1Likes
-
1
Post By AnTyx
|
30 Jan 2018
|
Registered Users
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 0
|
|
VPN?
Hello,
First post. I was listening to ARR when the topic of using VPN's came up. Several of the hosts indicated that they use VPN's to securely connect to the internet.
Does anyone on here have any experience with VPN providers? I'm interested in using one, however not all VPN are built the same.
Thanks in advance.
Alex
|
30 Jan 2018
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,111
|
|
One thing which that ARR episode failed to emphasize is that your choice of VPN provider is very dependent on where you are.
There's a Chrome extension called Hola VPN ( https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d...fbnlmeio?hl=en) which I've used myself, it lets you mask your browser as coming from a country of your choice - for example, it let me buy train tickets in New Zealand a lot cheaper. (They have different pricing for local IPs, even though the cheap tickets can still be bought with foreign credit cards!)
But if you've got a more serious use in mind - such as circumventing Google/Facebook service blocking in mainland China - you need a VPN that's specifically designed for the market you're in. It has to be one that's got a nice big ingesting hole close to where you are located, and a nice fat pipe to wherever the tunnel is coming out into the wider Internet. While I was traveling in China, I used my office VPN service - and yeah, it worked, but interconnection speeds between the Far East and Europe/USA are terrible on an ad hoc basis, so the tunnel between my laptop/phone and my office in Estonia ran over a length of string and two tin cans, if you get my drift. If you're using a commercial, paid VPN that's specifically targeting China users, they're a lot more likely to have sorted that problem.
|
26 Jun 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 845
|
|
I've used VPNUnlimited by KeepSolid Inc in various countries and found it works well, but can slow the transmission sometimes.
Unfortunately the BBC and some other content providers seem to have got wind of VPN use to get round geofencing and have blocked it.
|
26 Jun 2020
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
You would think that you'd be able to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN, but no. Their software looks at how many connections are coming in from a single IP and will then block it.
So look for a VPN like NordVPN that has multiple IP address options for each country and shows you the loading per address.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
28 Jun 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Ireland
Posts: 10
|
|
I always use Expat Network to access the UK catch-up services.
It's about a tenner a month, easy to set up and easy to cancel.
|
28 Jun 2020
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 563
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
You would think that you'd be able to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN, but no. Their software looks at how many connections are coming in from a single IP and will then block it.
So look for a VPN like NordVPN that has multiple IP address options for each country and shows you the loading per address.
|
Amazon Prime is the same I suspect - I sometimes get bounced off and sometimes not.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
|
29 Jun 2020
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
There can be benefits to using a VPN - for example, Morocco blocks access to Google Earth, so if you want to use Google Earth in Morocco, you would need to begin the process by having a VPN.
On the other hand, there can be significant disadvantages to VPNs. The first one that comes to mind is that if you have a slow internet connection to begin with (not uncommon in lesser developed countries), the VPN can make it painfully slow.
I've done an awful lot of international travel, and never found it necessary to use a VPN - though I have tried using them on several occasions. I'd rather put up with the occasional headaches found with local connectivity than the cost & headaches associated with VPNs.
Michael
|
29 Jun 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 834
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean
I've done an awful lot of international travel, and never found it necessary to use a VPN - though I have tried using them on several occasions. I'd rather put up with the occasional headaches found with local connectivity than the cost & headaches associated with VPNs.
|
Since we do everything with our smartphone/notebook, we should protect us.
Many Wlan Hotspots are very weak abroad - for security purpose.
The Owner of the Hotspot - or any other using the same Wifi - can sniff what you are doing. Many Websites use SSL encryption like the Hubb. But you just use one without and your Username/Password is available in cleartext.
Too SSL has some "weakness" and different impementation strenght.
When you are using a single Password for any website - you maybe dont care.
If you use the similar Password for Email, Forum other Plattforms - your Data are definitive in trouble.
Your Provider (Mobile / DSL) is able to see what you are surfing, what are your interests and so on. From your favorite Porn Model to favorite bike.
Your Provider can (or has to) block Website or Plattforms like Twitter, Facebook, Websites (like done in Iran, China and other countries) - or even Egypt (when the locals are on the street). When you travelling abroad - informations are very important - when the political situation get worse.
With a good VPN Provider you can choose - which country you are in, can use the Internet with the "habbits and laws" of the country you choose.
It is not anymous - but more secure than using the internet without. If the network is very slow, sometimes is VPN the quicker way - because it is used for business purpose world wide - and youtube watchers -dont get the most power (QOS)...
Surfy
|
26 Sep 2020
|
Registered Users
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Bury
Posts: 0
|
|
I see there is a new TV ad from Norton365 and they mention using a VPN but its not clear whether it's something they actually provide or are they protecting it when you use one?
|
5 Oct 2020
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
|
|
A VPN is included with Norton's offering. So not a bad deal all around. We use Norton on all our machines.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
22 Oct 2020
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
|
|
A VPN is essential for your own data security when connecting to public wifi hotspots.
I've had great results with NordVPN for accessing streaming services worldwide.
I've had great results with Express VPN for streaming services worldwide and for Google services in China.
Both work great when using public wifi like airports, hotels, cafes.
Both NordVPN and Express VPN have publicly scrutinised privacy and security policies and are a pretty safe bet.
I would never use a free VPN. You should never use any VPN without researching their security reputation. There have been many scam apps that redirect you to ads, inject malware, track you (and sell your activity data to advertisers), and don't even encrypt your data.
There have been cases of VPN apps that used victims phones as botnets for things like spam, eating up your data allowance, and ones with ransomware that locked victims phones and demanded payment.
Pick carefully.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
Recommended VPN services
|
Walkabout |
Communications |
24 |
12 Jul 2018 00:19 |
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|