It's an encrypted connection from your computer to some other computer, and all of your traffic goes over that connection (and possibly then to the broader internet).
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There are lots of wrinkles, but basically to your ISP, all of your traffic is to the VPN provider and encrypted. To the broader internet, it looks like you are where the outbound traffic from the VPN provider comes from.
aug 23, 2025, 6:04 pm • 0 0 • view
There are some other variations, but that's the summary of the most common pattern for most people.
aug 23, 2025, 6:04 pm • 0 0 • view
Is it a service? (Monthly payments?) A device? (purchase or rental?) or both?
aug 23, 2025, 6:12 pm • 0 0 • view
I had a friend who was a programmer back in the 70s, and he always approached teaching like this: you wouldn’t teach a caveman how to wash his hand in a bathroom sink by saying “first turn on the faucet.” You’d start with “this is a house.” I’m in the “what is a house” place. 😂
aug 23, 2025, 7:05 pm • 1 0 • view
Typically a service. Software you install, and the service is for the ongoing ability to connect and route your traffic through the provider. Many of them are lump sum payments for 12-15 months of service.
aug 23, 2025, 6:21 pm • 1 0 • view
Thank you!
aug 23, 2025, 10:02 pm • 0 0 • view
Details: sometimes your network equipment supports the protocol, so you can cover everything on your network, rather than individual devices, but that's typically higher end routers, not what your ISP provides.
aug 23, 2025, 6:21 pm • 2 0 • view
Thank you! You are patient and kind!!
aug 23, 2025, 7:06 pm • 1 0 • view
I should mention the service you purchase sees all of your traffic. And if they log it, it could be discoverable by law enforcement.
aug 23, 2025, 10:10 pm • 0 0 • view