VladTalks - A Transylvanian Blog deBATing tech in a funny way

How to set up Smart DNS on Mac

Unblocking geo-restricted streaming channels (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.) is a great achievement for all those people (me included) that like to watch the latest (and most interesting) movies, documentaries, or mini-series. What can be better than ending your day with a glass of wine and a good movie?

There are several solutions for accessing blocked streaming sites or apps: VPN, Smart DNS, proxies. The one that brings you the smoothest streaming experience is Smart DNS, as it does not involve any encryption. For those using their MacBooks to relax after a long day, I am going to explain how to set Smart DNS on Mac.

Set up Smart DNS on Mac [Summary]

Setting up Smart DNS can be done in a matter of seconds. On Mac, you need to get to the macOS DNS settings and alter the DNS with server addresses provided by the Smart DNS service.

What is an obfuscated VPN server and why is the key to online freedom?

by Vlad

While taking a much closer look at how things are going in the VPN market, you might think they are moving into the mainstream. The situation turns at 180 degrees if you invest a little time into reading between the lines. Not only that, there are continuous updates, new market trends, or fresh protocols (like WireGuard) developed and launched. In the meantime, VPN providers continuously improve their apps, service performance, server infrastructure, and features.

What is IKEv2? Is IKEv2 a friend that you may trust?

by Adrian Roman

IKEv2 is one of the most popular VPN protocols due to its stability, speed, and security. Expanding upon the strengths of its predecessor (IKEv1), IKEv2 is nowadays a strong and reliable choice when it comes to encrypting data.

As you probably know already, it is fundamentally important to secure your data when connected to the Internet, and it is equally important to use the right tools. When it comes to VPN, the communication protocol is the foundation stone of online security. If the VPN protocol implements strong encryption algorithms and high-level security policies, you may use it with confidence. IKEv2 is, from the public knowledge available at this time, a VPN protocol that you may trust.

This article explains what IKEv2 is, how this VPN protocol works, how to set IKEv2 up on your devices, and how it compares with other VPN protocols. We will also look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the IKEv2 protocol.

VPN for dummies. The most comprehensive article explaining VPN

by Vlad

Online privacy, security, and anonymity are three principles on the verge of becoming legends. Yes, just like the legends you might have read about in storybooks. VPN technology comes like a knight in shiny armor to save your online activities from becoming a target for hackers and marketers and to ensure you with the much-deserved online anonymity.

Even in 2021, many internet users associate VPN with a solution mainly used by tech gurus when, in reality, a VPN is so easy to use that even dummies can deal with it. And, don’t get me wrong, when I say dummy, I don’t mean to offend anyone but let’s be honest, everyone has that friend who is completely left-handed and artless when it comes to technology.

VPN services that may NOT protect your privacy

by Adrian Roman

Your data is … yours and you should keep it yours! Otherwise, you become the product and, sooner or later, a target for marketers, on one side, and hackers, on the other side. Do you want that?

VPNs should, by definition, protect your data, but sometimes they don’t. Don’t be fooled by marketing headlines and incomplete service descriptions! Take care of your data, do your own research, and avoid services that are too good to be true (e.g., free ones).

Do you remember the story of Pinocchio and the chapter when he meets the Fox and the Cat? Due to his naivety, Pinocchio not only trusts the two, but he even offers them a sum of money from the potential gain. Their answer is well-known:

“We do not work for gain,” answered the Fox. “We work only to enrich others.”
“To enrich others!” repeated the Cat.
“What good people,” thought Pinocchio to himself.

Even small children understand that the Fox and the Cat do not have good intentions. However, Pinocchio is blinded by their sweet words.

When it comes to online privacy, don’t be a Pinocchio. Look around, read between the lines, and assume the worst. Consider the possibility that the service intends to get the most of your private data.

This article explains why privacy is important when it comes to VPN services, how you can do your own research, why you should stay away from free VPNs, and lists several VPNs that may not be your best friend for keeping your private data safe.

VPN hardware vs VPN software – The main differences explained

by Vlad

A mind at ease is already pleased. That is why I like to think that happiness doesn’t exist without peace of mind, just like hardware couldn’t work without its better half, the software. Since we’re talking about hardware and software, let’s discuss the VPN hardware vs. VPN software topic with a pinch of peace of mind.

So, on this post’s menu, we have the following selection: why is VPN important for our peace of mind, what is VPN software, and what makes it different than VPN hardware?

Let’s have a soft start to this article and begin with the Transylvanian explanation of VPN hardware vs. VPN software.

How to install and use WireGuard on Windows 10

by Adrian Roman

WireGuard is a relatively new VPN protocol that has gained a great reputation due to its speed and simplicity. Using WireGuard on Windows is simple, and you may get started in a matter of minutes. This article explains how to set it up on Windows 10.

WireGuard Windows setup [Summary]

To use WireGuard on Windows you may either install the WireGuard VPN client or a third-party VPN app (also known as VPN software) that uses the WireGuard protocol.

What is a VPN concentrator and who needs one?

by Vlad

The history of the VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology is closely related to Microsoft’s PPTP and goes back to 1996. Tunneling protocols already existed, as, without them, the data packet moving from a network to another wouldn’t be possible. Therefore, the PPTP didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it brought along a more secure and private way of communication.

With the Internet expanding and cybersecurity blooming, VPN technology transformed into one of the most powerful and easy-to-use tools for enhanced online security and privacy.

Large corporations spotted the potential behind this technology, and the VPN became popular among businesses from the very beginning. Due to the market’s constant request for advanced security solutions, another option came to life – the VPN concentrator.

The best Smart DNS services from top VPN providers

by Adrian Roman

Need to access your favorite content on Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or other geo-restricted channels? Smart DNS is a solution that is not only easy to set up but also faster than VPN. This does not mean that you have to choose between Smart DNS and VPN. You may have access to both. This article lists the best Smart DNS services offered by top VPN providers.

Smart DNS is a technology that can easily unblock streaming channels from all over the World. There are two main benefits of Smart DNS: it offers great speed while accessing streaming content, and it can be installed on devices that are not VPN-enabled.

This article briefly explains what SmartDNS is, emphasizes its advantages, explains why VPN providers have embraced the technology, and lists the best Smart DNS services that we have tested.

How to set up an OpenVPN split tunnel to optimize your OpenVPN connection

by Adrian Roman

This article helps you set up an OpenVPN split tunnel on your device and get the most of your VPN experience by selecting the data that goes through the VPN tunnel.

I briefly explain what VPN split tunneling is, why you may need it, and how to set up an OpenVPN split tunnel.

OpenVPN split tunnel [Summary]

Depending on the type of OpenVPN VPN server you want to connect to (OpenVPN Access Server or OpenVPN Community Edition server), you have the following options: