So if you’ve read the previous two posts, you’ll understand the problem: How can I get to watch the BBC iPlayer if I don’t live in the UK, or for that matter, ABC channels if I don’t live in the US? The answer is a VPN – Virtual Private Network. When you sign on to a VPN, you essentially appear to be where the VPN Server is physically located. This could be in the UK, the USA, Australia etc.
Is this the same as a proxy? No: A proxy server is simply an address that you can set in your network settings to give you the impression of being somewhere else. The BBC and of TV streamers are savvy to this and can still tell where you really are. I tried and tried with UK proxies but none of them worked.
A VPN on the other hand, virtually transports you to the location of the server. It’s the system many companies use to allow employees to access the company network securely from any location. It is highly secure and cannot be fooled.
So how do I get a VPN? There are a number on the market, but the one I use is called ‘Hide My Ass’ dot com!! Great name! Anyway, it costs $78.66 per annum, which I think is great value. There is also a monthly option for short term trips away. I have been using it for around a year and a half now and have never had a single problem. The url is http://www.hidemyass.com/vpn/.
I hope this wee blog will help you get going. Happy viewing!!
