Lindsay’s Tech Tips

What the f**k is a VPN?

The Real Reason
If you've ever nodded politely when someone said "you need a VPN" and thought "cool cool cool… no idea what that means" this one's for you.
Why everyone suddenly cares if you're using a VPN
Here's the part no one says out loud: Most people recommending VPNs aren't trying to be helpful, they're repeating something they were told. IT says it. Tech blogs say it. Security people definitely say it. And then it gets passed down like some kind of digital folklore.
When the F**k do I need a VPN?
You're not at home
You're working remotely
You're on a "free" Wi-Fi named "Linksys-Guest"
because your connection is suddenly way more exposed than it feels.
Plain English
So what is it actually doing?
I'm going to say this as plainly as possible:
A VPN is just a safer way for your device to talk to the internet.
That's it. That's the secret.
1
Without a VPN
Your data is a postcard — visible to anyone nearby
2
With a VPN
Your data is a sealed envelope — private and protected
Same websites. Same work. Same scrolling. Just less "anyone nearby could get involved."
The Annoying Truth
Why work VPNs feel like they hate you personally
Let's address the elephant in the room. VPNs have a reputation for being dramatic at the worst possible times.
Slowing things down
Like watching a video buffer during your only break
Disconnecting at the worst moment
Right when you're about to hit send on that email
Asking you to log in again
When you're already late to the meeting

Here's the thing: That's not because VPNs are bad. It's because VPNs are cautious. They're doing the digital equivalent of saying, "Hold on, who are you, where are you, and should I trust this?"
Real Talk
A good VPN should be boring. If it's dramatic, something needs attention. Do you actually need one, or is this optional stress?
Here's the honest answer you don't hear enough: It depends.
If you work remotely or travel
A VPN is a genuinely smart move. It lowers risk without you having to think too hard about it.
If you're mostly at home
You're probably fine, …but you're also one sketchy network away from wishing you'd had one.
Think of it like a seatbelt. You don't plan on needing it. You just want it there when things get weird.
Most tech isn't actually that complicated… it's just explained poorly.
My whole goal here is to translate the stuff people talk at you about into something that actually makes sense.
Next week, we'll tackle another favorite:
Why IT always asks if you "rebooted" and why, annoyingly, they're not wrong.
See you then. 👋

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