Total noob here.
I installed Proton VPN on my laptop and booted it up but I don’t think it’s actually working. Does I just open a normal browser and it starts working or what? How do I actually get to a website.
Check on https://ip.me and https://dnsleaktest.com before and after connecting to a Proton VPN server. You should see the difference 
Does I just open a normal browser and it starts working or what? How do I actually get to a website.
- Connect to Proton VPN
- Use your computer as you would otherwise.
It just changes your IP and encrypts your traffic, whether its browsing, gaming or anything else internet related. Should do some basic research on what a VPN is.
First, welcome! A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is, in simple terms, just a way of masking your external IP address and encrypting the data sent to the exit node of the VPN provider. It allows you to browse the internet without your Internet Service Provider snooping on unencrypted traffic as well as masking your true geographical location from Websites and alike.
As for it working, ProtonVPN does work right out of the box. You can install it, ensure it says “Connected” and then you’re free to use the internet over a VPN. All of your network traffic (as long as you installed the ProtonVPN app and not the browser extension) will be funneled through the VPN.
As mentioned by Nelizea, visit those two websites with the VPN on and off and you’ll see the difference between “working” and “not”.
As long as ProtonVPN is enabled and connected, you’re good to go!
If you want to ensure you’re ALWAYS using ProtonVPN, I would recommend turning on the KillSwitch which will prevent you from using the internet unless ProtonVPN is connected.