Putter geeks

Bee-Positive

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880, Cab, FEL, Tooth Bar, MMM, QH, Ballast Box
Nov 16, 2022
919
893
93
Amsterdam, NY
You don't necessarily NEED one but...

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. VPNs can be used to access region-restricted websites, shield your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi. It can also help prevent malicious software from attacking your computer.

In very simple terms, a VPN connects your PC, smartphone, or tablet to another computer (called a server) somewhere on the internet, and allows you to browse the internet using that computer's internet connection. So if that server is in a different country, it will appear as if you are coming from that country, and you can potentially access things that you couldn't normally which can be helpful for our members across the pond.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

85Hokie

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Jul 13, 2013
11,111
3,044
113
Bedford - VA
We are bombarded with dozens of "people" daily trying to join OTT......... most using VPN's.

There is one particular VPN from the Netherlands that seems to a hotspot. This is a bot trying to gain access to spam us. Yet still a few get in sometimes.
 

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
12,399
7,077
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
What is a VPN and why do I need one ?
A VPN is an end to end encrypted data channel that prevents intermediaries on the internet from seeing the contents of your data packets and hides your real identity. If you are asking that question on OTT you dont need one.

Dan
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

GeoHorn

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
6,763
4,124
113
Texas
It might be another new, drug-resistant, STD
 
  • Haha
Reactions: 1 user

D2Cat

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
14,916
7,564
113
40 miles south of Kansas City
When using a VPN is internet connections slower? We use Zander because they have home title mentoring and it seems some things I look up take much more time, like dial up use to be.
 

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
12,399
7,077
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
When using a VPN is internet connections slower? We use Zander because they have home title mentoring and it seems some things I look up take much more time, like dial up use to be.
The connection is no slower but the added overhead of encryption eats compute cycles and bandwidth. Your delays are probably on the Zander server.

You do realize that your data is only encrypted between you and the Zander proxy? Once it exits the proxy its back in the clear. Good for privacy at a wifi hotspot and bypassing regional barriers but limited in terms of end to end data protection.

Dan
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

John T

Well-known member

Equipment
2017 BX23S
May 5, 2017
1,267
800
113
under a rock
I used to use one through Malwarebytes.
I let it go on my recent subscription. honestly it was more trouble than it was worth.
often times my e-mail wouldn't connect unless I disabled it. Had trouble with a few other sites also.
I really don't see the need for the average joe.... unless you have a specific need to hide your IP address.
If you are working from home, then yeah... And the company more than likely will provide one. and require you to use it.

as far as speed, I saw no difference.
 

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
12,399
7,077
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
I used to use one through Malwarebytes.
I let it go on my recent subscription. honestly it was more trouble than it was worth.
often times my e-mail wouldn't connect unless I disabled it. Had trouble with a few other sites also.
I really don't see the need for the average joe.... unless you have a specific need to hide your IP address.
If you are working from home, then yeah... And the company more than likely will provide one. and require you to use it.

as far as speed, I saw no difference.
Working from home is a perfectly suited application (and the early motivation) for using a VPN. In that scenario the VPN (tunnel) is end to end between your desktop computer and your employer's network. ALL data transfered including IP headers is encrypted and not even your ISP or a hoodie clad wardriving, packet sniffer parked on the street can see a single bit of your data stream.

Dan
 
Last edited: