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Simple question: "What is VPN?"

I asked a simple question: "What is VPN?" I got dumped to pay for an Apple answer. I already have Apple Care. I just made a $15 Firefox donation. I have just signed up for the New, Improved Firefox after a lengthy absence from Firefox for being unhappy with the program. NOW... You ask ME to be nice! ? ! - Adrienne Pollak

I asked a simple question: "What is VPN?" I got dumped to pay for an Apple answer. I already have Apple Care. I just made a $15 Firefox donation. I have just signed up for the New, Improved Firefox after a lengthy absence from Firefox for being unhappy with the program. NOW... You ask ME to be nice! ? ! - Adrienne Pollak

All Replies (1)

VPN = Virtual Private Network (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network)

Generally speaking, people generally use a VPN for these purposes:

(1) To bypass their network service provider if they do not trust it or if it imposes unwanted restrictions on their browsing

For example:

  • WiFi hotspot at a coffee shop
  • Government censorship

(2) To appear to be connecting from a different place in the world

For example:

  • To view content that is geographically restricted or customized
  • To confuse trackers (assuming you change your VPN server frequently)