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VPN Setup Guide

Complete guide to choosing and setting up a VPN for privacy protection and bypassing internet restrictions.

📖 12 min read • 🔧 Technical • Updated: Jan 2025

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, protecting your privacy and allowing you to bypass geographic restrictions and DNS blocking.

Choosing a VPN Provider

⚠️ Important Considerations

  • • No-logs policy: Provider doesn't record your activity
  • • Jurisdiction: Based in privacy-friendly country
  • • Open source: Code is publicly auditable
  • • Kill switch: Cuts internet if VPN disconnects
  • • DNS leak protection: Prevents DNS queries from leaking

Recommended VPN Providers

ProtonVPN

Swiss-based, free tier available, strong privacy focus

✅ No-logs • ✅ Open source • ✅ Free tier

Private Internet Access

Proven no-logs policy, extensive server network

✅ No-logs • ✅ Audited • ✅ Kill switch

Mullvad

Anonymous payments, no account required

✅ Anonymous • ✅ Open source • ✅ Flat rate

IVPN

Privacy-focused, independently audited

✅ No-logs • ✅ Audited • ✅ Multi-hop

Windows Setup

Using ProtonVPN (Free)

  1. Visit protonvpn.com
  2. Create a free account
  3. Download the Windows app
  4. Install and log in
  5. Click Quick Connect or choose a server
  6. Enable Kill Switch in settings

Manual OpenVPN Setup

  1. Download OpenVPN Connect
  2. Get .ovpn config files from your provider
  3. Import the configuration file
  4. Enter your credentials
  5. Connect to the server

macOS Setup

Using ProtonVPN

  1. Download from Mac App Store or website
  2. Install and launch the app
  3. Sign in with your account
  4. Choose a server location
  5. Click Connect
  6. Enable Always-on VPN in settings

Built-in VPN Support

  1. System Preferences → Network
  2. Click + → VPN
  3. Choose L2TP over IPSec or IKEv2
  4. Enter server details from your provider
  5. Configure authentication
  6. Connect

Linux Setup

Using NetworkManager

# Install OpenVPN
sudo apt install openvpn network-manager-openvpn

# Import .ovpn file
nmcli connection import type openvpn file /path/to/config.ovpn

# Connect
nmcli connection up "VPN Connection Name"

Command Line (OpenVPN)

# Install OpenVPN
sudo apt install openvpn

# Connect with config file
sudo openvpn --config /path/to/config.ovpn

# Run in background
sudo openvpn --config /path/to/config.ovpn --daemon

Mobile Setup

Android

  1. Download VPN app from Google Play Store
  2. Install and open the app
  3. Sign in or create account
  4. Grant necessary permissions
  5. Choose server and connect
  6. Enable Auto-connect if desired

iOS

  1. Download VPN app from App Store
  2. Install and launch the app
  3. Sign in with your account
  4. Allow VPN configuration when prompted
  5. Select server and tap Connect
  6. Enable Connect on Demand in settings

Router Setup

For network-wide VPN protection:

  1. Check if your router supports VPN (OpenVPN/WireGuard)
  2. Access router admin panel
  3. Find VPN settings section
  4. Enter server details from your provider
  5. Upload certificate files if required
  6. Save and restart router
  7. All devices will now use VPN automatically

Testing Your VPN

Verify your VPN is working correctly:

  1. Check your IP address at whatismyipaddress.com
  2. Test for DNS leaks at dnsleaktest.com
  3. Verify WebRTC protection at browserleaks.com/webrtc
  4. Test kill switch by disconnecting VPN

Security Best Practices

  • Always use kill switch: Prevents data leaks if VPN disconnects
  • Choose secure protocols: OpenVPN or WireGuard preferred
  • Use DNS leak protection: Prevents DNS queries from bypassing VPN
  • Enable auto-connect: Ensures VPN is always active
  • Regular updates: Keep VPN client updated
  • Server selection: Choose servers in privacy-friendly countries

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  • Slow speeds: Try different servers or protocols
  • Connection drops: Check internet stability, try different server
  • DNS leaks: Enable DNS leak protection in settings
  • App won't connect: Check firewall settings, try different protocol

Alternative Solutions

If VPN doesn't work in your country:

  • Try obfuscated servers (Stealth mode)
  • Use Shadowsocks or V2Ray protocols
  • Consider Tor Browser for maximum anonymity
  • Use encrypted DNS as a lighter alternative

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

VPN usage may be restricted or illegal in some countries. Always check local laws and regulations. This guide is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any legal consequences.