NordVPN: First Impressions, Review, and Why Do I Need A VPN

NordVPN: My First Impressions and Some Thoughts

I was never too worried about protecting myself with a VPN. A VPN is an encrypted connection tunnel between your devices and the internet that secures your internet connection. However, there is a lot of debate around whether you really need VPN protection or not.

The reason I purchased a VPN, NordVPN to be exact, for the first time is because when I am traveling and trying to log in to my bank accounts they usually block me, thinking I am a scammer trying to log in from a foreign country.

I have a month-long trip coming up in the Philippines and wanted to be worry-free doing my banking online, so I decided to go with NordVPN. I haD NordVPN and Surfshark in mind and decided to go with NordVPN after finding a good deal online.

NordVPN and Surfshark are two big players on the market, although they are the same company, but each operates under a separate entity. NordVPN operates under Panama and Surfshark operates under the Netherlands jurisdiction. Both of they say they have a “zero-log” policy.

I found NordVPN to be user-friendly and intuitive. After using it for ten minutes, I became familiar with the NordVPN Windows app and had no issues changing my location and trying out different settings. Their Android App is also very easy to use.

As I learn more about NordVPN, I will be putting together tips and tricks videos and all these videos can be found here in this Playlist: VPN 101: Tips, Tricks & the Basics

How to Install an eSIM On Your Windows Laptop

How to Use an eSIM to Get Cellular Data Connection On Laptop Computers

I just bought my Surface Go 3 LTE laptop/tablet and one of its best features is the ability to use a physical SIM or eSIM to connect to cellular network and provide Internet. This feature is a life saver when you travel and especially if you are a content creator.

What I noticed in many countries is that the hotel WiFi was so slow, it was unusable except for checking email and light browsing. I was pulling my hair out using it, as I was getting behind updating my YouTube and I was unable to do any work.

An LTE laptop is capable of using a local SIM in your destination country or you can even install an eSIM before leaving for the trip in your own country. Installing an eSIM provides you Internet access right away when you land and you don’t need to search for a local SIM card. The disadvantage of this is an eSIM is always more expensive than the local SIM.

Installing an eSIM or physical SIM is not difficult at all. Search on your 4G or 5G LTE laptop and go to Cellular Settings to setup your eSIM or SIM.

There are many eSIM providers. Your laptop might even have some pre-installed by Microsoft, but I noticed their rates are horrible. The one I use is called Airalo (I am not affiliated) and I have used and tested them in several countries and it always worked for me and it is also by far the cheapest provider I came across. Regardless of which provider you go with, always do your research first for an eSIM for your destination country.

I have a video showing the full step-by-step eSIM installation process on a Windows Laptop here.

Why Is My Monitor Not Detecting My Computer?

How to Fix Laptop Not Detecting Monitor

A common problem I face with my laptop and monitor is that all of a sudden, my monitor fails to detect my laptop. I have a small work space, so I need to switch back and forth between my two work laptops and my personal laptops. This particular issue happens only with my personal laptop.

There is an easy fix for this, which only applies when you have checked everything else and can’t find any other problem. For example, you checked your connections, your dongle or hub is not overheated, your HDMI cable is working properly, and so on.

This issue happens to me every two to three weeks and here is my fix, which is super simple.

First, turn off your monitor, unplug it from the power outlet, then unplug your power input cable from the monitor as well. Turn off your laptop or computer. Wait for one minute. Then start connecting power to the monitor, turn it on, and turn on your laptop or computer.

This sounds too good to be true, but this works for me most of the time and my monitor starts working again. I believe the reason behind this is that when you unplug, keep your monitor off for one minute and restart, it registers a new session and recognises the laptop.

If the above solution does not work, that means the problem lies somewhere else. For example, in the past my dongle got burnt and I had to change to a new dongle to make my monitor work again.

How to Create a New Gmail Account | How to Create a Free Gmail ID

How to Setup a Free Gmail Account

Creating your first Gmail email should not be a difficult task and in this article, I will talk about what you need to know.

Here are some basics you need to know –

- Type in create Gmail account in your search bar or go directly to https://www.gmail.com

- Click on Create an Account. You will have to enter your name and Username. Username is what will make up your email address. Most of the usernames are taken, so you will have to be creative with your username. Gmail also suggests a username, which can be of good help.

- Pick a strong password as suggested. Do not share your password with anyone else.

- You will have to verify your phone number.

After following the above steps, your email will be ready. Once you have access to your email, your next step should be to familiarize yourself with how to use your inbox and other basics such as how to send, receive, and organise emails.

I have created a detailed video showing the step-by-step process so you can follow along and easily create your first Gmail email. It doesn’t take a lot of time to complete the process. Also, I will walk you through the details you need to know to start sending and receiving emails like a pro.

Here is the link: How to Create New Gmail Account from Scratch

How Much Does Starlink Satellite Internet Cost in Canada? | Starlink Canada Unlimited

Starlink In Canada Prices and Plans | Satellite Internet in Canada

 Starlink, a satellite Internet service, uses a satellite network developed by Elon Musk’s private spaceflight company SpaceX to provide Internet around the globe.

SpaceX uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed Internet across the globe. As of this writing, coverage is provided to 34 countries and improving satellite infrastructure will add more countries around the globe. You can view the updated coverage area here:

Starlink offers two types of satellite Internet in Canada for non-business users: Residential Internet and RV Internet. Residential Internet is suitable for those with an address or who don’t need to change their location. RV Internet is for those who want mobility. You can take RV Internet anywhere you go, without location boundaries.

In Canada, the cost of Starlink is as below (as of this writing):

Starlink Residential satellite Internet: $140 per month + Service taxes $18.20 (Upfront Hardware cost is $759 and $65 for shipping plus $107.12 tax)

Starlink RV satellite Internet: $170 per month + Service taxes $22.10 (Upfront Hardware cost is $759 and $65 for shipping plus $107.12 tax)

Both plans are for no-contract, unlimited Internet with a speed of 50 to 150 Mbps. Reported Starlink speeds vary, but in general they are below 100 Mpbs download and 30 Mbps upload, but your own results may vary.

Speeds and downtime provided by Starlink are a lot better than other satellite providers and there also is no contract. Some rural areas have had no Internet access in Canada before, so something definitely is better than nothing. As Starlink is working to increase its coverage across the globe, in the future I hope more remote locations will have access to better satellite Internet.