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Surf anonymously via VPN - this is how it works

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Surf anonymously with VPN - that's how it works
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
4th step:
5th step:
6th step:
7th step:
8th step:
9th step:
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11th step:

Surf and download anonymously - and quickly? This is only possible with the help of a VPN service..

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Complete anonymity on the Internet is not that easy to achieve: the usual deleting cookies and clearing the cache are anything but effective. So that you are really anonymous on the Internet, you have to hide your IP address. This can be done for free via the Tor browser, but it is not fast. If you also want to download anonymously, there is no way around a so-called VPN service: These are services that hide your IP address - and make you invisible on the web. That's how it works:

Surf anonymously with VPN - that's how it works

In the following instructions we will show you how to surf the Internet anonymously with the popular NordVPN provider . There you can first register for a free test.

Note: Of course, NordVPN is just one of many providers. Are popular as well CyberghostVPN , ExpressVPN , ZenMate or SaferVPN . There are also free services : For example, the Opera browser includes a free VPN service. Services such as TunnelBear also offer VPN at least partially free of charge. You can find a comparison of different VPN providers here..

1st step:

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NordVPN is among the top rated VPN providers out there. Also because it offers tools for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, Linux and even various router and NAS systems. So that you can test VPN sensibly before you take out a subscription, there is a free 3-day test without restrictions . Enter your email address here .

2nd step:

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You will now receive an email in which you have to click on the activation link . This will send you back to the NordVPN website. You now have to enter a password here . Your NordVPN access data is your email address and this password.

3rd step:

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Next, you can download the NordVPN software and install it on your computer. This is a little different depending on the system . We are now using the Mac version. But using it on Windows or Linux is very similar.

4th step:

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When starting for the first time, NordVPN may ask you for administrator rights in order to be able to set up something on the system. Allow that to complete the installation.

5th step:

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You will now see a map with server locations . To be able to use NordVPN, you must first log in: Click on “ Log in ” or slide the switch at the top of the window to “ On ” to display the login window. Enter the access data from step 2 there.

6th step:

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In case NordVPN asks you about Cybersec now, you can click away from the window . It is a spam and virus protection that is not absolutely necessary, at least on the Mac. Even if you are already using security software or a virus scanner, you can ignore the message. You can switch the function on or off manually later.

7th step:

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You are now back in the NordVPN window. That reports " You are not connected ". To connect you need to click the switch above again . The VPN service is then activated. Basically, that's about it: Your IP address will now be obfuscated .

8th step:

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So that you can really play it safe, you should check the functionality of your VPN service at least once afterwards. The website https://www.heise.de/netze/tools/meine-ip- Adresse/ helps with this: Call it up once with the VPN switched on and once without. The IP addresses must be different , then everything will work.

9th step:

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NordVPN initially uses a German server with a German IP address. This has the advantage that websites can recognize you as a German user and thus deliver a German version of the information, for example. On the other hand, country locks also apply to streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix or TV channels via the country recognition. If you want to access such a website, you should change your country to NordVPN : Click on " Country List " and select the country from which you want to use the service. For example “United Kingdom” if you want to access the BBC's media library.

10th step:

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Of course, this also works the other way around: For example, if you are abroad with your laptop and cannot access content due to a geo-lock, you can choose "Germany" as the server location with the VPN service . The website then thinks you are in Germany - and you can use the content.

11th step:

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The VPN provider pushes all of your traffic over the VPN connection. This has the advantage that all of your programs are invisible to outsiders - the individual setting in each browser and program is no longer necessary. You now have 72 hours at NordVPN to thoroughly test the functionality and speed of the service . However, you must then take out a subscription if you want to continue using the service.

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