We’ll have to wait and see if those speeds drop off when the VPN feature goes to wide release (as opposed to just Opera’s developer version). Those speeds are more than fast enough to stream HD media in resolutions up to 1080p. We got over 90% of our normal downstream speed using the VPN (14.9 Mb/s with the VPN vs 15.6 Mb/s without). In speed testing, Opera’s VPN performed impressively well. No DNS Leaks found with Opera VPN Performance and Speed Test You can specify your own preferred DNS servers on your computer if you’d rather use a non-google option like OpenDNS. Opera’s VPN appears to use google’s DNS servers (better than your ISP’s at least) so they’ve taken steps to address the privacy issues caused by DNS leaks. Internet providers around the world typically record users’ browsing history and maintain logs dating back 6 months to 2 years depending on the data retention laws of that country.īy using a VPN, you can prevent your ISP from logging (or even seeing) what websites you visit, since your traffic will be encrypted when it passes through their servers. While ‘Private’ or ‘Incognito’ mode prevents your own browser from storing cookies and browsing history, it does nothing to prevent your ISP from logging every website you visit, and even a list of files you download. Some people don’t want their entire search history tracked by their internet provider. This encryption works even on unsecured public wifi networks. Using Opera’s VPN will encrypt all data transmitted via Opera’s browser, and keep sensitive details like login/password combinations hidden from eavesdroppers. Access Pandora using Opera VPN Guard against identity theftĭid you know that any time you use an open wifi network (like Starbucks or the library) your computer transfers unsecured information that can be intercepted by anyone connected to the same network using free tools like wireshark? Some sites (most prominently Netflix) attempt to block VPN access, but I can confirm that Pandora works with Opera’s VPN as of today. For example, streaming sites like Pandora and Spotify are available in the USA, so if it’s blocked in your country, you could gain access simply by selecting the USA ‘virtual location’ in Opera’s VPN settings. Opera also gives you 3 location choices, so it may be useful for unblocking geo-restricted websites as well. Some countries even block social-networking sites like facebook and twitter.īecause Opera encrypts your connection, an intermediary like your ISP (Internet Service Provider) won’t be able to see what websites you visit, and as a result they cannot block or filter your internet results. Many countries around the world choose to access to specific websites or types of sites. These two simple features actually allow for some powerful benefits: Unblock content Changes your IP address, which ads a layer of privacy when visiting websites.Encrypts your data in transit (keeps you secure on open networks).Just like a traditional VPN, Opera’s browser-specific VPN does two things: Opera VPN options What can you do with Opera’s VPN? Check your current ‘virtual’ IP address.Change your virtual location (US, Canada, Germany).Clicking it will give you drop-down VPN options that will allow you to: Once enabled, you will now see a new ‘VPN’ indicator to the left of your URL bar (shown below). Click ‘Enable VPN’ under the ‘VPN’ section as shown below:Įnable VPN in Menu > Settings > Security & Privacy.Go to the Privacy & Security tab on the left of the settings menu.To access the VPN, follow these steps: #1 – Download the latest version of Opera (developer version)Īvailable for Mac, Windows, or Linux here. Opera’s VPN service is provided using servers from the company Surfeasy, an established Canadian VPN company that Opera acquired in 2015.Ĭurrently, users have a choice of 3 virtual locations: USA, Canada, or Germany. I’m going to show you how to enable Opera’s VPN, what it can (and can’t) do, how it performs (speed test), and how it compares to a traditional VPN service. Prevent throttling and stream HD video at it’s proper resolution.Encrypted web browsing, safe from nosy ISP’s and network administrators.The ability to access blocked content worldwide.Nevertheless, it should still provide all the same benefits as using a VPN service (inside the browser), including: Technically, Opera’s VPN is more of an HTTPS proxy than a true VPN, as pointed out here (more on this later). The developer version is available free for anyone to download. On April 20, Opera announced that their free desktop web browser would now include access to a free VPN server, powered by established VPN provider, Surfeasy.Ĭurrently, this 1-click VPN access is only included in Opera’s ‘Developer Edition’, but will eventually be included for mainstream release in their flagship browser for Mac, Linux, and Windows machines.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |