HideMyAss VPN Review - 95% of Network Fast Enough for Streaming High Def!

httpI came across a really well done VPN review on HideMyAss.  The folks over at VPNandUsenetReviews.com did an amazing job on an indepth review of the HMA VPN software and service, including a full test. 

They did such a good job they documented just about everything in the software, and then went off and did a full speed test.  But they didn't stop there, they actually did some math on the results and produced some real conclusions!  Amazing...

The basic conclusion is that HMA has a really fast network.  Over 95% of it can support speeds suitable for streaming high def.  Even if you accept some of the highest measures of speeds required, over 70% of the HMA VPN network still meets the requirements.  Pretty cool when you consider it's only $11.52/mo.

The indepth review includes screenshots of almost all the HMA features in their VPN client software.  It also includes all the speed test results from the 20 something countries that HMA offers.  

Have a look at all the screenshots of the software and the full test here.

Personally I like both VyprVPN and HMA for VPN service and VPN clients.  I think either one is an excellent choice.  They both end up highly ranked over at that site too for obvious reasons (price, features, performance, etc.)

Question: Are you using either Usenet or VPN Services?

Do you use either Usenet or VPN services currently?

Hey Readers,

I'm curious - are you using either a Usenet newsgroup provider, or a VPN service provider?  If so, which provider are you using for the service?

Giganews, VyprVPN, StrongVPN, Easynews, NewsDemon, TuVPN - another service provider?...

Thou shalt secure thine connection before traveling

Doesn't really matter if it's a pay or free provider, of either service.  

All pimps wear this hat

I'm trying to figure out what is actually in use out there.  I can look it up all I want, but I figure asking you readers is just as effective.

Is this how you get security on the net?

Please let me know in the comments!  Yes/No (to either service), and who is the provider...THANKS!

**bonus - if you're willing to comment on how the service is, in your opinion, that would be AWESOME!**

Giganews Vypr VPN - Secure Browsing on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Computer

So we've already established that Giganews is a pimp Usenet provider, and secure browsing is a good thing.

Check this out:  the Diamond package at Giganews gives you free access to Vypr VPN (from Goldenfrog).  Which, in addition to providing VPN for your computer, also provides VPN for your PHONE.  Yeah that's right, secure browsing on your iPhone, iPad, Android.  Setup is super easy too.

But let's take a step back, WTF are we talking about here?

We're talking about anonymous and secure internet.  Your email, IM, web browsing, VoIP, all that jazz.  Again, this is a good thing.  Still not sure why this is a good thing, read this here:  Why Vypr VPN?

In addition to the obvious benefits of secure web browsing, I would like to call your attention to this little known fact:  Public WiFi hotspots like those you use in airports and coffee shops are especially insecure. Anything you send or receive over WiFi is "visible" and vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves. 

VyprVPN lets you take a secure connection with you everywhere you go.

Illustration of internet traffic before Vypr VPN, and after

So you're sitting there at Starbucks right, or Safeway, or whatever and you're like "Sh1t I need to pay my bills..."  Next thing you know, you're logging into your bank website over the store's free public wifi.  Yeah, you're boned.  I just stole your login name and password.  Yup.  Sucks to be you.  Loving that free internet at the airport, aren't you?  All over your travel accounts (Airlines, Rental Car, Hotels)...yeah you're boned too.

But let's leave that alone for a second too, and go back to the whole VPN on your phone.  iOS and Android will both support VPN.  Supplying the server name, username, and password is about all it takes. 

Everything you need to know about setup can be found here, but install is a walk in the park, any monkey should be able to accomplish it.  Select your install type (Win, Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux, DD-WRT firmware) and the install instructions will walk you through the screens and settings.

iPhone with VPN on and VyprVPN network (misspelled)

Alright, we've established a few things here:

• Giganews is offering Vypr VPN for free for Diamond accounts
• Vypr VPN works for your computer and your phone
• Secure connect over VPN is good for a number of different reasons 
• Setup is easy - supply server address, user, and password

A word on performance.  Anyone who's ever used a proxy before, or a VPN (possibly for a remote work connection) understands how performance can become an important issue.  To be honest, I noticed zero difference in speedtests with VyprVPN on, or off.  I was getting a max connection either time.  The only limit is the amount I pay for through Comcrap, err Comcast.

I give VyprVPN 5 stars for this reason (performance), as well as ease of use, and functionality (works on your phone!)  No problems or issues to report.

So, if you're already a Giganews Diamond account holder, go setup VyprVPN (its free!).

Or, if you're not a Giganews account holder:
1 - check out Giganews, it's badass
2 - check out Vypr VPN, it is also badass

*last note: you can easily verify setup is working if you are connected and if your IP has changed.  if it is connected, and your IP has changed, your setup is successful!