A VPN creates a secure internet connection between your computer, and another network. Mac users may have many reasons for installing an VPN. One of them is security for your activities when using public WiFI or accessing content that is that is restricted to specific regions or connecting from home to an enterprise network. Fortunately, setting up VPN on your MacBook is relatively simple, regardless of your technical experience. This article will walk you through how to manually configure your Mac to connect to an internet-based VPN, using either an online or free service.

We’ll examine the major differences between these two choices. Free services typically offer limited server locations or slow speeds. On the other the other hand, paid services typically provide a larger selection pc matic vs mcafee of servers. You can always select another server once connected when the speed or location isn’t what you need.

When you connect to an VPN, your data is secured, which means that it’s twisted into a code that only your VPN knows how to decode. This shields your data from cybercriminals, ISPs, governments, advertisers and other third-party companies. It also makes it much less difficult to monitor your browsing history, even when you are on unsecure networks like Wi-Fi that are public.

Depending on the VPN service you are using, you’ll need enter both your server’s address and your account name (also known as “local ID” or”remote ID”) Click Create, and then click. Certain VPN services display these details within the System Preferences while others require you to select your VPN and enter this information within their own application.