In a world that is increasingly becoming more online and digital, it is more important than ever to get the most from your online experience. The world currently has 5.03 billion internet users, which shows you the magnitude of what it means to be an online user. You are connected to an extension of the real world, with limits and possibilities endless and opportunities plentiful. Understanding things you can do online to make your experience better and more streamlined is important, so here at the top ways you can get more from your online experience:
Use a VPN
A VPN can be a real game changer when you go online and try to do pretty much anything. A VPN has a very holistic approach to providing value to your online experience. Whether it is being more protected or getting more online freedom, a VPN can truly do it all. The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which is the process of connecting your PC to a network via an encrypted tunnel and then using that connection to link to whichever website or application you want to use.
A VPN also crucially hides your IP address, which is pivotal when it comes to getting anonymity and maintaining a level of privacy online. This feature is critical in opening up your online experience, as it allows you to bypass geographical restrictions to expand what content you digest online. This can include things like streaming platforms, where providers like Netflix change what content directory you get depending on where you are in the world. This content access extends to other mediums too, as countries, institutions, schools, and workplaces will restrict your internet access and block certain websites. By using a VPN connection, you can bypass these restrictions and get freedom and content online. You can comfortably find a VPN free online if you look, or find cheap options that cover all the bases you need.
Manage Your DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System and is the process of translating URLs into server addresses. The standard method is that you get a DNS from whoever you are paying as the role of ISP (internet service provider). A smart hack to boost your internet speeds can be done by changing your DNS to an alternative system, which can accelerate your browsing and maintain a high level of privacy online.
Another strong practice of DNS management can be found in cleaning it. This is the process of cleaning your DNS cache, which removes previous entries on your computer or phone. It will initially slow down your process as it no longer saves a cached version of the websites you visit, but it will also get rid of old or incorrect caches and keeps your browser data lean. You can do this on Windows by typing “ipconfig/flushdns” into your command console, or using “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” in the macOS Terminal. You are also able to do this directly through the Google Chrome browser, going into ‘Settings’ and ‘General’ and clicking ‘Reset Network Settings.
Be Smart With Passwords
A common mistake for online users is poor practice management. That can come in poor creation, inadequate storage, or leaving too many clues and crumbs about what your passwords are online. A strong password practice makes your online experience better as it leaves you less at risk for cybercriminals or hackers and keeps you safe with peace of mind.
A clever move for an online user could be to put in a password manager, as it is almost impossible to generate long, secure, and complex passwords for every unique account and remember them to memory. A password manager allows you to remember your login details for every account and these password managers are typically free. You can also have these password managers generate random combinations for your passwords, taking this headache out of the equation.
Extensions Make For A Efficient Experience
Browser extensions are the ever-lasting great secret for the average online user. Whether you are using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, you can use extensions to make your online experience so much better and smoother. Whether it is blocking pop-up ads, recording your screen, saving money by having the price for an item compared across the web, or even having your grammar checked over in real-time.
There are so many browser extensions that you can literally almost find them for every need or request out there. Another thing you should keep in mind is to make sure you do not have too many extensions, as unwanted extensions will cause your internet browsing experience to be slow and lethargic. Out-of-date extensions can even put your security at risk as they will store, collect or even share your data and will not be maintained in a security sense by the developer. Try and remove add-ons you don’t use and keep your online experience lean and efficient.