Linux is a mostly open source operating system that was built to be similar to Unix. In 1991, creator Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel (central portion of the code). The chances are, if you are reading this, you already know most or all of the things we are about to tell you. This post, however, is designed for people that may be new to the Linux system, and may need help. Whether you are a new Linux user or a veteran of the free operating system, we hope this post will help you.
| Rank | VPN Service | Our Score | Server Locations | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.8 | 160 |  |
| 2 |  | 9.4 | 87 | |
| 3 |  | 9.2 | 95 | |
| 4 |  | 9.0 | 110 | |
| 5 |  | 8.8 | 73 | |
Linus Torvalds was only 22 when he wrote the Linux Kernel. At the time, it is hard to think he had the foresight to know how big Linux would become. Now there are different variations, all based on his original open source work. More people know Linux than know his name. Today, Linux is a favorite among tech savvy people. Like many things that are open source, there is a great deal of potential and functionality because anyone may write a different version of the code, or alter it. Linux is represented by a penguin named Tux, and bares a resemblance to the one above.
Though Linux has a very small market share, only 1.6% of the desktops, most mainframes and computer hardware use the Linux OS. Interestingly, Linux is more common than many know. Greater than 85% of all smartphones in the world run on the Android operating system. That OS is built on the Linux kernel. In addition to smartphones, Google’s Chrome OS is built around the Linux kernel as well. Even with the functionality of Linux, there are some very important reasons to use a VPN. Let’s take a look at some of them now.
The first use for a VPN with Linux is for privacy. The last thing that any computer user needs is their important data to get compromised. Whether you have Linux on your desktop or laptop computer, if you are not using a VPN, you run the risk of having your sensitive personal data stolen. A VPN will add a layer of encryption to your browsing and stop prying eyes from seeing what activities you perform online. That said, if a government organization wants to know what you are doing badly enough, they will find ways to do so.
Another benefit to using a VPN happens because of the way it works. VPNs create a secure connection to a server that may be located in a different country. In that scenario, you have the potential to get around geo-blocking. That is a technology that sees where you are located, and blocks sites based on that data. Commercially, that would happen if you tried to watch a BBC program from outside of the UK, or in cases like the streaming giant Netflix, every region has their own library, and they are all different. Governmental blocking may stop you from going to a website that it considers to be inappropriate. The most famous example of that type of blocking is in China.
To sum up, a VPN will help you protect your privacy and unblock content you may want to enjoy from other countries or regions. Which VPN should you choose? Our top choice is IPVanish, but you should be happy with any of the providers we list above. They are the best overall based on server locations, privacy, speed, and cost. If you would like other options, you may feel free to look at our top 10 VPN providers list, but that should not be neccessary. All the vendors we have chosen are well known in the privacy industry. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @VPNFan for the latest VPN deals.