We all know that Windows is one of the most popular and powerful computer operating systems. We also know that a lot of computer software is available for Windows. For example, you can easily download a VPN for Windows and use it for your online privacy.
Moreover, you can also use it to access geo-restricted content without any issue. However, other operating systems are also used for other purposes such as research and development.
The question is, can you use a VPN on these operating systems, just like you can on Windows? In this article, we will learn how VPNs are limited to Windows OS only. In addition to this, we will also learn about some other operating systems where VPNs are just as useful as Windows.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Using a VPN on Other Operating Systems: Is It Possible?
To answer these questions, we must first understand what a virtual private network is. Simply put, a virtual private network is a way to make sure no one can snoop on your internet traffic.
It works like this: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns you a specific IP address whenever you connect to the Internet. This is similar to the physical address of your computer on the network.
When using a regular browser, your computer contacts the website you are visiting using this IP address. However, when you use a VPN, your computer has a different IP address than the one assigned by your ISP.
Moreover, this new IP address is usually kept secret. Only the website you are accessing knows your actual IP address. In short, when using a VPN, it gives the impression that you are connecting to the website from a different location.
Which, in turn, makes it almost impossible to track your internet traffic. What about other operating systems? Can they also use VPNs?
The answer is positive! Several companies provide excellent software that allows you to use a virtual private network on any operating system.
For example, you can use the OpenVPN protocol on Windows and Linux. Let’s take a look at VPN usage on some other operating systems.
Operating systems on which VPN can be used:
Mac OS X (Apple):
You can use VPN on Mac OS X computer without any problems. The only thing you have to remember is that you must download and install the appropriate VPN software on your Mac.
Once this is done, you will be able to access geo-restricted websites just like on a Windows PC. In addition to that, you will also be able to use your Mac just like a regular browser. In other words, you will be able to surf the web privately and securely. To sum it up, using a VPN on a Mac is as easy as 1-2-3.
android:
You can use a VPN on your Android phone or tablet without any issues. Once again, all you have to do is download and install the appropriate VPN software. And just like with Mac OS X or a Windows PC, you’ll be able to surf the web privately and securely.
iOS (Apple):
The same rule applies to iOS devices. But there is one important thing that you should keep in mind when using a VPN on an iOS device. You cannot use it if you have a jailbroken iPhone or iPad.
If you don’t know what hacking is, don’t worry. It simply means that you give your iPhone or iPad a special permission that allows it to communicate with computers running third-party operating systems.
On the other hand, you will be able to use VPN on iPhone or iPad just like you would on a normal Windows PC or Mac.
UNIX:
You can use VPN on a UNIX computer without any problems. This protocol is simple and supported by almost all major VPN providers.
Linux:
As simple as the UNIX protocol. However, unlike the UNIX protocol, the only thing you need to remember when using Linux is downloading and installing the OpenVPN software.
After that, you can access geo-restricted websites in complete security and privacy.
DOS/Windows:
This is one of the most difficult protocols to use. Many VPN software vendors don’t even support this protocol. If you decide to give it a try, be prepared to spend countless hours trying to get it to work.
However, it’s still possible to use a VPN on a DOS or Windows computer if you know what you’re doing.
Linux / Ubuntu:
This is another protocol that is just as easy to use as the UNIX protocol. However, since almost no one uses Linux, few people know how to use it. This makes it very difficult to install a VPN on a Linux machine.
That being said, it’s still possible to use a VPN on a Linux or Ubuntu machine if you know what you’re doing.
Summary:
Using a VPN on any of the aforementioned operating systems is extremely easy. The only thing you need to remember is to download and install the appropriate VPN software. After that, you will be able to surf the web privately and securely.
It should also be noted that you can use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices at the same time. The list includes your computer, smartphone, tablet, and even your wireless Internet connection.
This means VPNs are limited to Windows and mobile operating systems only. They are just as useful on other operating systems such as Linux, UNIX, Mac OS, and more.
We hope you find our guide useful and enjoy reading it. If yes, please share it with your friends and family.