In very simple terms, a VPN connects your PC, smartphone, tablet or any other internet enabled device to another computer (called a server) somewhere on the internet, and allows you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection.

So, if that server is in a different country, it will appear as if you are coming from that country, and you can potentially access things that you couldn’t normally.

Good question! You can use a VPN to:

• Bypass geographic restrictions on websites or streaming audio and video.
• Watch streaming media like Netflix and Hulu.
• Protect yourself from snooping on untrustworthy Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Gain at least some anonymity online by hiding your true location.
• Protect yourself from being logged while torrenting.

Many people these days are using a VPN for torrenting or bypassing geographic restrictions to watch content in a different country. They are still very useful for protecting yourself while working at a coffee shop, but that’s hardly the only use anymore.