Should I use a VPN?


Ultrarunner22

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Dual-Boot Windows 11 / Ubuntu 20.04.3
Hello;
I am running Windows 11 Pro (latest build) on my PC and use Firefox (latest build) for all of my Internet activity, which has always been limited to legit sites.
However, with all the talk about VPN's, I'm thinking maybe it's time to start using one - especially for banking and shopping.
Is there a VPN that is best for Firefox? I read somewhere that Opera browser includes a VPN, but I would rather stick with Firefox, as I have been using it for many years and am comfortable with it.

Any recommendations?
Thanks
Ultrarunner
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Pro Ver 22H2, OS build 22623.1037

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual-Boot Windows 11 / Ubuntu 20.04.3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 @ 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 Super Windforce OC 3X 8G
    Sound Card
    OBD: Realtek S 1200A, USB: Behringer UMC202HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Main: Asus Tuf Gaming VG27AQL1A, #2: NEC EA244WMi, #3: Samsung 2494HS
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1440 @ 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    2ea WD Blue SN550 NVMe M.2 1TB SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus GM-750
    Case
    Fractal Designs Meshify C (no glass)
    Cooling
    CPU: AMD Ryzen stock cooler, Case: 2x 140mm front, 1x 120mm rear, 1x 120mm top
    Keyboard
    Glorious GMMK with Pudding Keycaps
    Mouse
    UtechSmart Venus MMO Gaming mouse
    Internet Speed
    100Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox ver 93.0 64-bit
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security Suite
Do you trust some random VPN company more than your ISP?

Are you using banking etc on public wifi?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Workstation
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    doofenshmirtz evil incorporated
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO Black 64GB (4x16GB) 3600MHz AMD Ryzen Tuned DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT 16GB ROG Strix LC OC
    Sound Card
    Sound BlasterX Katana
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 x27" Dell U2724D & 1 x 34" Dell U3415W
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 2280 PCI-e 4.0 x4 NVMe Solid State
    Drive
    PSU
    ASUS ROG THOR 850W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    ASUS ROG Strix Helios Midi-Tower ARGB Gaming Case
    Cooling
    ASUS ROG Strix LC Performance RGB AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - 360mm
    Keyboard
    Logi Ergo
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    900/100 Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Pro
    Other Info
    HP M281 Printer
    Logitech Brio Stream webcam
    Yeti X mic
  • Operating System
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop
    CPU
    i7
I totally agree with @z3r010. It's up to each individual to decide what they need in terms of security and privacy. Personally, I do not use one myself as I have nothing to hide in regard to what sites I visit. I use a well known password manager, visit only HTTPS sites, and use uBlock origin add-on for Firefox to help control ads. See this article that might give you a better insight. Should You Use a VPN? - Consumer Reports
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Like
Reactions: OAT
Thanks guys;
I only do banking/shopping on my home PC, which is protected with ESET internet security. When I do use my Android phone to access my bank account, I use either my home WiFi or cellular data, but never open/public WiFi.
So I guess a VPN is a good idea for those who use their mobile devices on public WiFi; makes sense.

I had thought about whether or not I should trust a VPN company, as there appear to be an increasing number of them out there. If I do decide to use a VPN, I would go with one that is well known and trusted, not the cheapest option with flashy ads and testimonials.

I've been using Adblock Plus on Firefox for years, and it suits me well, but if there is a better option, I am open to a change.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual-Boot Windows 11 / Ubuntu 20.04.3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 @ 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 Super Windforce OC 3X 8G
    Sound Card
    OBD: Realtek S 1200A, USB: Behringer UMC202HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Main: Asus Tuf Gaming VG27AQL1A, #2: NEC EA244WMi, #3: Samsung 2494HS
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1440 @ 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    2ea WD Blue SN550 NVMe M.2 1TB SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus GM-750
    Case
    Fractal Designs Meshify C (no glass)
    Cooling
    CPU: AMD Ryzen stock cooler, Case: 2x 140mm front, 1x 120mm rear, 1x 120mm top
    Keyboard
    Glorious GMMK with Pudding Keycaps
    Mouse
    UtechSmart Venus MMO Gaming mouse
    Internet Speed
    100Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox ver 93.0 64-bit
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security Suite

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Workstation
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    doofenshmirtz evil incorporated
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO Black 64GB (4x16GB) 3600MHz AMD Ryzen Tuned DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT 16GB ROG Strix LC OC
    Sound Card
    Sound BlasterX Katana
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 x27" Dell U2724D & 1 x 34" Dell U3415W
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 2280 PCI-e 4.0 x4 NVMe Solid State
    Drive
    PSU
    ASUS ROG THOR 850W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    ASUS ROG Strix Helios Midi-Tower ARGB Gaming Case
    Cooling
    ASUS ROG Strix LC Performance RGB AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - 360mm
    Keyboard
    Logi Ergo
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    900/100 Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Pro
    Other Info
    HP M281 Printer
    Logitech Brio Stream webcam
    Yeti X mic
  • Operating System
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop
    CPU
    i7
Just for info I sometimes run free Proton VPN. The free version only allows three countries. You'll need to find the fastest servers and it will show the percentage load on them. You could try to test it and always remove if not suitable.

QVIXNZms4v.png

GZqVooNi3s.png

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro & 🐥.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X509DA (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RX Vega 10 Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Just for info I sometimes run free Proton VPN. The free version only allows three countries. You'll need to find the fastest servers and it will show the percentage load on them. You could try to test it and always remove if not suitable.

View attachment 47952

View attachment 47953


That's an absolute spamfest of a server farm they are routing that connection from.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Workstation
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    doofenshmirtz evil incorporated
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO Black 64GB (4x16GB) 3600MHz AMD Ryzen Tuned DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT 16GB ROG Strix LC OC
    Sound Card
    Sound BlasterX Katana
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 x27" Dell U2724D & 1 x 34" Dell U3415W
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 2280 PCI-e 4.0 x4 NVMe Solid State
    Drive
    PSU
    ASUS ROG THOR 850W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    ASUS ROG Strix Helios Midi-Tower ARGB Gaming Case
    Cooling
    ASUS ROG Strix LC Performance RGB AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - 360mm
    Keyboard
    Logi Ergo
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    900/100 Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Pro
    Other Info
    HP M281 Printer
    Logitech Brio Stream webcam
    Yeti X mic
  • Operating System
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop
    CPU
    i7
  • Like
Reactions: OAT
Please test your system for vulnerability while browsing with those tools, you will find out that no matter what software you use,
you are never fully protected, just as one cannot put in enough locks on a door.
In the end, it will always be a door.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 All /Debian/Arch
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. TUF Gaming FX705GM
    CPU
    2.20 gigahertz Intel i7-8750H Hyper-threaded 12 cores
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. FX705GM 1.0
    Memory
    24428 Megabytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
    Sound Card
    Intel(R) Display Audio / Realtek(R) Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated Monitor (17.3"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD 1920X1080 16:9
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD SATA/NVM Express 1.3
    WDS500G2B0A-00SM50 500.1 GB
    WDCSDAPNUW-1002 256 GB
    PSU
    19V DC 6.32 A 120 W
    Cooling
    Dual Fans
    Mouse
    MS Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    Fiber 1GB Cox -us & ADSL Bouygues -fr
    Browser
    Edge Canary- Firefox Nightly
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    VMs of Windows 11 stable/Beta/Dev/Canary
    VM of XeroLinux- Arch based & Debian 12
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Insider Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS X751BP
    CPU
    AMD Dual Core A6-9220
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R5 M420
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3
    Screen Resolution
    1600X900 16:9
    Hard Drives
    1TB 5400RPM
One of those tools will always return your location.
even if you try to spoof it. It does not matter, VPN or not.
Go here, on the pull down, -below the About section-
select one of the two Aggressive options.

Don't be fooled by the hype.
They are all after your money, not your protection.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 All /Debian/Arch
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. TUF Gaming FX705GM
    CPU
    2.20 gigahertz Intel i7-8750H Hyper-threaded 12 cores
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. FX705GM 1.0
    Memory
    24428 Megabytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
    Sound Card
    Intel(R) Display Audio / Realtek(R) Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated Monitor (17.3"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD 1920X1080 16:9
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD SATA/NVM Express 1.3
    WDS500G2B0A-00SM50 500.1 GB
    WDCSDAPNUW-1002 256 GB
    PSU
    19V DC 6.32 A 120 W
    Cooling
    Dual Fans
    Mouse
    MS Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    Fiber 1GB Cox -us & ADSL Bouygues -fr
    Browser
    Edge Canary- Firefox Nightly
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    VMs of Windows 11 stable/Beta/Dev/Canary
    VM of XeroLinux- Arch based & Debian 12
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Insider Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS X751BP
    CPU
    AMD Dual Core A6-9220
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R5 M420
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3
    Screen Resolution
    1600X900 16:9
    Hard Drives
    1TB 5400RPM
Thanks guys;
I only do banking/shopping on my home PC, which is protected with ESET internet security. When I do use my Android phone to access my bank account, I use either my home WiFi or cellular data, but never open/public WiFi.
So I guess a VPN is a good idea for those who use their mobile devices on public WiFi; makes sense.

I had thought about whether or not I should trust a VPN company, as there appear to be an increasing number of them out there. If I do decide to use a VPN, I would go with one that is well known and trusted, not the cheapest option with flashy ads and testimonials.

I've been using Adblock Plus on Firefox for years, and it suits me well, but if there is a better option, I am open to a change.
If you want a VPN to use while on public WiFi then get a router with a VPN server built in. Then you VPN directly into your home LAN/Internet connection and you are not sending your internet traffic through some VPN company that may very well be spying on you.

I use my home VPN when camping so that I can access my Xfinity streaming cable TV.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
  • Like
Reactions: OAT
If you want a VPN to use while on public WiFi then get a router with a VPN server built in. Then you VPN directly into your home LAN/Internet connection and you are not sending your internet traffic through some VPN company that may very well be spying on you.

I use my home VPN when camping so that I can access my Xfinity streaming cable TV.
That's an interesting option. Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual-Boot Windows 11 / Ubuntu 20.04.3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 @ 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 Super Windforce OC 3X 8G
    Sound Card
    OBD: Realtek S 1200A, USB: Behringer UMC202HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Main: Asus Tuf Gaming VG27AQL1A, #2: NEC EA244WMi, #3: Samsung 2494HS
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1440 @ 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    2ea WD Blue SN550 NVMe M.2 1TB SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus GM-750
    Case
    Fractal Designs Meshify C (no glass)
    Cooling
    CPU: AMD Ryzen stock cooler, Case: 2x 140mm front, 1x 120mm rear, 1x 120mm top
    Keyboard
    Glorious GMMK with Pudding Keycaps
    Mouse
    UtechSmart Venus MMO Gaming mouse
    Internet Speed
    100Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox ver 93.0 64-bit
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security Suite

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