated among tech-savvy folks: whether or not to use a VPN at home. Now, before you make your decision, let's break down some fun and informative reasons for and against using a VPN.

Why Use a VPN

Let's start with the pros. One of the biggest benefits of using a VPN is increased online privacy and security. When you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted and routed through a private server, making it much harder for hackers, identity thieves, and other nefarious actors to access your information. This can be especially important if you do a lot of online banking, shopping, or other activities that involve sensitive data.

Another advantage of using a VPN is the ability to access geo-restricted content. If you're a fan of international TV shows, movies, or websites that aren't available in your region, a VPN can help you bypass those restrictions by making it appear as though you're accessing the content from another country. This can open up a whole new world of entertainment and information!

Why to Not Use a VPN

But, as with anything, there are also some downsides to using a VPN. For one, it can sometimes slow down your internet connection. This is because your data has to travel through an extra server before it reaches its destination, which can add some lag time. So if you're someone who values lightning-fast internet speeds above all else, a VPN might not be the best choice for you.

Another potential downside of using a VPN is that it can be tricky to set up and use, especially if you're not particularly tech-savvy. If you're not comfortable with tinkering with your computer's settings, you might find yourself getting frustrated trying to get your VPN up and running.

Lastly, using a VPN can sometimes result in blocked access to certain websites or online services. Some sites, like streaming platforms or online retailers, might have strict policies against VPN usage and could block your access if they detect that you're using one. So if you rely heavily on these types of services, using a VPN could actually end up being more of a hindrance than a help.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to use a VPN will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you value online privacy and security and don't mind sacrificing a bit of internet speed, a VPN could be a great tool for you. But if you prioritize fast internet speeds, simplicity, and easy access to all your favorite sites and services, a VPN might not be the best fit for your needs.  When looking for a VPN, consider things like speed, locations and if they log your activity.

A Different Approach

Personally, I use a hybrid approach.  Let me explain this further.  I use either my router's VPN client feature or indiduval device's VPN client to router most of the traffic I really want to protect.  The other traffic, like streaming Netflix, Hulu, etc. I set up to not use VPN.  This helps security and privacy for a lot my internet usage, but I don't have the speed penalty and have to deal with blocking by streaming providers.


There are some downsides to this approach as it takes a little more work to set up.  If you want to do this on your router, you need the right software and techincal skill (or patience to learn).  Overall, I find the hybrid approach a good balance.

If you are interested in a VPN, I like NordVPN.  Click this link for up to 3 months free! (Link will open in a new browser)

Safe Internetting!

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