An Easy To Toggle VPN Service?

[Urzu1000]

Hey guys, I just had a few quick questions about VPNs. I've never used one before, but I'm looking to get one.

What kind of downstream speeds and latency should I expect?

How easy is it to toggle on and off?

Do you recommend a particular service or company?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alabalcho]

The question you have to answer yourself is why you want VPN - for security / privacy, or to solve your "slow connection".

Your downstream will be less than the speed your ISP gives you.
Latency - it all depends of what connectivity the VPN server you connect to has to both your ISP, and the ISP of the target server.

 

[Urzu1000]

The question you have to answer yourself is why you want VPN - for security / privacy, or to solve your "slow connection".

Your downstream will be less than the speed your ISP gives you.
Latency - it all depends of what connectivity the VPN server you connect to has to both your ISP, and the ISP of the target server.

I intend to use it for security/privacy. My current downstream speed is around 60Mb/s.

Slower downstream speeds is fine, as long as it's somewhat close.

Basically, I'm interested in learning more about hacking and network security, but I'm hesitant to join hacker forums without some anonymity haha. I'd rather be safe then sorry; at least until I can get more information from said forums on how to better secure my computer/etc.

I don't need to use this all the time, so if I can toggle it on and off with a quick switch, that would be wonderful. I'm concerned it's more complicated then that, and I wanted to get some experienced opinions from people like yourself before diving in.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alabalcho]

Basically, I'm interested in learning more about hacking and network security, but I'm hesitant to join hacker forums without some anonymity haha.

My participation ends here.

 

[Urzu1000]

My participation ends here.

I fail to see why. Network security isn't a bad thing. Learning how to penetration test my own home networks and better protect my data isn't something bad.

I'm asking about VPNs, not anything further.

Thanks for replying I guess?

 

[sirhand]

I'm also interested in a VPN. I want it for security and anonymity. I would also like it to be easy to toggle so that I can maximize my speeds and latency when security and anonymity don't matter.
Can anyone provide insight into the process of actually activating and deactivating a VPN?
Also, any suggestions of good reputable VPNs?

 

[Alabalcho]

Can anyone provide insight into the process of actually activating and deactivating a VPN?

Activating / deactivating VPN depends on the VPN provider and client. It could be as simple as clicking on the network icon, then choosing a connection off "Dial-up and VPN", or as complex as opening a client program, entering user name/password/token, then secondary logon.

What VPN provider to choose depends mostly on where you are, and where your target connections are. If you are in Asia, and want to watch e.g. Netflix, you will chose a VPN provider which can give you IP address from US. If you want to download something from Russia, you will need a VPN which can give you IP address from Russia. And in both cases you will need a VPN which has good connection with your ISP.

 

[Urzu1000]

Thank you for that answer. As long as I don't have to do a long 10 minute configuration to switch it on and off, I'm quite happy.