Can anyone recommend a simple and safe VPN for a beginner? (and some other questions)

[hsjj3]

I've never before bothered with VPNs, but I want to access some content that is USA-only, and I was thinking, is this finally the time to cave in.

So I've come here to ask for a simple and safe VPN that you would recommend to a beginner.

I also have a few questions relating to VPN:

1) What are drawbacks with using a free vs a paid VPN?

2) If I download/stream content from a USA-restricted site via VPN, is the VPN connection doing the downloading/streaming or is it my local connection doing it?

3) How to tell a safe VPN from an unsafe VPN, and are there any best practices for safety?

4) Is a VPN only for a single browser on my PC, or for the entire PC? How do people who use non-browser client services access a VPN?

Thanks!

 

[Zeee530]

I personally use Psiphon to access certain zonal restricted contents on certain sites and sometimes when my ISP seems unable to load certain pages, so far it's worked very well.

 

[JackMDS]

http://www.howtogeek.com/221929/how-to-choose-the-best-vpn-service-for-your-needs/

https://www.bestvpnz.com/vpn-101-everything-you-need-to-know-about-virtual-private-networks/

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Networking-101-The-VPN-137752

 

[JackMDS]

Just to make clear to people that are Not savvy with the tech of it.

VPN is Not "magic" it needs agents from both side of the connections.

Quote: "all your internet activities will run through the VPN connection".

All your traffic run for you to the VPN service server and from there as a Regular general Internet.

Your ISP might not know where you go, but the VPN service does.

 

[John Connor]

VPN.ac