{"id":700,"date":"2025-04-08T12:00:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T12:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techrepublic.com\/?p=4191050"},"modified":"2025-04-08T12:00:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T12:00:38","slug":"how-to-use-a-vpn-4-easy-steps-to-get-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tecnoartesanos.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/08\/how-to-use-a-vpn-4-easy-steps-to-get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a VPN: 4 Easy Steps to Get Started"},"content":{"rendered":"

Using a VPN or a virtual private network may seem complicated at first, but it\u2019s software that\u2019s surprisingly easy to set up and use. Whether you\u2019re part of a small business or a larger organization, integrating a VPN is a great way to secure important company information.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll provide a rundown of how to set up a VPN, how to use it and how you can maximize features for your organization.
<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/p>\n

Semperis <\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Company Size <\/div>\n
\n

Employees per Company Size<\/p>\n

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees)<\/span> Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Features<\/p>\n

Advanced Attacks Detection, Advanced Automation, Anywhere Recovery, and more<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/a> <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

ManageEngine Log360 <\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Company Size <\/div>\n
\n

Employees per Company Size<\/p>\n

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Micro (0-49 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees)<\/span> Micro, Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Features<\/p>\n

Activity Monitoring, Blacklisting, Dashboard, and more<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/a> <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Uniqkey – Business Password Manager <\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Company Size <\/div>\n
\n

Employees per Company Size<\/p>\n

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees)<\/span> Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Features<\/p>\n

Activity Monitoring, Dashboard, Notifications, and more<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/span>1. Choose a VPN<\/span><\/h2>\n

While all VPNs encrypt the connection between a device and a network, each service brings its own flavor and special features. For example, ExpressVPN offers a clean and easy to understand interface, while CyberGhost VPN prioritizes having an extensive server network that\u2019s spread across 100 locations.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to know why you need a VPN. Do you want better security and privacy? Do you need it to unblock content? How many devices do you need protected through the VPN? The answers to these questions will inform what VPN will be best for your needs.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
CyberGhost\u2019s focus on servers. Image: CyberGhost VPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Researching a VPN\u2019s reputation and track record in protecting user data should also be part of the decision-making process. VPNs are expected to secure data from malicious actors, not sell or record them for their own benefit. A good indicator of this is if a VPN has a no-logs policy that\u2019s been confirmed via a third-party audit. A no-logs policy states that a VPN doesn\u2019t record any sensitive user data, such as browsing history or IP addresses. While many claim to be no-logs, having an independent audit verify this is key.<\/p>\n

If you need a headstart on choosing a VPN, you can check out our picks of the 4 Best VPNs for Small Businesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For the sake of this guide, let\u2019s use ExpressVPN<\/a> as an example.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
ExpressVPN\u2019s official website. Image: ExpressVPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN providers available and is well-regarded for its reliability and ease of use.<\/p>\n

<\/span>2. Purchase a VPN<\/span><\/h2>\n

After deciding on a VPN, it\u2019s time to sign up and pay for a subscription. Most VPNs offer multiple subscription options at monthly, annual, or two-year terms. The longer the duration, the lower the monthly price you pay.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, I recommend going for an annual subscription, as it gives you a good balance between lower rates and a reasonable duration for the contract.<\/p>\n

I also encourage making the most out of VPN providers\u2019 money-back guarantees. Many vendors allow 30 or more days after the initial sign up for customers to test out the software and ask for a refund within the allotted time if the VPN isn\u2019t the right fit.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
ExpressVPN prices. Image: ExpressVPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the case of ExpressVPN, you can choose between a one-month plan at $12.95 per month, a one-year plan at $6.67 per month, or a two-year plan at $4.99 per month.<\/p>\n

There are free VPN options available, but these usually come at the cost of lower security, slower speeds, and a lack of other features.<\/p>\n

<\/span>3. Set up VPN<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you pay for the VPN, the next step is to download and install the VPN application. If you\u2019re downloading the VPN for your Windows or Mac, make sure you\u2019re getting it from the VPN\u2019s official website.<\/p>\n

After clicking download, the VPN\u2019s installer file will appear in your downloads folder.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
ExpressVPN installer. Image: ExpressVPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clicking on the installer file will take you to the VPN\u2019s setup process. Just follow the presented instructions until the VPN is installed onto your system.<\/p>\n

<\/span>4. Use the VPN<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fortunately, modern VPNs are relatively easy to use. Once installed, VPNs usually have a one-click connect\/disconnect button and a list of servers you can connect to.<\/p>\n

By default, VPNs will connect to the fastest server in your area. This typically means connecting to a server location that\u2019s nearest to where you are. You can, of course, pick a specific server location depending on your needs and preferences.<\/p>\n

With ExpressVPN, there\u2019s a big power button in the middle that controls your connection, and the server menu is conveniently placed below it.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
ExpressVPN dashboard. Image: ExpressVPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once you\u2019ve chosen a server, you can click connect, and there you have it \u2014 you\u2019re now using a secure VPN connection.<\/p>\n

Some people might be wondering if you need to manually connect to a server each time and the answer is no. Generally, most VPNs can be configured to launch at startup and automatically connect to a preferred server of your choice.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
ExpressVPN on Windows startup. Image: ExpressVPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s important to note that exiting a VPN desktop window usually doesn\u2019t close the program completely. VPNs are software that run in the background, so you\u2019ll have to close the VPN application either through Windows\u2019 task manager or manually quitting the app on a Mac.<\/p>\n

If you find that the VPN isn\u2019t functioning the way it\u2019s supposed to, a good rule of thumb is to disconnect from the server and restart the application. If that doesn\u2019t work, VPNs provide customer support either on their site or in the app itself.<\/p>\n

Quality VPN providers offer 24\/7 live chat support to assist you when something goes wrong. If that\u2019s not available, you can send an email using the VPN\u2019s support page or ticket system.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Best ways to use a VPN for your business<\/span><\/h2>\n

VPNs have a variety of use-cases. They can be used to access streaming services, to torrent files securely or to have a better gaming experience. They can also be used to improve a businesses\u2019 day-to-day operations. Here are a few ways they can do so:<\/p>\n

Protect company and client resources<\/h3>\n

Because VPNs encrypt the connection between the network and a connected device, all data transmitted between them is protected. This means that both company and client resources will be secured against bad actors.<\/p>\n

VPNs are a great way to protect confidential documents, internal communications, and other assets from cyberattacks and hacking. To learn more about how VPNs work, you can check out our guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Secure access to remote workers<\/h3>\n