New to VPNs

[gigglepot33]

New to Vuze forums and VPNs, probably should have done this a long time ago but don't know where to begin.  Let me start by asking, is there a legit FREE VPN to use with Vuze?

[LuvVuze]

I have spent a lot of time researching VPNs.  I have never tried a FREE VPN because they always have provisos such as limited transfer speed and/or size.  Additionally, because they are free their bandwidth is often limited and depending on hw many users are using it, even more limited.  Also, free means virtually nonexistent tech support and, being new to VPNs, you will want tech support, available 24/7. I have tried several of the paid VPNs but have settled in on PureVPN.  If they are running a sale (which they are RIGHT NOW), 2 years for $60 is a bargain!  YMMV

[gigglepot33]

Thank you for that information.  When using a VPN, does all of your internet traffic go through it's server?  Will your current ISP not wonder why you aren't using their internet servers anymore?  Or can you just turn it on and off again after downloading a torrent?

[LuvVuze]

Generally, all traffic goes through the VPN.  I do not know if other VPNs offer it, but PureVPN offers split tunneling to use the VPN on whatever programs you want and a regular connection for the rest.  I have had no need of such a feature.  I have never, in 15 years, gotten a letter in the mail from my ISP for NOT using my internet.  If configured correctly, a VPN will make you invisible to your ISP and, even if they figured out how to unmask you, at least with PureVPN, everything is encrypted with 256-bit encryption, if you choose.  Make sure that with any VPN you choose that they do not keep records of your activity.  Numerous VPNs have turned over records of their users' activity in the past.  No record keeping = No "paper" trail to follow.

And yes, you can turn it on and off, but I suspect you may be overdoing or overthinking it.  They cannot bust you for NOT using your internet :).  YMMV.

Of course, as a matter of record, a VPN should not be used to hide any illegal activity.

PS There are a number of other security tweaks, such as the free PeerBlock program (Google it) and the IP filters in the Vuze program (Tools>options>IP filters), that can add to the efficacy of your VPN.  N.B. that they should not be used in place of a VPN.  If you are going to be a torrenter, a VPN is a foundational necessity .  PeerBlock does present some learning curves, but you will be amazed at how many strange and foreign government computers are trying to connect with your computer, which the program blocks.  I can walk you through a lot of this if you want if you PM me.  Note the PM button below the posts.

[trgarner]

New to Vuze forums and VPNs, probably should have done this a long time ago but don't know where to begin.  Let me start by asking, is there a legit FREE VPN to use with Vuze?

 

This reminds me of when USNET started to experment with charging and people where screaming for "free" alternatives.  Just remember that you get what you get for FREE.

If everyone found a free site and started to use that same said free site, if it's not maintained, updated, expanded, you know basic business model, then the quality of service will fail and people will abandon it.  Then to do all that you need a revenue stream.  Adds?  Donatations?  Limits?  you get the gist...

I use ExpressVPN, I pay for it, and it's 13 per month (I'm on a month x month plan, maybe I'll go yearly, but for now I'm happy), but I do pay and I get the service that I expect and works for my needs.

I don't have issues w/ ExpressVPN and well, I just would avoid anything free.  But it doesn't hurt to ask around...

[MasterChief86]

Thank you for that information.  When using a VPN, does all of your internet traffic go through it's server?  Will your current ISP not wonder why you aren't using their internet servers anymore?  Or can you just turn it on and off again after downloading a torrent?
 

1. VPN clouds your IP with a new one, prolly assigned by your vpn provider.
2. Yes, there are freebies. Zenmate, Hola, HSS and a couple others. but there are strings attached.
3. Yes, with a new IP assigned, every piece of data you try to access or send forth will go through the masked IP and an encrypted channel
4. Also, some VPNs (ivacy vpn is the only one i can recall atm) have a split tunneling feature where you can choose which data do you wish yto secure and which you do not
5. No, ISPs usually don't dedicate resources to spy on our data consumption. But that said, there are some elements that may raise their eyebrows, like excessive data consumption (usually taken as sign of torrent downloading)
6. Yes, you can turn it off and back on. Or better yet, you can use that split tunneilng feature to add or remove apps from the filter.

[gigglepot33]

Does anybody have a preference on which VPN to use with Vuze for P2P sharing?  I've read so much out there and still am confused.  Everyone says their service is the best!  I don't mind paying for the service but need to know what some of the benefits are with some VPNs vs others.  My two issues are how easy it is to use (and not have to really think about it daily), and price, some are pricier than others.

[LuvVuze]

LOL...you messaged me weeks ago for help but never heard back from you after responding.  I have already told you the VPN I am very satisfied with...both service and price.

[gigglepot33]

I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm not getting responses, I just happened to open Vuze Forums to manually check and I found your reply!  I'll check out PureVPN.

[LuvVuze]

You may also want to check your private messages.

[MasterChief86]

Does anybody have a preference on which VPN to use with Vuze for P2P sharing?  I've read so much out there and still am confused.  Everyone says their service is the best!  I don't mind paying for the service but need to know what some of the benefits are with some VPNs vs others.  My two issues are how easy it is to use (and not have to really think about it daily), and price, some are pricier than others.

 

As far as easy going is concerned, I guess a lot of providers have simplified and optimized their apps for users. You'll take a couple of tries with each app since they want to be different from others, but the learning curve isn't too steep and you'll feel accustomed to whoever you pick in no time.
As far as the price goes, Ivacy, Pure and Cyberghost may be the cheapest options you have. You may find "free VPNs" but their free version is usually proxy while they've kept the VPN option as their paid service which is understandable because of the costs involved.

[LuvVuze]

BTW, to get emails letting you know you have messages waiting, you have to subscribe to the thread and choose to receive notification notices by checking the appropriate box at the bottom of the page.