Virtual Private Networks

Here's a quick, helpful definition...and about all you need to know about a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

• A VPN is a service that you sign up for with us for a small monthly charge
  
• Once you have an account, your VPN service should be "on" when you're online
  
• A VPN, in action, takes your Internet connection and makes it more secure, helps you stay anonymous and helps you get around blocks and access censored sites.
  
• The key to a VPN is that it lends you a temporary IP address and hides your true IP address from every website or email you connect with

It's Virtual...because it's as if you have a private connection directly to any website or another computer you connect to.
It's Private...because all your website visits and online activity is between you and the websites you visit.
It's a Network...because you're using a special network of VPN servers that covers the entire globe.
Your IP address is a potential problem. You may want to hide it.Your IP address is a behind-the-scenes number your Internet provider assigns your computer that allows you to go anywhere on the Internet. It's something like the house number on your home.
That's the good news. The somewhat "bad" news is that your IP address also gives away your computing location, at home or on the road. That bothers a lot of computer users.