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Let's talk VPN ...

Posted on 12/4/16 at 8:47 pm
Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/4/16 at 8:47 pm
From what I have read, PIA comes recommended from users on this board.

That said (prior to reading on here), I have VPNArea. I use their software called VPN Chameleon (to connect to VPN) and unfortunately it is causing problems on my computer (MSP4, i7, 2.20 GHZ, 16 GB, 512 HD). Their software installed an adapter called TAP Adapter (in addition to my wireless and Ethernet adapters).

From what I can tell, by using TAP adapter (no option otherwise - forced to in order to use their software), the software has the ability to shut down all internet traffic from my computer (to and from) if VPN disconnects (eliminating my IP from being exposed). Works great ... when it works. When it doesn't, I get the Blue Screen of Death.

Does PIA require any software installation like above? Or do you have any other VPN recommendations? How does the service provider that you use ensure your IP is not exposed due to a sudden disconnect?

Learning ... so be patient with me ...

This post was edited on 12/4/16 at 8:48 pm
Posted by Jimbeaux28
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2007
4051 posts
Posted on 12/4/16 at 9:33 pm to
PIA has software that has to be running to mask your IP.

It doesn't create another network adapter that is used to connect.

If it does get disconnected, your IP is exposed. However, in the 3 years I have been using it, I have never been disconnected
Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/4/16 at 9:41 pm to
This is good to know ... appreciate the information.

With AreaVPN, I get knocked off all the time ... and am thankful for all internet traffic to and from my computer ceasing, however the more than occasional BSoD easily cancels this feature out.

This post was edited on 12/4/16 at 9:42 pm
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
38622 posts
Posted on 12/4/16 at 11:24 pm to
Can you install/ flash their software to a Nighthawk router?
Posted by drewnbrla
The Pool is closed.
Member since Mar 2011
7839 posts
Posted on 12/5/16 at 12:29 pm to
Posted by drewnbrla
The Pool is closed.
Member since Mar 2011
7839 posts
Posted on 12/5/16 at 12:35 pm to
quote:

Can you install/ flash their software to a Nighthawk router?


I think you can flash a R7000 Nighthawk with Tomato firmware to use your router as it's own VPN.

Tomato flash firmware info
Posted by htownjeep
Republic of Texas
Member since Jun 2005
7611 posts
Posted on 12/5/16 at 12:38 pm to
quote:

Or do you have any other VPN recommendations?
I'm not near as tech savvy as many on this board, but I travel a good bit and have tried a few VPNs over the years. I currently use ExpressVPN and unless something changes with their service, I'd recommend them to anyone.
Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/5/16 at 5:08 pm to
quote:

drewnbrla



Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/5/16 at 5:09 pm to
quote:

I currently use ExpressVPN and unless something changes with their service, I'd recommend them to anyone.


On my list to research ...

Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/6/16 at 6:08 am to
After reading a bit, it appears that PIA, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are all highly thought of.

Any other suggestions?
Posted by TigerDude80
METRY
Member since Nov 2007
1731 posts
Posted on 12/6/16 at 8:05 am to
I have IP Vanish. Like it so far but I have only had it for a week.
Posted by drewnbrla
The Pool is closed.
Member since Mar 2011
7839 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 9:04 am to
For those looking for or into VPN's, the developers of the Opera browser came out with a browser that has a built in VPN and other anonymity/security settings. They also recently came out with an app called Opera VPN that is 100% free for both iOS and Android OS phones. I've been using it on my iPhone recently and I like it so far (for what it offers). The VPN works for both Wifi and Cell service (not sure how that works but it does).

If you're interested, check it out (Links Below):
Opera Browser w/ VPN
Opera VPN iOS & Android app

Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 9:16 am to
I've heard about that ... so it only protects you (identity and location) when browsing, correct?

This wouldn't necessarily help if a person is downloading torrents or streaming movies, right?
Posted by drewnbrla
The Pool is closed.
Member since Mar 2011
7839 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 9:27 am to
quote:

I've heard about that ... so it only protects you (identity and location) when browsing, correct?

This wouldn't necessarily help if a person is downloading torrents or streaming movies, right?


Not sure about the Browser bundle but the phone version is more about protecting your privacy online. As far as torrenting, I wouldn't torrent anything using my phone in the first place but I can't say how good the Bundle version is for torrenting. I'd use a dedicated VPN service when torrenting.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
38622 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 10:43 am to
quote:

I think you can flash a R7000 Nighthawk with Tomato firmware to use your router as it's own VPN.


Looks like I'm gonna have to clear a few days to learn and install tomato.
Posted by drewnbrla
The Pool is closed.
Member since Mar 2011
7839 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 11:23 am to
Tomato has a step by step installation guide on YouTube that they link on the R7000 Tomato firmware download page. The video shows them installing it onto an R7000 and not "It will look different on your Router settings since I'm doing this on a [insert router name] but it should be in this Location" nonsense.

Tomato Flash Download: Netgear Nighthawk R7000

Tomato flash installation tutorial video

Hope this helps!
Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38498 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 12:00 pm to
Made the change to NordVPN. Simple to use, secure and fast servers.

This is a great site to check to ensure your anonymity:

LINK /
Posted by Bard
Definitely NOT an admin
Member since Oct 2008
51394 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 12:24 pm to
What are you using VPN for?
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
38622 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 12:51 pm to
quote:

Hope this helps!


Posted by OMLandshark
Member since Apr 2009
108098 posts
Posted on 12/8/16 at 1:33 pm to
Astrill is the one I used in China. Very reliable. Costs like $70 per year.
This post was edited on 12/8/16 at 1:35 pm
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