yea, be careful with that “cheap” server… a bunch deadpooled recently.
A VDS is a poor replacement for a commercial VPN. You’re the only one using the IP, so it doesn’t give you any more anonymity.
ProtonVPN works well for me but I have to disable it to print. I’m open to suggestions on this.
I’ve installed it but it doesn’t connect. Keeps trying with no success.
Ah. Makes sense. Well, I use tor if I want to be anonymous. It works on Linux just fine.
I’ve used several VPNs before, and never once have they not supplied OVPN or Wireguard configs.
Oh, your on cinnamon right? I think the linux version was made to work with gnome, it’s on the ubuntu repository. I had issues with it on cinnamon too.
Tor and VPN are 2 very different things. You can actually use Tor through a VPN for double privacy.
Sure, but if OP is not so techy, he might not know what’s a ovpn config, nor what to do with it. So the question is legitimate.
Yes. I’m on Cinnamon
This is misinformation, using a vpn with tor could potentially de-anonomize you
Doesn’t that slow your internet down to a crawl?
Ah, didn’t know that’s what you meant.
I hear this argument all the time… how?
isp → tor
isp → vpn → tor
How does an extra hop de-anonymize you?
I think the VPN server have to be specifically configured for Tor. I know that NordVPN is offering this kind of service. I actually don’t know much about Tor.
Tor normally been the slower of the two would be the limit. Normally a professional VPN only takes 2-3% off the top of your speed. Unsure what kind of performance you get at consumer grade.
Please read this blog post by the Tails team
They specifically address the extra hops argument.
do they though?
a permanent entry guard (if the VPN is set up before Tor)
Which would otherwise be your ISP? Tied to your name vs the VPN you paid for with bitcoin, etc? Using it after is bonkers but before doesn’t seem any worse.
I had the same thought. Does anyone have an answer on this? Wouldn’t connecting to a VPN first also hide your use of Tor from your ISP? Since Tor isn’t very widely used, wouldn’t it be helpful to not be the only known Tor user in a specific place at a specific time?
There really is no problem besides:
VPN provider logging
VPN proivder payed for with a traceable method
Improper connection where tor goes out over your ISP if your VPN drops.
VPN used for things besides tor might be connected to you.
Most of these apply to your ISP on it’s own.