Best VPN for Mac OS X
VPN is an essential tool for Internet users, who wish to enhance their overall online security and remain anonymous on the web. With data encryption of premium quality, all your traffic is left out of reach and thus you do not need to worry about being exposed to threats and hacks of any sort.
Mac OS X has become a truly popular operating system, making the Mac users eager to seek the proper security layering that VPN provides.
If you are using a Mac operating device and you are wondering whether or not you should engage in a VPN subscription, have a look at the top 10 questions that will shed light to the darkness and inform you accordingly!
Does Mac OS X truly need a VPN for staying safe?
Well, it is not a matter of OS really, since the Internet has become a dangerous place to be. As soon as you connect to the web, you are exposed to all the threats that have to do with intercepting sensitive data, hacking personal accounts for gaining precious knowledge and so on.
The only thing that will keep you away from all that is advanced encryption. VPN offers advanced encryption and therefore no personal information is compromised. Despite what some people might think regarding the lack of security risks for Mac OS X, the truth is that nobody is thoroughly protected without a VPN.
How Is My IP Masked with VPN?
With the use of VPN, you get to choose a remote server from the VPN network that you have subscribed to. In this way, you get connected via this remote server and thus you receive an IP address deriving from the specific server. This is how your true IP address is masked and nobody can see it, without your permission.
Can I Unblock Geo-Restricted Sites with VPN?
Since you have got the opportunity to choose the VPN server you connect to, you automatically gain great flexibility in the IP that you receive. Geographic restrictions can easily be lifted, when using VPN.
For instance, if you wish to unblock a GEO-IP restricted site from the US, you simply need to connect to a US based server.
Do All VPN Service Providers Offer Mac OS X Compatibility?
Although Mac OS X has become truly popular as an operating system, there are still some VPN service providers that do not fully support it. This is why you need to do your research first and then proceed with your VPN subscription. On the bright side, most of the best esteemed VPN companies now offer the proper software for Mac users and they have detailed instructions, as to how to install and start using this OS.
Is the Use of VPN Expensive?
First of all, there are both free and premium VPN services available on the market. Then, if you consider the risk that you eliminate by using the Virtual Private Network, you will realize that this is an investment worth going for.
What Do You Need for Setting Up VPN on Mac OS?
We will get back to that below with an analytic guide on how to setup VPN on Mac OS X. However, it is useful to point out that having a static IP makes things run smoother.Of course, you must have an Internet connection with TCP/UDP ports and a Mac operating device (either desktop or mobile).
What Should I Look for in VPN?
There are many features that add to the best user experience in the case of VPN. You need to compare and contrast the different plans, in order to come up with a VPN option that is customized to the needs of Mac users. The cost is always a definitive factor, as well as the speed and the bandwidth.
There are some extra features like the Kill Switch that allows you to disconnect when your VPN connection fails. Such features offer even better performance and a thicker security layering. The number of VPN servers and the quality of the technical support, the feedback of customers and the origin of the VPN company will also help you decide.
Will I Be Able to Use the Same VPN Account on All Devices?
Some VPN plans allow you to use more than one device at a time. However, you need to check for their policy on simultaneous devices prior to the purchase of your VPN subscription.
Which Security Protocol Is Recommended for Mac OS X?
OpenVPN is generally recommended up to now as the most reliable security protocol. Of course, you can also use PPTP or L2TP for your connection.
Manual or Automatic Setup Is Preferable?
When it is available, automatic setup with the proper software download and installation is the best. This can cover the needs of both novices and tech-savvies.
How to Setup VPN on Mac OS X?
Even though the VPN service provider of your choosing will send you over detailed instructions as to the setup process, here are some truly useful pieces of information that you had better keep in mind:
- First, you have to Open System Preferences and select Network
- Click + and select VPN. Check the security protocol that you wish to use
- At the Configuration, you need to enter the IP address of the VPN server and the user name
- Choose Authentication Settings and enter the password
- The VPN status in menu bar needs to be selected, so that you can check Apply
- This is it! You are ready to connect to the Internet via the VPN connection that you have just established!
Apparently, you can just go for the automatic setup process that most of the highly respectable VPN service providers offer to the Mac OS X users! Whatever you choose to use, make sure that you have connected to the VPN prior to engaging in your web surfing activities!