[Update] Just in case the internet is switched off, make sure you have a VPN ahead of time

As reported earlier Professor Jonathan Moyo alluded to the internet being shutdown on Friday the 31st of July. In the event that something of this nature occurs, it would be prudent to download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app beforehand.

A Virtual Private Network extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across a shared or public network as though they were you were on a private network.

In our case if they block social media or specific URLs a VPN can get around that by connecting you to proxy servers to protect your identity and location. Which means that you will be able to access those parts of the internet that have been temporarily blocked or disabled.

How to set up a VPN

Step 1

Select the VPN that’s free. There are a lot of paid ones out there but there are free ones that work just fine. I have both HotSpot Shield and Psiphon on my computer and mobile phone.

On mobile, click any one of the links below and it will take you to the Play Store or App Store where you will be able to download and install a VPN

Android

• Psiphon
• Turbo VPN
• HotSpot Shield
• Betternet
• Tunnel Bear

iOS

• Betternet
• Psiphon
• Turbo VPN
• Hotspot Shield
• Tunnel Bear

For Desktop, you can click the VPNs below, and they will take you to a download, click the download button and your web browser or download manager will start the download.

• Psiphon
• Betternet
• Spotflux
• ProtonVPN
• HotSpot Shield
• Droid VPN

Step 2

On mobile

• After the download and install is finished
• Open the app

The example here from the Psiphon app on my phone. Activating the VPN after you open the app is done by clicking start. Then wait till it confirms activation

Desktop

• When the download is done, you can find the file in your downloads folder
• When you have located the VPN install file, double click it (a window may pop up that says asking for administrator permission click OK)
• Follow the directions in the installation window until the setup is complete.
• After setup is complete, some VPNs will start right after, but you can locate the icon on your desktop and then double click.

The example above is HotSpot Shield on PC. The lay out differs from one product to another, but they will either have a power icon (like in the example above) or a button in the VPN window that says “connect”. Click the connect or power icon in the VPN window and wait till it confirms activation.

Lastly…

It’s also worth mentioning that VPNs are only useful if there is a shut down of social media and specific URLs, but in the event of a total internet shutdown, they won’t be of any use.

Here’s hoping that the use of these applications isn’t necessary.