How to Hide an IP When Connecting to WiFi on a Laptop

Internet Protocol addresses provide basic information about your computer. If someone captures your IP address, they can sometimes identify your general location and computer operating system. An IP address does not provide information on your actual address unless the person that obtains the IP address has the legal right to contact your Internet service provider and retrieve that information. On a laptop, hiding your IP requires the use of a virtual private network or proxy server. Proxy servers are not recommended since you can't know if the person on the other end of the proxy is reputable. Additionally, they don't mask your entire computer and usually just work with the specific website you want to visit. When using a business laptop, hiding your IP address provides additional protection and security.

Items you will need

• VPN service

Hotspot Shield

Step 1Download and install Hotspot Shield (see Resources) using the installation wizard. Follow the prompts and agree to the "Terms and Service."

Step 2Double-click the program icon for Hotspot Shield. This initializes the application and connects you to the Internet. There are no special preferences that you need to set.

Step 3Click the check box when Hotspot Shield first starts to indicate that you want Hotspot Shield to automatically connect to the Internet when the computer starts.

Step 4Check the system tray for a green shield icon. This indicates you are safely connected to the Internet.

PrivateTunnel

Step 1Navigate to the PrivateTunnel website (see Resources) and create an account by entering your email address and a password in the registration box.

Step 2Check your email for a confirmation link and click the link to activate your subscription.

Step 3Log in to your account with the email address and password you created.

Step 4Click the "Download" link to download the VPN software.

Step 5Follow the on-screen installation instructions to install the VPN service.

Step 6Navigate to the PrivateTunnel website, log in and select the server you would like to connect to. This step only has to be completed once and must be completed online in your account. This can't be completed through your computer application. There are options for cities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland and Canada.

Step 7Double-click the application icon located in your Programs folder to connect to the Internet with the VPN.

Step 8Check the icon in the status bar to determine if you are connected securely to the Internet. The PrivateTunnel icon should light up when connected.

ProXPN

Step 1Navigate to the ProXPN website and download the software (see Resources). Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to install ProXPN. When the installation completes, click the "Finish" button.

Step 2Start the application by double-clicking the application icon or by clicking the Windows "Start" button, typing "ProXPN" in the Search field and pressing "Enter."

Step 3Click the "Don't Have an Account?" link located under the General tab in the application.

Step 4 Create an account online. ProXPN will send you an email with a link for you to click to activate the account.

Step 5Enter your email address in the Username field and your password in the Password field in the application.

Step 6Check the system tray for a green icon. This icon indicates that you are safely connected to the Internet.