The Opera 40 browser, equipped with a free and unlimited Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, is now available.
However, many people would be wondering what is a VPN, how it works on Opera 40 and why does one need it?
We resolve all these queries to help you understand VPN better.
What Is A VPN?
VPN is basically a method that is deployed to enhance the privacy and security of both public and private networks such as the internet and Wi-Fi hotspots. VPNs are often usually used by organizations to safeguard sensitive information.
How Does It Work?
VPN allows users to access a private network in a secure manner, as well as share information remotely via a public network. Just like a firewall safeguards one's data on the PC, a VPN protects it online.
Usually, connecting to the internet involves connecting to an ISP or Internet Service Provider. This then connects to any site a user wants to navigate to. The internet traffic essentially passes through the servers and is visible to the ISP.
When one uses a VPN, on the other hand, the device connects to the VPN server run by the provider. The data transmitted between PCs passes and gets encrypted through a secure connection called the VPN tunnel as it connects to an ISP. Only the VPN server and the user will be able to see the data transferred.
Users may download Opera 40, install it and find that enabling the VPN is fairly easy. Follow the steps below:
1. Go to Settings (if using a Mac got to "Preferences").
2. Next, choose the "Privacy & Security" option.
3. Check the enable free VPN box.
4. You will see an icon called "VPN" in the browser. This can be used to toggle the VPN on/off.
5. In the Virtual Location tab, choose from any of the five secure locations: Germany, Singapore, Canada, the Netherlands and the U.S.
"Users can also let the Opera browser intelligently select the optimal server location based on factors such as network speed, latency, location and server capacity. When in automatic location mode, browsing via the VPN is always at maximum available speed," says the Opera blog.
Why Do I Need A VPN?
Online Privacy Protection
VPNs are the go-to solution in addressing online privacy protection needs, especially if you are using a public Wi-Fi to access the internet. However, since public hotspots are far from secure, your personal data may be compromised.
In such a scenario, using a VPN will safeguard sensitive information such as passwords as it essentially encrypts the information. This will bar hackers from accessing your private data.
Security
VPNs are effective in securing what may be an insecure connection between the user and a remote user. Since a VPN connection encrypts data — which cannot be decrypted — it is an effective security measure.
Improved Connectivity
Encountering a limited bandwidth leads to a slow browsing experience, especially when accessing resources that are at a distance from the user's physical location. In such a scenario, connecting to the local VPN point will route the traffic more effectively. This in turn allows the user to experience bandwidth at the distant locale, which is similar to the one available between the local VPN server and the user.
Evade Censorship
Often online service providers or streaming services such as online TVs or radios offer access only to users in a specific geographical location or on certain ISPs. At times even the policy of a company debars the employee from connecting to sites such as Facebook.
When the restrictions are not reasonable, one is left with little option but to find a workaround. That's where VPN comes into play. This may not the best use, but since VPNs have multiple presence points in many geographic areas one can access such sites swiftly through them.
