Accessing Blocked Content via VPN

[KHONDAHM]

Just an FYI as it is something I do regularly and I was just asked this question by someone interested in connecting their Xbox to stream NetFlix to their HDTV.

If you want to access content (websites, streaming media, etc.) that is being blocked when you are in Thailand (or any country, for that matter), you can connect via a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

What is a VPN? If you think of the internet as the oceans which connect all the continents and countries, a VPN is like a subway tunnel that connects your home to one of those countries. The entrance is your closet and the exit is the closet at some ISP or remote office. It is usually super secure and cannot be easily snooped. As far as any location checking website or service is concerned, you are sitting in that country (USA, UK, etc.).

More information can be found here:

http://www.strongvpn.com

or a free advertiser supported service here:

http://www.hotspotshield.com

There are other services out there both free and paid, but these are the two I have used in the past to do things like stream Pandora, NetFlix, Hulu, BBC, etc. Strongvpn does not require any additional software and is very easy to setup. Hot Spot Shield installs some adware which can be annoying at times, but launching it with IE, then surfing with FireFox will get you around that.

For the true IT fiends amongst us, yes, it is possible to configure strongvpn on a router and have all your machines go through it. Yes, it works on your iPhone.

Hopefully, someone will find this info useful. With the increasing speeds available in Thailand, it is a shame not to exploit it all.

Cheers!

[sgt]

Thanks for the info. Having been subject to extensive phone taps etc in the past (the nixon regime) I am always in search of ways to keep my life a bit private. It is good to hear from someone that has actually used vpn. I'm also interested in getting streaming tv from the states, as there is very little on Thai sat/cable. Is slingbox the only real way to achieve this? I will be back in Udon in May permanently and while I do have friends that would not mind me leaving slingbox on their cable hook-up, I wonder about years down the road. Do you know of any options that would not involve in leaving something behind in a friends house?

Thanks again.

[KHONDAHM]

Thanks for the info. Having been subject to extensive phone taps etc in the past (the nixon regime) I am always in search of ways to keep my life a bit private. It is good to hear from someone that has actually used vpn. I'm also interested in getting streaming tv from the states, as there is very little on Thai sat/cable. Is slingbox the only real way to achieve this? I will be back in Udon in May permanently and while I do have friends that would not mind me leaving slingbox on their cable hook-up, I wonder about years down the road. Do you know of any options that would not involve in leaving something behind in a friends house?

Thanks again.

Hulu.com

[biscuitz]

www.my-private-network.co.uk.... has vpn tunnels for uk & usa, small monthly charge

[tamada]

I have been using GoTrusted for about a year now. Small monthly charge, and minimalist interface but does the business.