Virtual Private Networks

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) uses a public network (such as the internet) to connect computers and/ or websites.

For example, a home computer and a work computer could be connected by a VPN over the internet and be able to communicate and exchange data as if they were on a local network.

The process offers an extremely high level of encryption and is a great deal more secure than common internet activities, such as browsing websites and sending email.

What is a VPN used for?

Virtual Private Networking is primarily used as a means of secure data transfer between remote PCs. However, it an also be useful in a number of different scenarios to view restricted content. For example, if you've ever tried to view online episodes of your favourite US shows at websites for Fox, CBS or ABC you will have drawn a blank. These websites can detect that your IP address is in the UK and so won't let you watch any content.

Fortunately, there's a way of getting around this with the help of Hotspot Shield, a free utility from Anchor Free (www.anchorfree.com). The program essentially lets you browse the internet using a US-based IP address by creating a VPN between your laptop and your route, so you can bypass many of the geographical content restrictions currently in place.

In countries where governments restrict access to certain sites, individuals can use VPNs to view banned content. This happened in Pakistan in 2008 when access was to YouTube was blocked.