What is a VPN?
Start here if you have never used a VPN. Plain-language explanations of what a VPN does and how it works.
Articles in this chapter
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1
What is a VPN? A Plain-Language Explanation
Understand how VPNs work: encrypted tunnels, IP addresses, and what VPNs actually protect. No marketing fluff, just clear technical explanation.
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2
Why Use a VPN? 5 Real Reasons and 3 Myths
Understand when a VPN actually helps and when it doesn't. Real security reasons, common misconceptions, and honest tradeoffs explained.
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3
How a VPN Actually Works: Tunneling and Encryption Explained
Learn how VPNs encrypt and route your internet traffic through a secure tunnel. Understand encapsulation, protocols, and what your VPN provider can actually see.
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4
VPN vs Proxy: Understanding the Real Difference
Learn how proxies and VPNs differ in scope, encryption, and what they actually protect. A technical guide for beginners and practitioners.
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5
VPN vs Tor: Understanding the Real Differences in How They Protect You
Compare VPN and Tor: how they work, their trust models, speed tradeoffs, and which tool fits different privacy needs. Not interchangeable.
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6
Why Free VPNs Create Technical and Privacy Risks
Free VPNs require revenue to operate. Understand how the business model creates real privacy and security risks, and what honest exceptions exist.
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7
No-logs VPN claims: what they actually mean
What do 'no-logs' VPN claims actually mean? Learn how audits work, why jurisdiction matters, and the right questions to ask instead of trusting marketing.
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8
Will a VPN Slow Down My Internet? Yes, Usually — Here's Why
VPNs add latency and overhead. Learn why slowdowns happen, what's normal (5-30%), and how to minimize the impact.
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9
Is Using a VPN Legal? What Actually Happens in Restricted Countries
VPN legality varies by country. Most places allow it freely. Some governments restrict or ban VPNs entirely. Here's what the real rules are, and why.
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10
VPN Protocols Compared: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
Technical comparison of three VPN protocols: WireGuard's modern speed, OpenVPN's maturity, and IKEv2's mobile reliability. Understand the real tradeoffs.
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