Anyone familiar with using a VPN on your phone?

[No Nicolaitans]

I wasn't sure if I should put this in the Computer forum or here...I chose here. 

Anyway, we are leaving for a vacation soon. While we're on vacation, I will need to pay a bill online using my phone. For extra security (since it will be used on public Wi-Fi), I've installed a VPN app. Having never used one before, I'm a bit confused as to what to do. Operating the VPN is simple, but I'm not sure how it works...here is what I THINK I should do...

1. Turn on the VPN and let it do its thing and make its connections.
2. Then open my web browser and do my business.
3. Close the browser
4. Turn off the VPN.

Does this sound right? Since I'm new to this VPN business, I thought the VPN would maybe have its own browser, but that's not the case. Basically from what I gather, the VPN provides a shield of protection for your phone while you're online.

Can anyone tell me if I'm right or wrong about how it should be used?

Thanks!

[wretched]

You are right NN, I use vpn all the time. Just make sure when you connect to vpn you have an active connection before you do your business. It will tell you if your vpn is connected and give you a window or prompt to click accept. Mine is laptop but should be the same for phone. It will not have a separate browser, you use your normal one.

[No Nicolaitans]

Ah...thank you sir, and thank you for the tip!

[No Nicolaitans]

Tried out the VPN earlier...checked my IP address, and it said that I was located on the other side of the country. 

It also wouldn't let me connect to one of the IP websites...said it wasn't a trusted site. 

This VPN does all kind of things!

[No Nicolaitans]

 I use vpn all the time. 

Thanks again wretched...you sir, are a genius. Because of your input and advice regarding a VPN, I felt completely at ease using my phone to make a banking transaction while on an unsecured wireless network while on vacation. I have since installed VPNs on my wife's phone and all of our computers. 

Notice to everyone...

If you are at all concerned about online privacy/security, I would encourage you to install a VPN also. This is the one that I'm using on our Linux computers and Android phones. It's free with unlimited bandwidth...and you don't have to sign up for anything or give any information.  

https://www.vpnbook.com/freevpn

On our Windows 8.1 computer, I'm still using OpenVPN, but it's a different setup than what's above. Until I can find something different, I'm using a trial version of this...https://www.privatetunnel.com/home/

However, I did have to sign up for it with an email account...not sure how "private" it is. 

[Critical Mass]

VPN's are good for getting on to websites you have been banned or blocked from getting on to. If you are that kind of person.

[No Nicolaitans]

VPN's are good for getting on to websites you have been banned or blocked from getting on to. If you are that kind of person.

Now wait a minute...before you paint something with a broad stroke, that's not all a VPN is good for...

They also keep trackers, hackers, and those who want to infiltrate one's privacy (aka - the government) from doing their dirty work. 

Just like most anything, it can be used for good and bad. I choose the good.

[Invicta]

Are they also called Proxy Server?

When I am in holiday in France, I cannot access most BBC TV programmes as you have to be in the UK to watch them.  I did read the if you used a Proxy Server in the UK you can watch them, but I haven't tried it.

Edited October 19, 2015 by Invicta

[No Nicolaitans]

Are they also called Proxy Server?

When I am in holiday in France, I cannot access most BBC TV programmes as you have to be in the UK to watch them.  I did read the if you used a Proxy Server in the UK you can watch them, but I haven't tried it.

No...they're not the same; however, what a proxy does is one part of what a VPN does. 

If you want to try a proxy server, the website that I gave a link to above also has a free proxy. The next time you're in France, go to this link. https://www.vpnbook.com/webproxy

It's sort of like a web browser page.

1. Enter the web address of the site you want to visit.

2. Choose the UK proxy from the drop-down list. (That may not be required though. There are only 3 proxy servers...US, UK, and Canada. If the BBC can be watched in all of those countries, you can leave it on Random Proxy).

3. Click Go.

 

[Invicta]

No...they're not the same; however, what a proxy does is one part of what a VPN does. 

If you want to try a proxy server, the website that I gave a link to above also has a free proxy. The next time you're in France, go to this link. https://www.vpnbook.com/webproxy

It's sort of like a web browser page.

1. Enter the web address of the site you want to visit.

2. Choose the UK proxy from the drop-down list. (That may not be required though. There are only 3 proxy servers...US, UK, and Canada. If the BBC can be watched in all of those countries, you can leave it on Random Proxy).

3. Click Go.

 

Thanks.  

Some BBC progs can only be watched in the UK as you have to have a licence to watch them live, it will not accept and overseas address.  I think you can watch the catch up TV from anywhere using BBC IPlayer but I am not sure.  We like to watch our local news but that is not available on catch up.

 

[Invicta]

Sorry I think you already gave that info.

[wretched]

Thanks again wretched...you sir, are a genius. Because of your input and advice regarding a VPN, I felt completely at ease using my phone to make a banking transaction while on an unsecured wireless network while on vacation. I have since installed VPNs on my wife's phone and all of our computers. 

Notice to everyone...

If you are at all concerned about online privacy/security, I would encourage you to install a VPN also. This is the one that I'm using on our Linux computers and Android phones. It's free with unlimited bandwidth...and you don't have to sign up for anything or give any information.  

https://www.vpnbook.com/freevpn

On our Windows 8.1 computer, I'm still using OpenVPN, but it's a different setup than what's above. Until I can find something different, I'm using a trial version of this...https://www.privatetunnel.com/home/

However, I did have to sign up for it with an email account...not sure how "private" it is. 

No problem NN, the term genius maybe an understatement though since I possess a photo-hygenic memory

[No Nicolaitans]

Thanks.  

Some BBC progs can only be watched in the UK as you have to have a licence to watch them live, it will not accept and overseas address.  I think you can watch the catch up TV from anywhere using BBC IPlayer but I am not sure.  We like to watch our local news but that is not available on catch up.

 

By choosing the UK proxy, the internet will "see" you as though you are in the UK instead of France. I would assume that it would work for live broadcasting, but I'm not positive...this is all still new to me.

 

[Invicta]

By choosing the UK proxy, the internet will "see" you as though you are in the UK instead of France. I would assume that it would work for live broadcasting, but I'm not positive...this is all still new to me.

 

Thanks I did see a review of some proxy servers in the UK some years ago but didn't need them at the time so I didn't take much notice.They did say that only one or two work with most sites,  It probably won't be till next year we will go for a holiday. We are somewhat skint at present.  Our granddaughter who is studying in France at present has appealed to me today to buy her two French grammar books for her course.  She said when she comes home for Christmas she will come and do some cleaning for us.  How can I refuse?