VPN What Is It For?

 People have asked me about VPN. What is it for?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is used to enhance online privacy, security, and access. Here’s what it does:

1. Privacy & Anonymity – A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for websites, advertisers, and hackers to track you.

2. Security on Public Wi-Fi – When using public Wi-Fi (e.g., in cafes or airports), a VPN protects your data from hackers who might try to intercept it.

3. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions – A VPN allows you to access region-locked content by making it appear as if you're browsing from a different country. This is useful for streaming services, websites, or apps restricted in certain locations.

4. Avoiding Censorship – In countries with strict internet censorship, a VPN helps users access blocked websites and services.

5. Secure Remote Access – Businesses use VPNs to allow employees to securely access company networks from anywhere.

WARNING: VPN can interfere with some websites and other apps. In those cases you will need turn it off. You will forget it is running and then you won't be able to login to a website or something else won't work. That is the moment when you will have to remember this warning. Shut off your VPN app and try again.

I'm currently using Proton VPN. You can use it for free but it may slow down your connection a bit. I have the lowest cost paid version VPN Plus.

I have it on my computer, my phone, and my TV. The $2.99 a month is for a purchase of a year. it renews at $6.66 per month again for a prepaid year. They have a whole set of security apps. I just use the VPN.

Links to some of the most popular VPN providers.

Protonvpn

Surfshark

Nordvpn

Printers Laser Jets or Ink Jet

If you are currently using an inkjet printer and are happy with it by all means keep using it. However my experience over many years went something like this. After several months without use I need to print something. The printer doesn't work or prints erratically. Why because the ink has dried up or has dried in the nozzle of the print head. After several commands to clean the print head ( a time consuming exercise ) it starts to work. However in the middle of the print job it glitches and I have to reprint one or more pages. Then I run out of ink ( can you say expensive ). 

 The answer. Buy a laser printer. The technology in a laser printer is proven. The ink will never dry up ( actually it's already dry ) it's a powder. Mine sets for weeks or months at a time and works every time. I've owned it for close to 10 years. 

Chances are you don't really use or need color printing very often. On those rare occasions you do need color use an online photo or document printer. If you really need color printing you'll pay at least another $100 for the printer. I know inkjet printers are cheaper but the truth is unless you use them often and consistently they can be the source of stress and frustration in your life. The ink cartridges can end up making them cost more over the long run. Here are some examples I found in a quick Amazon search. Check your local office supply store too.

Monochrome means black and white (black ink) only.

Color means guess what, that's right it prints in color. I would still print photos at a online photo printer. It's not really photo quality. Certainly good enough for charts and graphs plus some basic graphics and diagrams just not true photo quality.

If you take my advice on this you will be so glad you did.