OpenVPN 2.6.12 I001

★ Winner of Best VPN in 2017 and 2014.

Overview

OpenVPN is the desktop client for the OpenVPN virtual private network (VPN) that is available to premium subscribers. The service allows users to access the internet via a secure tunnel through the internet which leaves the present location and reaches one of OpenVPN's many VPN servers whereupon the internet usage is decrypted. SSL/TLS is used as a protocol to secure the communication over the VPN network so that it is protected from hackers.

The service can also use two-factor authentication, smart cards and secure certificates to further protect the data while it is traveling over the net so that it cannot be decrypted by a third party.

The OpenVPN client lets the user sign in to their premium account, select a VPN server to connect to and initiate that connection. It can take quite a few seconds to successfully make that connection, but once that is achieved the software can run in the background while the user uses the internet in the normal way. However, from thereon all their internet usage is encrypted until it exits the VPN server on the other end.

The software is also configured to be able to get around NAT and other firewall security which could prevent the software being used successfully.

Installation

The installation of the OpenVPN client went smoothly.

There was no adware, malware, toolbar or other unnecessary item added to the setup program.

OpenVPN requires a modern version of Windows OS to install it.

Interface

The interface is modern and quite usable. It is not too difficult to figure out how to connect to the VPN server or select a new one. These is also technical assistance available for customers of OpenVPN.

There are three navigational tab at the top for Access, Status and Settings.

The rest of the app will change what it displays depending on the tab chosen.

Pros

• Connect to the OpenVPN VPN service without having to separately configure internet settings within Windows or individual internet-connecting apps
• Tunnels through the internet until it reaches the VPN server where traffic is then decrypted for the rest of the journey
• Uses SSL/TLS to encrypt traffic.
• Can use smart cards, two-factor authentication and security certificates to boost the level of security enjoyed.

Cons

None.

Alternatives

The only alternative to connect to the OpenVPN service is to manually edit the internet connection settings within Windows or set up VPN access within individual applications. However, this is tricky to do and not all internet-ready applications allow routing traffic in a different way to normal.

Other good VPN services include CyberGhost VPN and Hotspot Shield.

Conclusion

OpenVPN is an excellent client for use with the OpenVPN paid virtual private network service.