How to Set Up a VPN on Your Dell Laptop
Looking for a way to protect your personal and financial information online? You’re in luck because we’ve got a guide for that! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up a VPN on your Dell laptop (or any laptop, for that matter).
Why Should You Setup a VPN on Your Laptop?
It’s always a good idea to take the extra step of securing your online activity, especially now that data breaches are so commonplace and costly. Having a VPN on your device means that, even if your laptop is compromised, your personal data is still protected. The best part is that you don’t need to install any additional software to utilize the service. Simply connect to the VPN network through the app you’re already using (like Google Chrome or Safari) and you’re good to go!
Step 1: Download and Install the VPN Client
The first step is to download and install the VPN client in advance. If you already have a VPN client on your computer, jump to Step 2. Otherwise, you’ll need to download and install a new app. Most VPNs offer apps for both Android and iOS, so you can use it on the go. We’ll use the OpenVPN app because it’s one of the most well-known and trusted VPNs around. You can also use the above links to get started with a free 30-day trial or the OpenVPN app directly from its official website. (Don’t worry — you won’t be asked for a credit card unless you want to subscribe.)
Step 2: Setup an Account With The VPN
Once you have the VPN app installed and running, it’s time to set up an account with the service. Enter your desired username (i.e., “Joe123”) and password and then click “Create New Account” to confirm. You’ll be prompted to verify your email address. Once you do, you’ll receive a verification email containing a link to activate your account. Click the link and you’re all set!
Step 3: Use Your VPN Account To Log In To Your Devices
It’s now time to connect your devices to the VPN. If you installed the app on one of your devices (e.g., your smartphone or tablet), you can use it to connect to the VPN and access your accounts. To do this, first ensure that your mobile device is connected to the internet, and then open the VPN app. On your device, you’ll see a list of all the connected devices, as well as a button that allows you to connect to a VPN server. Once connected, authenticate yourself by entering your username and password. You’ll then be able to browse the internet securely through the encrypted tunnel created by the VPN server.
Step 4: Ensure You Have An Up-To-Date Antivirus Software On All Your Devices
Even if you have a VPN account that you trust, you’ll still need to ensure that your devices are protected from viruses and other malware. To do this, run a trusted antivirus program (like Bitdefender Free) on your device and then scan for threats. If you have multiple devices (e.g., a desktop, laptop and tablet), ensure that they’re all being scanned by running the antivirus program on each one individually.
With all of that said, setting up a VPN on your laptop doesn’t have to be hard. Follow the steps above, and you’ll be able to use the service without any problems. Having a VPN account doesn’t guarantee that your information will be completely protected, but it certainly helps.