Are VPNs Limited to Windows OS Only? [Facts You Must Know]
We all know Windows is one of the most popular and powerful computer operating systems. We also know that tons of computer software are readily available for Windows. For example, you can easily download VPN for Windows and use it to ensure your privacy online.
Besides that, you can also use it to access geo-restricted content without any issue whatsoever. However, other operating systems are also used for different purposes, such as research and development.
The question is can you use VPNs on these operating systems, too, just like on windows? In this article, we will learn how virtual private networks are limited to Windows OS only. In addition to this, we will also learn about some other operating systems where virtual private networks are as helpful as Windows.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Use of VPNs 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 method of making sure that no one can snoop on your internet traffic.
It works like this: Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a particular IP address whenever you are connected to the internet. It is like a physical address for your computer on the web.
When using a regular browser, your computer communicates with the website you are visiting using this IP address. However, when you are using a VPN, your computer has an IP address different from the one assigned by your ISP.
What’s more, this new IP address is usually kept secret. Only the website that you are accessing knows your actual IP address. In short, using a VPN makes it appear as if you are connecting to a website from a different location.
Which, in turn, makes it almost impossible for someone to snoop on your internet traffic. What about the other operating systems? Can they also use virtual private networks?
The answer is yes! 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 and see the use of VPN on some other Operating Systems.
Operating Systems Where You Can Use VPNs:
Mac OS X (Apple):
You can use a VPN on a Mac OS X computer without any issue whatsoever. The only thing you must 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 you would on a Windows PC. In addition to this, you will also be able to use your Mac in the same way you use a regular browser. In other words, you will be able to surf the web privately and securely. To sum up, using a VPN on a Mac is as easy as 1-2-3.
Android:
You can use a VPN on an Android phone or tablet without any issue whatsoever. Once again, all you have to do is download and install the appropriate VPN software. And just like with a Mac OS X or a Windows PC, you will be able to surf the web privately and securely.
iOS (Apple):
The same rule applies to iOS devices. But there is one crucial thing that you must remember while using a VPN on an iOS device. You cannot use it if you have jailbroken your iPhone or iPad.
If you don’t know what jailbreaking is, you should not worry. It simply means that you are giving your iPhone or iPad special permission, which allows it to communicate with computers running non-Apple operating systems.
On the other hand, you will be able to use a VPN on an iPhone or iPad just like you would use it on a regular Windows or Mac PC.
UNIX:
You can use a VPN on a UNIX computer without any issue whatsoever. This protocol is straightforward and supported by nearly all the major VPN providers.
LINUX:
Just as easy as the UNIX protocol. However, unlike the UNIX protocol, the only thing you have to remember when using Linux is downloading and installing the OpenVPN software.
Once done, you can access geo-restricted websites with complete safety and privacy.
DOS/Windows:
It is one of the most challenging protocols to use. Many VPN software companies do not even provide support for this protocol. If you decide to give it a try, be prepared to spend countless hours trying to get it working.
That said, it is still possible to use a VPN on a DOS or Windows computer if you know what you are doing.
Linux/Ubuntu:
It is another protocol that is as easy to use as the UNIX protocol. However, since almost no one uses Linux, very few people know how to use it. It makes it very difficult for someone to set up a VPN on a Linux machine.
That being said, it is still possible to use a VPN on a Linux or Ubuntu computer if you know what you are doing.
Summary:
Using a VPN on any of the aforementioned operating systems is extremely simple. The only thing you have to remember is to download and installing the appropriate VPN software. After this is done, you will surf the web privately and securely.
You should also note that you can use a VPN on unlimited devices simultaneously. The list includes your computer, smartphone, tablet, and even your wireless Internet connection.
It means that virtual private networks are limited to windows and mobile operating systems only. They are as helpful on other OSs such as Linux, UNIX, Mac OS, and others.
We hope you find our guide helpful and enjoy reading it. If yes, please feel free to share it with your friends and family too.
