VPN Basics

This collection explains the basic networking ideas behind a VPN, the role of common protocols, and the differences between a VPN, a proxy, and Tor. Read the introductory article first if the tunnel model is new. Then use the protocol comparison when a settings menu becomes confusing. The comparison with proxies and Tor helps you ask which applications are covered and whom you are choosing to trust.

Try explaining one connection in your own words: which device sends the traffic, where does the protected tunnel end, and what happens next? Keep website encryption and account identity separate from that path. Follow the internal references when a term needs more explanation rather than assuming that every product with VPN in its name behaves alike.