getting started with a VPN

[Nvidiaguy07]

Been meaning to look into doing this, but lately i think i need to start using one because my works network has been pretty terrible lately. The problem ive been having is that some websites are just super slow, while it will work fine for others. For example - i rely heavily on google docs, but when connected to this wifi - sometimes i will just continually get the "trying to reach google" message and Im unable to type or save any work. While this is happening, im still able to use just about every other website - and they all go very fast, so a weak connection to the network isnt the problem. Most of the time i end up just using my phone to tether, but this isnt a great solution, because many times i forget that im on my phones data, and ill go on youtube or something and use all my data.

I think if i started using a vpn, it wouldnt discriminate on what website im on, and would allow me to use google docs without a problem.

Im willing to pay for a vpn, but im just not sure which to go for. I also have this weird fear of compormising my google account while using a vpn (if it wasnt a legit vpn service).

My main purpose is just for school, so i would not need a huge allowance, but if there are reasonable plans out there, and it is simple enough to set up and doesnt really mess anything up with my home network, i would not mind setting up a vpn for the whole house. I dont do a ton of torrenting, so i really have nothing to worry about - but i do torrent a TV show that I might have forgotten to dvr from time to time, so i guess it would probably be a good idea to start covering up what i do online.

Any suggestions on where to get started or which service I should pay for would be much appreciated.

 

[sze5003]

I use privateinternetaccess for a VPN. Check them out the speeds are very consistent.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

I use privateinternetaccess for a VPN. Check them out the speeds are very consistent.

are they based here (US) or somewhere else? Also, are you using this for everything just specific things? I would like to use it for my laptop when im on public wifi, but also if its cheap enough, and doesnt make my connection at home any slower/laggier, then id like to just set it up for everything. (So if it sucks for games im probably gonna pass on the whole house option).

 

[sze5003]

They are us based but have servers all over the world. You can select which one you want to connect with. I use it for anything and everything when I'm connected at home. It's 6 bucks a month and I've done speed tests they stayed the same as without the vpn. They also have a proxy if you don't want to use the vpn for all your internet. You can set up certain apps to use their proxy servers.

 

[MadScientist]

I also use PIA. https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ For 1 year the cost is $39.95, $3.33/month, cheapest VPN I found.

Your speeds will vary with which of their servers you connect to and the time of day. I have found that their US East server for me is the fastest.

I'm using their client software. Using the Speedtest on their website I get about the same download speeds with their VPN connected. https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

I also use PIA. https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ For 1 year the cost is $39.95, $3.33/month, cheapest VPN I found.

Your speeds will vary with which of their servers you connect to and the time of day. I have found that their US East server for me is the fastest.

I'm using their client software. Using the Speedtest on their website I get about the same download speeds with their VPN connected. https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

So you use this for everything? Or just occasionally? and is there any cap/restrictions? How hard is it to set up/manage afterward? Do you game through it too? I ask because im assuming that if my vpn is based somewhere is europe, im guessing thats gonna be super laggy, so in that case - do you have it set up to use a vpn here for those times, or something else?

Probably gonna sign up and set it up tonight since i might have some time later.

Also, the problem i described in my op, does it seem like using a vpn will fix this problem? Its just weird just about everything works except for google docs, and every once in a while it will discriminate against a certain website (slickdeals, yahoo, youtube, etc)

 

[MadScientist]

I use the VPN when browsing and downloading. Here's a good explanation of why to use a VPN: http://lifehacker.com/5940565/why-you-should-start-using-a-vpn-and-how-to-choose-the-best-one-for-your-needs

If you are having problems connecting, then that has to be resolved first.

 

[1sikbITCH]

I use privateinternetaccess for a VPN. Check them out the speeds are very consistent.

2nd that. Flash drive, TrueKrypt, Portable VB, Ubuntu, and then privateinternetaccess. Like a whisper in the night.