But not we all use a VPN every day, this is a fairly reliable option to access services in a more private way. This allows us to obtain a more solid security surface on the Internet. That is why today you will learn how to set up and activate a free or paid VPN on Mac..
If you have noticed that the launch of your favorite series is not available in your country, or some networks are not allowed, you may feel frustrated. Well, The Internet is considered the window to the world. The virtual private network (VPN) is the solution to your headaches.
Is it possible to connect my MAC to a free VPN?
First we go to the menu of our Mac device, then we click on system preferences. There a tab will be displayed, we go to the Red option and select it.
later we click on the VPN option that we can see on the left side of the screen of our device. A configuration menu will immediately break down, you select it.
From there our customization work begins, we click on the VPN type option, we assign a name to our service. And we culminate this step with the create tab.
Finally, we provide the information that our server provides us, in adaptation settings option. We click on the option to apply and ready, our VPN is configured and activated.
An important piece of information is that we can see the status of our VPN in our status bar. We select the icon and we can activate or disable this option in an instant.
What is a VPN?
If you have questions about what a VPN is, here we will summarize you a little on the meaning of this short but powerful word.
It is a type of technology designed to create a local network over another public support network. They are generally used to access pages that have been blocked in certain countries.
With this method we can hide from which city we are browsing and we can easily access the desired website. It also helps you have much more privacy on portals where you do not want your name or IP address. And we can get or download VPN extensions in our browser, up to monthly plan subscriptions.
This technology allows you depending on the VPN what do you want to use, save when it comes to cost. What's more, facilitates access to content, as well as allows you to design private channels.
Free VPN vs VPN de pago
If your desire is to have all the options available in the market, is better than cancel a monthly subscription benefit from this service.
Among the most outstanding of this category is NordVPN with a great benefit in terms of price and quality.
Nevertheless, we also have at our disposal a free VPN or a low cost VPN. This allows us to perform part of the functions but these have the disadvantage that have daily traffic limitand security is much tighter.
Types of VPN
Generally this becomes essential for us when configuring our device. And in turn know which one is available for it.
Remote access: It is based on connected devices from hotels and commercial offices using the internet as a base. They are mostly configured by the company's suppliers.
Point by point: are designed to allow connection between small offices and the company headquarters. Mainly characterized by broadband use. One of its benefits is that it reduces the cost of its services.
Tunneling: Based on network redirection, generally used for inter-island communication and multicast locations. Facilitates the creation of private networks for internal use.
Over LAN: This is the least known but believe it or not, is the strongest on the market. The most surprising benefit is that instead of use internet connection Use the same local area network.
How to choose a free or paid VPN service for a MAC?
When are we going to choose a VPN service, we have to take into account certain considerations, the main, it is the purpose we want to use this VPN for. Basically, the reason we will need a VPN is to change our location safely, since generally these software have quite complex encryption to decrypt.
Once we are clear about the main reason for using these programs, we will proceed to have other considerations, What the number of servers and locations you ownBesides this, we will look at the playback speed, loading and unloading you will have, to check if you can play some of our favorite streaming services or if we can use them for video games, etc.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the ease of use of itWe will even have to analyze the customer service and the usual channels that we can use with this VPN service..
After having made the above considerations clear, we will proceed to determine if we want a free or paid service, taking into account that payments will always be much more complete and secure.
Steps to configure a VPN manually on a MAC
Before you start using a VPN on a MAC, you must enter the settings in the preferences panel settings. These settings include the VPN address you want to connect to, the name of your account, authentication parameters, as password or username.
To perform this process on a MAC, you will simply have to follow a series of simple steps, for example:
- First you will have to select the Apple menu – System Preferences and then, Red.
- Then you will have to click on the option 'Add', found on the left side of the panel. This option will allow you to access a drop-down menu, in which you will select 'VPN'.
- By clicking on the 'VPN' section, proceed to click on 'Create'.
- You will need to enter the server address and account name to connect to the VPN.
- It will proceed to carry out the ‘authentication configuration’, and later, will proceed to provide the information provided by the network administrator, (User, password or certificate).
- Then you can add more settings in addition to the default ones.
- Finally you will have to click on 'apply’ and then in 'accept'.
Create a virtual private network
Virtual networks serve to connect 2 specific points, via Internet, to use them as if they were on the same local network. An example of this, can configure 2 teams of 2 different branches of a company, to be able to enter from wherever you are, with total security.
exist 2 VPN apps for Mac, that allow you to configure this type of network:
- IPSecuritas: It's a free VPN. Has L2TP support for IPSex networks, CIsco y PPTP. It is quite easy to use and configure.
- VPNTracker: This is probably the most complete option of all, is already oriented to professional use. It's easy to use, configure and it is quite secure and complete. To use this VPN service you will have to pay approximately 236 euros, plus the number of licenses you are going to use.
Configure VPN network
To configure the VPN so that you can use it, we just have to follow 3 easy steps:
- To start we will have to activate our VPN from your interface, each of the VPN programs will have a different mechanism, but in principle it is the same. You just have to activate it and go.
- Then you will press the option 'Connect’, in it you will proceed to choose the country in which you want to connect. There are many options for this, but one of the most recommended is the United States.
- Finally, will confirm the server, you will connect, and that's it, you can safely browse wherever you want, descargar, to transmit, etc. With total security and privacy.
Start the connection to a VPN server
After you have made the manual settings of your VPN, and after having configured the navigation start, you can start your connection to the VPN server. This connection will allow you to drive safely and privately, through the sites you want, using the VPN of the country of your choice.
These VPNs are widely used to access pages that are blocked in certain countries, for example, can be the example of Spotify in Venezuela. The user has to log in to Spotify with a VPN that allows him to 'browse’ from another country, like the United States, Canada or England.
The connection will start from the moment we are connected to the server of the country we choose, in the same way, it will end when we decide.
Most common problems when using a VPN on MAC
One of the most common problems in the operation of VPNs, is the connection, since there are times when this is not very good and that affects the operation of the VPN.
If your VPN is failing, it is important that the first thing you do is verify the internet connection. If the problem persists, we will have to locate the help and customer service channels, since it is possible that there is a VPN compatibility issue in your operating system.
Another fairly common reason VPNs fail is that sometimes the internet provider, use a DNS network that avoids the use of VPN, in that case it is a matter of contacting the company in charge, or otherwise contract another.
Best VPN for MAC
As we mentioned earlier, eIt is important that we know what each of the VPN services offers us that exist, Similarly, we must be aware of which ones are paid and which ones are free, knowing the advantages that this could mean for us. Some of the most recommended VPN services for MAC are:
- ExpressVPN.
- IPVanish.
- CyberGhost.
- Private internet access.
- VYPR VPN.
- HMA VPN.
All the VPNs described above have a free version and a paid version.. Some even have a trial period of 1 my, in which you can enjoy all the functions of a complete VPN, but for free.
