That is cool. I have a bit of a conundrum though. I use OpenDNS for content filtering which I won't be able to use with the VPN. Hmm. Decisions decisions.
The "super star" VPNs usually have great yearly rates and especially if you watch for specials that come along a few times a year. If you score a special they will be as cheap or even less than those "no name" VPN providers. There is a large gap between the best and no name services when it comes to secure systems. I won't highlight my fav's but simply refer you to the preferred provider list that circulates around here (multiple lengthy threads). Any of the top 5 are great! I will say that I personally sift for those that specialize in TRUE linux support, and demonstrate thorough understanding of how linux differs from Windows in their setups. With my personal dedication and quality control on their end, linux is a fortress compared to other approaches. Just how it is.
I think you sais you use Mint? I do too as a secondary OS but I would most likely install a VPN in Windows for now. I find Linux distros have come along way with good hardware support now days.
Some VPN services provide custom clients that block leaks. Leaks if the uplink gets interrupted. And DNS leaks. And you can use firewall and routing rules to block leaks with any VPN service, using any software. It's probably best to stick with OpenVPN-based VPNs. IPsec can be very good too, but it can also be crap if implemented poorly. PPTP is always crap.
How do you do it, Pete? I bank with a very large US bank and whenever I use a vpn, they catch it and block me -- whether close to home (one state away) or not. Every time it happens, I have to go through their verification process -- which is a little annoying.
As long as I am in the states I don't have a problem. My bank is all over the us. But if I go to even a canadian server, they also do a challenge.
While I have no way of knowing for sure, I'm also thinking it might be the IP address change. So, if that's the case, how do you get around that with a VPN? My bank is all over the US as well - the largest bank in the country, I believe -- but that doesn't matter much -- they seem to able to detect any and all computer changes and nail me every time. I usually have to temporarily disable everything -- do my banking -- and then re-enable again.
Not sure you can. If you keep your original IP, then it is you. You may just to have to go thru the verification process so they know it's you. I always use the same nord server so it doesn't change.
Do you happen to know if Nord offers any kind of Trial plan? I always like to try before I buy -- not sure what's compatible with my old XP system.
Yes, you can use instructions from here: https://support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/208084455-Do-you-offer-a-free-trial/ They offer three day trial.
Thanks, just tried it -- but not compatible with Win XP. Anyone know if any of these are: Mullvad, OpenVPN, iVPN or PIA?
Windscribe voucher: free VPN with 50GB traffic included http://www.ghacks.net/2017/04/01/windscribe-voucher-free-vpn-with-50gb-traffic-included/
Does the Windscribe 'client' include an easy option to temporarily disable the VPN should that be necessary?
Yes, author suggests to use google account just for this purpose, unrelated to your real name or your real google account.
This is fine if all your doing is random searches. At the moment you need to access sites/accounts, where you have had to use your real name to register, or have used credit cards, then this becomes useless much like a VPN in these same circumstances. The only use I have for VPN is "malware testing" as it places "their" sever in between me and a potential attack.
