VPN Software

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Fish

OK. This is a bad idea for you.

VPN software is meant to provide secure data encryption across networks that are not secure. It's intended to be used for purposes like securely connecting to your work network from across the globe, and be able to access the files on the server in your datacenter and copy those files to your laptop desktop. The VPN server encrypts all data that you transfer from point A to point B, so it cannot be captured by any other shady internet users and stolen.

It was never intended to be used for watching TV. Or being on all the time, outside of situations like a remote office that you want to have the same network access as in the main office. But VPN providers started advertising services to hackers who were trying to illegally download copyrighted games/movies/TV/etc. Essentially using the VPN as a middleman to anonymously access illegal data. The way copyright owners catch people is they search for any internet user downloading their stuff, log the IP address, and then confront your ISP saying you've stolen intellectual property. But with a VPN enabled, they can't see what it is you're downloading because it's encrypted. That is where you get the idea that "Everyone says to use one." To prevent getting caught by Universal or Nintendo, etc.

But here's the problem.. when you use a VPN in this manner, it requires that all data you send acrross the internet, must travel from your computer, to the VPN, then to the site you're wanting to go to, then back through the VPN server again, then back to your PC. Which will decrease your transfer speeds by much more than half the speed you would be getting without the VPN. Which usually results in buffering and lag when streaming. It also causes your location to be reported as the location of where the VPN is physically located instead of where you are. Which can present all kinds of problems with websites that require your location. Like YoutubeTV and Hulu Live, etc. require you to check in from your home location(home address) to continue using their service. You won't be able to do so with the VPN enabled, and if it's enabled at the router level it's on all the time. If your VPN is located outside the US, then it would actually prevent you from accessing quite a few US based streaming options, like Netflix. Since they have separate access outside the US. It could also give you local news stations from where the VPN is instead of your actual home address. There are many other geographic related issues this causes as well. You should really only use a VPN when you have to. It should not be viewed as just another security piece like your virus scanner.

In addition, the site you mentioned specifically mentions that a VPN is not needed:



Another thing you should note.. that IPTV site you referenced me is not exactly legally legit. It's based in the Netherlands so they can skirt around copyright violations and show you stuff from all kinds of different providers like Netflix and HBO at the same time. You aren't going to get into any legal trouble or anything just by watching, unless you try to stream the same feeds to other people. But you should know what it is.

Thank you for attending my TEDTalk.

I would pay a monthly subscription to CP just to be able to get information like this from people smarter than me. Thank you!

I am sending you a message too.