It can be frustrating when you’re trying to access a specific site, software, or streaming service but are blocked because of the location of your IP address.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) allow you to overcome these imposed limitations so you can still access content or tech that is not normally available in your country or region.
This listicle will explore scenarios where VPNs can help developers, tech enthusiasts, and general web users access global technology without location-based restrictions.
Scenarios Where Geographic Restrictions Prevent Tech Access
Here are some situations where geographic restrictions can prevent users from accessing global technology.
1. Limited Software And Updates
Geoblocking can prevent users from accessing new software, software downloads, updates, or beta releases.
Some examples of software that has geo-blocking include:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Some software licenses have region-specific restrictions, so users in these regions can’t access all the features.
- Microsoft Office 365: Office 365 is available globally, but certain features of the suite may be restricted due to regulatory requirements or licensing restrictions.
- Video games: Some online gaming platforms like Steam or Xbox Live offer region-specific content or pricing. It may limit access to some games or other downloadable content.
- Cloud services: Popular cloud-based services, like Amazon Web, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, may limit the features available to a user based on the user’s region.
- Operating system updates: Software updates related to operating systems (like iOS or Windows) are usually rolled out gradually across different regions, which can result in delays for those seeking an update.
2. Geo-locked Streaming Services
Accessing streaming content only to find it is blocked because of where you live can be annoying. Many popular streaming sites, like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV, have geo-restricted content.
What’s more, even educational content can be blocked. Someone trying to access online courses, conferences, seminars, or e-books may discover that the content is unavailable because of their location.
3. Restricted Technology Forums And Communities
Tech forums and online communities are vital sources of information for developers or technology enthusiasts. Here, people share advice and knowledge and troubleshoot common problems.
Unfortunately, many popular forums are geo-restricted, preventing people in certain locations from accessing them. Examples include:
- Reddit: A platform that hosts a wide variety of communities (called subreddits)
- Stack Overflow: A place for technology and programming-related queries
- TechNet and MSDN: Microsoft’s platforms that provide support and resources for IT professionals
- GitHub: A platform for collaborating on software projects
- Hacker News: Community-driven news platform
Using A VPN To Overcoming Geographic Restrictions
The most efficient way to overcome geo-restricted content is to use a VPN. VPNs work by hiding your actual IP address.
It will then give you a new one from a different location (often a country of your choosing). As a result, you’ll be able to bypass any geo-restrictions and access previously blocked content.
For example, if you live in the US, a VPN for streaming, like those offered by IPVanish, will allow you to set your IP address location to the UK.
This will then provide you access to educational content usually only streamed in the UK and not available in the US.
But knowing that you can use a VPN is just the first step. Here are some technical tips to help you access geo-blocked content or software using a VPN:
Choose The Right VPN Provider
It is important that you select the best VPN provider for your specific needs. You should consider the features offered, like whether it is supported by your devices and the encryption protocols.
IPVanish offers a VPN to unlock tech, forums, and content worldwide. You can access conferences, software, and online communities that are not readily available in your region.
Optimize Your VPN For Speed
VPNs with a server location close to your own location will result in faster speeds and less latency. You can also use the UDP protocol to optimize your VPN’s speed.
By enabling additional features in your VPN settings, like split tunneling, only necessary traffic will be directed through your VPN.
Lastly, you can test different encryption levels to see how it will impact speed.
Address Connectivity Problems
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your VPN, check the stability of your internet connection. You should also double-check that you are using the latest version of the VPN.
Try to connect to other VPN servers to identify if the connection problem is related to the server or due to some issue on your side. Try to turn off your firewall or antivirus program to see if that solves connection problems.
Final Thoughts
Even though geo-restrictions can be frustrating to those trying to access the latest tech, software, or online forums, there are ways to work around these restrictions.
The easiest way is to download and install a VPN so you can access software or educational content that is not usually available at your location. With VPNs, you can explore more sites and software to your heart’s content!
