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Started By
Message
Explain a VPN to me like a 5 year old
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:33 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:33 pm
Got a new computer from my company and it has a VPN app. I have no idea what it is or when I need to use it and don’t want to look like a total idiot when I ask them tomorrow.
7
Posted on 12/6/20 at 7:38 pm to TigerGrad2011
Stands for Virtual Private Network.
A very high level description of what it does is it creates a secure connection between your computer and your workplace network, over the internet.
You will need to use it any time you need to access data and services that are located at work when you are not physically there and connected to their network.
Basically when you are working from home or the road, connect to the VPN.
Don't worry about looking like an idiot for asking questions, nobody knows what it's for until they ask or are told.
A very high level description of what it does is it creates a secure connection between your computer and your workplace network, over the internet.
You will need to use it any time you need to access data and services that are located at work when you are not physically there and connected to their network.
Basically when you are working from home or the road, connect to the VPN.
Don't worry about looking like an idiot for asking questions, nobody knows what it's for until they ask or are told.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 8:19 pm to TigerGrad2011
Pretty much what Korkstand said, but there are various uses for VPN. It’s not just for work, but it provides an encapsulated tunnel connection that gives your remote pc (one you’re using) a presence inside the network you are connecting to. You generally need a client installed on the remote pc and it connects to a firewall or vpn concentrator for the network you’re accessing. You can have a vpn for work, home, or general use. Usually a good practice to use a vpn when using open/free wifi spots like starbucks and such. Also can use at home for downloading things, and providing a presence out of other locations to access streaming content that is restricted to location.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 8:59 pm to BabySam
My biggest concern? with VPNs is that if you’re not using your government issued vpn or work vpn, do you really trust it? I don’t.
To me it’s like “hey man, the internet is a creepy place and you can’t trust stuff. Never know who’s spying on you!! So connect to this vpn network, they’re trustworthy!”
I get it. I know about VPNs and I use one daily for work. Just not sure I trust them to be “more secure”. You’re trusting B over A.
To me it’s like “hey man, the internet is a creepy place and you can’t trust stuff. Never know who’s spying on you!! So connect to this vpn network, they’re trustworthy!”
I get it. I know about VPNs and I use one daily for work. Just not sure I trust them to be “more secure”. You’re trusting B over A.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 9:36 pm to DoubleDown
I use Mozilla's VPN. Mozilla is a non profit that has shifted to privacy as it's focus/market niche. I figure that has to be a more trustable business model than most of the VPNs out there.
Regarding the OP's question of what a VPN is and to add a bit to Korkstand's answer, Without a VPN every time you go to a web site you tell your ISP "I want the 'What-Happens-After-4-Hours' page from LittleBluePill.com" and your ISP usually will log that information as it builds a profile about you to sell ads with.
With a VPN, all of your requests go through the VPN instead of your ISP, so all your ISP sees is you making a generic request to the VPN, not your actual end destination. They are a middle man that allows you to cut your ISP out. You still need your ISP to connect to your VPN, but the VPN cloaks your connection so your ISP becomes blind to what you're doing.
Regarding the OP's question of what a VPN is and to add a bit to Korkstand's answer, Without a VPN every time you go to a web site you tell your ISP "I want the 'What-Happens-After-4-Hours' page from LittleBluePill.com" and your ISP usually will log that information as it builds a profile about you to sell ads with.
With a VPN, all of your requests go through the VPN instead of your ISP, so all your ISP sees is you making a generic request to the VPN, not your actual end destination. They are a middle man that allows you to cut your ISP out. You still need your ISP to connect to your VPN, but the VPN cloaks your connection so your ISP becomes blind to what you're doing.
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 9:41 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 10:01 pm to TigerGrad2011
Nobody will think you are stupid to ask about connecting to the VPN for the first time.
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 10:03 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 10:12 pm to Korkstand
The computer will be strictly work and nothing else. So you are suggesting that the first thing I do when I open it is get on the VPN?
Is there any issue if your computer automatically connects to the WiFi source before you open the VPN?
Thanks for the help.
Is there any issue if your computer automatically connects to the WiFi source before you open the VPN?
Thanks for the help.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 10:25 pm to TigerGrad2011
quote:Yes, probably. You should ask the IT department how to do it. They won't think you're an idiot.
The computer will be strictly work and nothing else. So you are suggesting that the first thing I do when I open it is get on the VPN?
quote:No, that's usually how it goes I think. I'm not really in IT so some of these other guys will know more, but if there is a special procedure or configuration that you need, your IT dept should handle that. Otherwise generally you need to be online before you can even connect to a VPN, so automatically connecting to wifi is not a problem.
Is there any issue if your computer automatically connects to the WiFi source before you open the VPN?
What I expect to happen is you might need access to some files and such that are stored at your workplace, and you won't be able to use them unless you're connected to the VPN. So you might try to use something and get a *womp womp*, then you'll go "oh duh I'm not connected to the VPN" and then you'll connect and get to work.
Posted on 12/7/20 at 6:02 am to TigerinATL
quote:
I use Mozilla's VPN. Mozilla is a non profit that has shifted to privacy as it's focus/market niche. I figure that has to be a more trustable business model than most of the VPNs out there.
Mozilla is not to be trusted.
Posted on 12/7/20 at 7:54 am to TigerGrad2011
See, the internet is like a series of tubes...
Posted on 12/7/20 at 8:36 am to EarlyCuyler3
quote:
Mozilla is not to be trusted.
Why not?
Posted on 12/7/20 at 10:02 am to TigerGrad2011
quote:
TigerGrad2011
I see a lot of long explanations.
If you need a resource on your company's network (file on a server, a program on a local server, etc.), then you connect to the vpn.
Posted on 12/7/20 at 11:39 am to TigerinATL
They have undergone a big shift in their ways of doing things. And bottom line, if you aren't paying for the service, you are the product.
There are some very good VPN's out there for cheap. I bought 3 years worth of AirVPN for like $80 I think.
There are some very good VPN's out there for cheap. I bought 3 years worth of AirVPN for like $80 I think.
Posted on 12/7/20 at 11:47 am to EarlyCuyler3
quote:I think the mozilla vpn is $5/month
And bottom line, if you aren't paying for the service, you are the product.
Posted on 12/7/20 at 12:22 pm to EarlyCuyler3
(no message)
This post was edited on 1/10/21 at 11:37 pm
Posted on 12/7/20 at 12:40 pm to TigerGrad2011
quote:
The computer will be strictly work and nothing else. So you are suggesting that the first thing I do when I open it is get on the VPN?
Is there any issue if your computer automatically connects to the WiFi source before you open the VPN?
Thanks for the help.
Depending on how the IT Department sets them up, you may not be able to access anything without a VPN first. Mine will connect to WiFi just fine, but if I don't log in through the VPN then nothing works. I can access programs, but can't get on the internet or email without first connecting to the work VPN.
At a previous job, my work laptop would connect to email just fine with only internet connections, and we only used VPN to access the server/network back at the office.
This post was edited on 12/7/20 at 12:41 pm
Posted on 12/7/20 at 1:43 pm to TigerinATL
quote:
I use Mozilla's VPN.
You like it? Been thinking about this one. Is it for only one computer, or all computers you run firefox on?
Posted on 12/7/20 at 11:22 pm to TigerGrad2011
ELI5 explanation:
It makes your computer act like you're in the office no matter where you are. At home office or in a hotel room you normally wouldn't be able to access company resources. A VPN makes it possible for you to be "virtually" at the office and have access to all files and folders that you would have if you were sitting at your desk.
It makes your computer act like you're in the office no matter where you are. At home office or in a hotel room you normally wouldn't be able to access company resources. A VPN makes it possible for you to be "virtually" at the office and have access to all files and folders that you would have if you were sitting at your desk.
Posted on 12/8/20 at 4:41 pm to TigerGrad2011
If you aren't doing shady shite or your work doesn't require it. You don't need it.
Posted on 12/8/20 at 8:50 pm to EarlyCuyler3
"You like it? Been thinking about this one. Is it for only one computer, or all computers you run firefox on?"
I'd decide soon as some are still offering discounts. Firefox (US) / Mullivad (Swedish) is/are well regarded. Not sure they have a discount right now. Proton VPN (Swiss) still has a Special running and so does VyprVPN (US / Swiss) is like $20 a yr if you get three years - I think. My suggestion is getting one you actually know who is running the company, with consideration on where they are located. Some have fake addresses - like in Panama or British Virgin Islands.
I'd decide soon as some are still offering discounts. Firefox (US) / Mullivad (Swedish) is/are well regarded. Not sure they have a discount right now. Proton VPN (Swiss) still has a Special running and so does VyprVPN (US / Swiss) is like $20 a yr if you get three years - I think. My suggestion is getting one you actually know who is running the company, with consideration on where they are located. Some have fake addresses - like in Panama or British Virgin Islands.
This post was edited on 12/8/20 at 9:11 pm
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