Thứ Tư, 28 tháng 9, 2016

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN - Part 1 part 6

  • 2015-May-20, 2:58 pm
    ozgonzo

    thanks _Machiavelli_

    I was clicking the "Get VPN Access" button which only leads to the choice of multiple US Gift Cards

    One I moved down the page and selected "Get started Now", I can select to pay by Credit Card ( mine is Woolies Prepaid Master Card � not required to register) which thereby allows me NOT to use my actual name and address, though I realise that my IP Address is probably recorded � Dynamic in my case.

  • 2015-May-20, 2:58 pm
    SamFisher

    people using openvpn client with PIA, how do you modify the encryption settings and how do you check what encryption is being used ?

    with the pia client, you can go to advanced and check the default encryption settings being used and change them if required. But I can't do it while using the openvpn client.

  • 2015-May-20, 6:53 pm
    Jace
    this post was edited

    SamFisher writes...

    people using openvpn client with PIA, how do you modify the encryption settings and how do you check what encryption is being used ?

    Mate, read the doco :)
    https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/documentation.html
    (and you will find parameter cipher)

    Unless specified in your openvpn config file, "BlowFish is the default cipher and SHA1 is the default message digest"

    Also note, PIA only have a few encyption algorithms that work on their servers via OpenVPN

  • 2015-May-20, 6:53 pm
    reeza

    A dedicated PIA iOS application is now available from the AppStore � https://appsto.re/au/NoB94.i

  • Who needs Identity
    this post was edited

    tissueboxer writes...

    I have to agree � if PIA rent servers from IBM, it's difficult to know how credible they're assurances of privacy can be.

    I have a server at Softlayer in Sydney and the security is tight. One time I forget my password and I contacted them via live chat and they called me straight away on my mobile confirming if they are talking to me on live chat.

    The servers at Softlayer are top notch.

  • tissueboxer

    Don't know if its Optus or PIA, but the connection has been terrible for the last twelve hours or so: constant drop outs and/or sluggish speeds have been rampant.

  • 2015-May-20, 7:39 pm
    ozgonzo

    Again twice tried to sign up with PIA using prepaid Woolies Mastercard.

    Got card error message.

    I was accessing PIA via the Tor browser on a TAILS live cd.

    Have lodged a support request.

    Seems to me that a VPN provider should allow access to its site and payments via TOR.

  • 2015-May-20, 7:39 pm
    SamFisher

    Jace writes...

    Also note, PIA only have a few encyption algorithms that work on their servers via OpenVPN

    thanks for the info. after reading PIA forums and few threads here ( /archive/2335937 ) it does look like aes128 via openvpn does not always work. it didn't work for me and I could not connect to PIA with openvpn using aes128. I downloaded the aes128 openvpn configs from here. It was linked in a PIA forum:

    Technically we only support using AES encryption in our own app. That being said we actually have some custom modified openvpn config files you can use.

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/comment/28589/#Comment_28589

    I also changed the port accordingly in the config files, because PIA is blowfish on port 1194 and AES128 on port 1196.

    Although I would have preferred to use openvpn over PIA client, for the time being I will stick with the PIA client because of the higher encryption that are available.

  • Jace

    I have no problem using AES128 using OpenVPN :)

  • Paul69

    Just get a load and go from post office

  • 2015-May-21, 8:36 am
    SamFisher

    Jace writes...

    I have no problem using AES128 using OpenVPN :)

    is your openvpn config files the same as the config files in this link?

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pytp1kpxp9xctx4/AADTr_y3I2bPxmeEK3Zor2oFa?dl=0

    can you confirm that you are using AES-128 with SHA1 and RSA-2048 ?

  • 2015-May-21, 8:36 am
    DaveTheMan

    So with the Government looking at Possibly Banning VPN�s

    Would PIA be one they would look at Banning?

  • 2015-May-21, 11:22 am
    SamFisher

    DaveTheMan writes...

    Would PIA be one they would look at Banning?

    why would they specifically look at banning PIA ?

    PIA is no different to other vpn providers.

  • 2015-May-21, 11:22 am
    DaveTheMan

    SamFisher writes...

    why would they specifically look at banning PIA ?

    PIA is no different to other vpn providers.

    A very Popular one though and has Servers in Australia

  • 2015-May-21, 1:49 pm
    angelus512

    DaveTheMan writes...

    Government looking at Possibly Banning VPN�s

    lol good luck with that. Not sure how they would possibly expect to "ban VPN's"

    That crap has been tried in China and it failed miserably there as well.

  • 2015-May-21, 1:49 pm
    wreckedandjealous

    hey guys..
    so I signed up to PIA during the week, all things seemed good.
    Speed test showed the following

    Before VPN: 12Mbps
    VPN Sydney: 11Mbps
    VPN Japan: 6Mbps

    just turned it on so I can watch the footy, and getting the following results

    Before VPN: 12Mbps
    VPN AUS: 0.6Mbps
    VPN Japan: 0.3Mbps

    any idea what would cause this?
    nothing has changed.
    using the default client (looked into openvpn, but hated that it wanted you to put a password in everytime you connected)

  • 2015-May-21, 2:47 pm
    Jace

    Congestion. Try a different server.

  • 2015-May-21, 2:47 pm
    wreckedandjealous

    Jace writes...

    Congestion. Try a different server

    best I could get on any server is 0.7Mbps (70kb/s)...
    pretty much unuseable.

  • drzeus

    wreckedandjealous writes...

    best I could get on any server is 0.7Mbps (70kb/s)...
    pretty much unuseable.

    Yep I'm having the same. When I first signed up the Melbourne PIA server used to give me 12+ Mbps. Now that everyone in Oz and his dog has signed up I'm averaging 0.7Mbps downloads...

    The service is now virtually useless for anything outside of email.

    Welcome to the new internet Australia.

  • SW Victoria

    http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4378116726

    I'm on Airmax in Warrnambool, there could be an issue between your ISP and the servers, what ISP are you?

  • *Hank Moody*

    zoran05 writes...

    the VPN and Socks5 are separate things? it says i shouldn't use them both in conjunction with each other why is that?

    It's overkill. Some people will tell you otherwise because they are paranoid and/or conspiracy theorists. Combining slows your speed unnecessarily, because you are encrypting on top of each other.

    When torrenting we're concerned on two fronts: 1.if the copyright holders can note our ip and send an infringement letter to our isp who forwards it to us, i.e they know who we are 2. if our own isp can see our torrenting activities and take their own actions.

    The vpn fully encrypts your whole connection, so the people in the swarm can only see the vpn's server ip, and our isp can only see one connection to the vpn - they can't see what your doing inside the tunnel.

    The socks5 just fakes your ip to the swarm (PIA uses a netherlands one). Clients like utorrent has varying levels of 'encryption' to protect against isp's snooping on their side. but this is not guaranteed security it just ensures the peers you connect to are encrypted - and slows your speed a fair bit. There's also a risk of people not setting it up properly or clients playing up.

    Here's why socks5 by itself can be risky: http://www.reddit.com/r/torrents/comments/2akjt3/i_use_an_ssh_socks5_proxy_to_torrent_but_got_a/

    if i was torrenting where should i be connecting��i see most people saying netherlands why not aus?

    Someone said it's because of legal issues - it's irrelevant. As I said some people are crazy paranoid. Unless your online activities are edward snowden espionage levels or child porn rings I wouldn't worry too much. PIA supposedly don't keep logs and it's stupid to think any govt has any legal or technological capacity to ban and thoroughly investigate the ocean of traffic (legal and illegal) that goes through vpn's.

    Connecting through netherlands in my experience is one of the best for torrenting as many seedboxes are located in that part of europe and it's more central to seeders in general. For speed tests and web surfing, overseas servers don't compare to connecting to a local melbourne or sydney server. Try different servers and see what provides the best speed at different times.

    What I do for torrents is tick the port forwarding box in PIA, connect to netherlands, when connected hover over the green man which will show your netherlands ip and forwarded port number. Enter this number into your torrent client.

    As others have pointed out you should tick the vpn kill switch just in case your vpn goes down while torrenting. Also tick the dns and ipv6 leak box.

    I have also changed my torrent client from utorrent to qbittorrent as the latter has a safeguard by only allowing the client connect through the vpn windows adapter. So if the vpn drops out and reverts to your real connection, the client will not download/seed. These all provide multiple levels of security for peace of mind while not sacrificing speed.

    Ensure that your vpn ip shows in your torrent client by downloading these test torrents: http://torguard.net/checkmytorrentipaddress.php
    http://ipmagnet.services.cbcdn.com/

    Also make sure your torrent client is closed when not on the vpn.

  • Dags.

    *Hank Moody* writes...

    I have also changed my torrent client from utorrent to qbittorrent as the latter has a safeguard by only allowing the client connect through the vpn windows adapter. So if the vpn drops out and reverts to your real connection, the client will not download/seed.

    Would you mind explaining how to set this up please?

  • 2015-May-26, 6:56 pm
    Skuzy

    +1

  • 2015-May-26, 6:56 pm
    *Hank Moody*

    Dags. writes...

    Would you mind explaining how to set this up please?

    I'm assuming you've installed and got PIA to work already. First find out what adapter connection PIA uses on your computer. Go to network and sharing center > change adapter settings. I only use a LAN port on my computer so my normal connection is just Local Area Connection. My PIA vpn connects on Local Area Connection 2 and uses the TAP-Windows Adapter V9 (in grey).

    In qbittorent go to Options > Advanced, look for Network Interface. It's probably on Any interface which means if the vpn goes down it'll switch to the next available one automatically. So instead you choose the one that uses the TAP adapter aka vpn, in my case it's Local Area Connection 2. If you have other adapters or wireless ones it may be different. Apply it, then ok, then restart qbittorent.

  • 2015-May-26, 8:30 pm
    peterdiva

    ^ https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/9751/two-qbittorrent-questions

    I've reproduced the same behavior on Windows, i.e. closing the PIA client and torrent traffic restarting.

    As far as I'm concerned it's broken. I switched to Vuze, which has the same function.

  • 2015-May-26, 8:30 pm
    *Hank Moody*

    peterdiva writes...

    I've reproduced the same behavior on Windows, i.e. closing the PIA client and torrent traffic restarting.

    In that thread it affected Mac and Linux users and/or using openVPN and they were on 3.1.12. I'm using Win7 and PIA app and on 3.2.0 which has had a few fixes since last. Is your kill switch on? Mine works fine.

    Torrents do not work at all when I'm connected to LAC1 � my isp.

    When torrents are running and connected to PIA server, if I disconnect the PIA server or exit the PIA app, my LAC2/TAP vpn adapter disconnects and (the kill switch comes into effect) and the torrent traffic dwindles down to zero. Accessing websites is also blocked. I've used wireshark to track the traffic data and there's no sign of leaking torrents on LAC1.

    This other thread linked from the one your quoted: https://qbforums.shiki.hu/index.php/topic,3271.msg15851.html the Linux user who originally complained said he got it working properly but noted other bugs when restarting qbit. Looking elsewhere I think there are still outstanding bugs for Linux.

    The Admin also said the 'dwindling' traffic (was a concern of mine) was just a delayed GUI thing.

  • 2015-May-26, 10:44 pm
    Dags.

    *Hank Moody* writes...

    I'm assuming you've installed and got PIA to work already.

    Yes thanks.

    My PIA vpn connects on Local Area Connection 2 and uses the TAP-Windows Adapter V9 (in grey).

    Ok thank you very much its working fine now after I realised a computer restart was required :)

    Thanks for the help!

  • 2015-May-26, 10:44 pm
    Gub

    I added some rules in Windows Firewall so only VPN traffic can go through. If I want to browse non-vpn it's just a few clicks to disable the rules, and the reverse to turn it back on.

  • 2015-May-26, 11:44 pm
    xhaydenx

    Is it generally pretty easy to get PIA working if you don't know too much about networking? I download torrents from time to time and wanted to get on PIA, but I'm not too tech savy.

  • 2015-May-26, 11:44 pm
    jayphi

    xhaydenx writes...

    Is it generally pretty easy to get PIA working if you don't know too much about networking? I download torrents from time to time and wanted to get on PIA, but I'm not too tech savy.

    I found it reasonably easy. I'm a little tech savvy but know sweet little about the intricacies of networking and transmission protocols etc.

    The software is easy to install, what gets more tricky is when you want to set it up so that your torrents only run when connected to VPN. This thread has a lot of info that is helpful though, and the PIA site also has a lot of useful info. Google will also give any number of tutorials as to how to get things working.

    In short, it can be done with a little time and research.

  • 2015-May-27, 2:46 am
    A.R.B.S

    Am I correct in believing this is enough for torrenting ?

  • 2015-May-27, 2:46 am
    SamFisher

    A.R.B.S writes...

    Am I correct in believing this is enough for torrenting ?

    depends on your level of paranoia.

  • 2015-May-27, 3:32 pm
    Trim Tab

    SamFisher writes...

    depends on your level of paranoia.

    I believe you can get plans for a tinfoil hat off the Dark Net, but of course ASIO are monitoring Coles and Woolies alfoil sales. Also CIA satellites readily follow anyone wearing foil caps outdoors, however, I do have a roll of foil in the kitchen drawer and a diode/propeller addition that renders a foil cap invisible to orbiting authorities. Bitcoins (lots of) accepted.

  • 2015-May-27, 3:32 pm
    tissueboxer

    Trim Tab writes...

    I believe you can get plans for a tinfoil hat off the Dark Net, but of course ASIO are monitoring Coles and Woolies alfoil sales. Also CIA satellites readily follow anyone wearing foil caps outdoors, however, I do have a roll of foil in the kitchen drawer and a diode/propeller addition that renders a foil cap invisible to orbiting authorities. Bitcoins (lots of) accepted.

    Post of the month.

  • 2015-May-27, 8:48 pm
    A.R.B.S

    I believe you can get plans for a tinfoil hat off the Dark Net, but of course ASIO are monitoring Coles and Woolies alfoil sales. Also CIA satellites readily follow anyone wearing foil caps outdoors, however, I do have a roll of foil in the kitchen drawer and a diode/propeller addition that renders a foil cap invisible to orbiting authorities. Bitcoins (lots of) accepted.

    Hmmm I don't know aren't you worried about the diode tracking satellites? Or do these satellites not share data between agencies?

  • 2015-May-27, 8:48 pm
    gumble

    tissueboxer writes...

    Post of the month.

    I agree,

    now I need to find an anonymous foil dealer to rebuild my hat that has been compromised by the evil Duopoly

  • 2015-May-29, 7:10 am
    SamFisher
    this post was edited

    Trim Tab writes...

    I do have a roll of foil in the kitchen drawer and a diode/propeller addition that renders a foil cap invisible to orbiting authorities. Bitcoins (lots of) accepted.

    Is it the homebrand one ? they are not as good ;)

  • 2015-May-29, 7:10 am
    DenisPC9

    A.R.B.S writes...

    Or do these satellites not share data between agencies?

    They did until this http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/recycled/2008/02/how_to_blow_up_a_satellite.html

  • 2015-May-29, 7:56 am
    Bobber

    Hey All,

    Just signed up and installed PIA and it seems to be working pretty well, however I have noticed all of a sudden my Netflix isn't working with Unblock-Us........ have any of you had similar problems?

  • 2015-May-29, 7:56 am
    A.R.B.S

    Why would you need unblock-us if you have PIA? Just choose a server from the country you want the netflix in.

  • 2015-Jun-2, 11:40 am
    Mauro

    Question to PIA minutes ago:

    Hello,
    I'm sure you've answered the following question a thousand times although I need to ask for my peace of mind.
    I plan to use as my exit server one of the Australian ones located in Sydney or Melbourne. I am an Australian citizen and would like to know your policy since as you are aware the Meta data law coming into operation and requiring certain ISP's and Telcos to collect data. Does Pia come under the umbrella of this law or are VPN's exempt from Meta-data collection?

    Reply:
    (Hannah B) Hello XXXX, my name is Hannah B.
    We do not maintain any logs of any kind, period.

  • 2015-Jun-2, 11:40 am
    JoffaR

    Mauro writes...

    We do not maintain any logs of any kind, period.

    Thats kind of a weasel answer. It needs to be asked again when the law comes into force.

    I think you would find if they were effected, Austrailian vpn gateways would disappear in favour of maintaining their no logs policy globally.

  • SW Victoria

    JoffaR writes...

    I think you would find if they were effected,

    Not that this is the same but Telstra have hinted that its very difficult capture the meta data when NAT are in force, as VPN has many people using the same public address to one server or public address then storing the data per public IP address would make life tough to track who used what.

    But still a VPN needs to store no data for you to get what you pay for and still grounds to disappear in favour of maintaining their no logs policy globally.

  • TEMPA

    JoffaR writes...

    Thats kind of a weasel answer. It needs to be asked again when the law comes into force.

    I asked them the same question and they advised me that since they are not an ISP they are exempt from the Australian data retention laws.

    I also asked about the fact that they are using Australian based servers that appear to be owned by a third party and therefore if the third party was subject to the data retention laws but they claimed that for all intents and purposes they own the servers and are once again exempt from the retention laws as well as them re-iterating that they keep no logs regardless.

  • 2015-Jun-2, 12:36 pm
    Josh

    I'm having trouble with Apple Home Sharing disconnecting all the time. The only fix is restarting iTunes. It doesn't like me being connected to PIA. I'm streaming from iTunes to AppleTV, on a PC running Win7 which ideally I would always like connected to the VPN. It works fine without using PIA. It must be related to the Bonjour service which Apple uses for home sharing but my windows firewall is allowing all ports for Bonjour. Any ideas?

  • 2015-Jun-2, 12:36 pm
    mf3106
    this post was edited

    Is this OK when running my PC with Firefox, results are from ipleak.net.

    PIA off

    ----------
    Your IP Address 124.190.xxx.xxx (Telstra)
    WebRTC No leak
    DNS Address 61.9.xxx.xxx (Telstra residential)

    PIA Running

    ------------------
    Your IP Address 66.85.176.82 (Secured Servers LLC)
    WebRTC No Leak
    DNS Address 66.85.176.82 & 61.9.xxx.xxx

    PIA settings are default except DNS leak protection is turned on.

  • 2015-Jun-2, 12:40 pm
    TEMPA

    mf3106 writes...

    PIA Running

    ------------------
    Your IP Address 66.85.176.82 (Secured Servers LLC)
    WebRTC No Leak
    DNS Address 66.85.176.82 & 61.9.xxx.xxx
    PIA settings are default except DNS leak protection is turned on.

    I'm no expert but using ipleak my IP address and my DNS address are the same....

    Not sure what that means but my results are certainly different to yours....

  • 2015-Jun-2, 12:40 pm
    Paul69

    Does anyones kill switch work?

  • 2015-Jun-7, 4:57 pm
    TEMPA

    Paul69 writes...

    Does anyones kill switch work?

    Mine does on Windows 8.1

  • 2015-Jun-7, 4:57 pm
    Jonesy7707

    Paul69 writes...

    Does anyones kill switch work?

    Yep, as above on 8.1.

  • SW Victoria

    Paul69 writes...

    Does anyones kill switch work?

    No, but if you create a static IP address from your router and don't enter a DNS address then no internet for me with the services I use.

  • Josh

    Is anyone using the PIA iOS app yet? It looks to be getting bad reviews so I'm still using the OpenVPN app for now.

  • 2015-Jun-7, 9:24 pm
    drzeus

    Josh writes...

    Is anyone using the PIA iOS app yet? It looks to be getting bad reviews so I'm still using the OpenVPN app for now.

    I switched over from Open VPN to it and when the PIA app works it seems good. Better visuals than the Open VPN and it has the complete list of PIA servers unlike Open VPN which only connects with the one you set up.

    It has one flaw though. If you are connected to a WiFi Network that blocks VPNs (and many workplaces, universities etc that I've visited have done so) it keeps trying to connect to PIA indefinitely without timing out and without giving you an indication (no 'VPN sign on the top since it's not connected yet). So while it looks like you are connected to wifi, Internet doesn't work and you are scratching your head why until you go into the PIA and can see it trying to connect. Once you flick the switch to OFF again your internet starts working. SO you must remember to always switch if off before using it on blocked networks.

    If they fix the above (has already caught me out several times) I'll be happy.

  • 2015-Jun-7, 9:24 pm
    D.J Myles

    JoffaR writes...

    Thats kind of a weasel answer. It needs to be asked again when the law comes into force.

    VPN's are not subject to data retention laws, regardless of where the servers are located, period.

    The law limits retention obligations to telcos and ISP's. Of course this could change in the future however the legislation would need to be amended through parliament for this to occur.

  • 2015-Jun-9, 10:02 pm
    Paul69

    What's a good way to test it

  • 2015-Jun-9, 10:02 pm
    Jeff8247

    mf3106 writes...

    PIA off
    ----------
    Your IP Address 124.190.xxx.xxx (Telstra)
    WebRTC No leak
    DNS Address 61.9.xxx.xxx (Telstra residential)

    PIA Running
    ------------------
    Your IP Address 66.85.176.82 (Secured Servers LLC)
    WebRTC No Leak
    DNS Address 66.85.176.82 & 61.9.xxx.xxx

    You are still leaking your DNS as you can still see the 61.9.XXX.XXX. Why not change your local computers DNS to run either OpenDNS or Google DNS servers all the time?

  • 2015-Jun-9, 10:24 pm
    mf3106

    Jeff8247 writes...

    You are still leaking your DNS as you can still see the 61.9.XXX.XXX. Why not change your local computers DNS to run either OpenDNS or Google DNS servers all the time?

    I've found that the following seems to work.

    - Use fixed IP address � 192.168.0.xxx;
    - User the following DNX server address � leave blank.

    With these settings both the IP address and the DNS server address are the same (PIA VPN).

  • 2015-Jun-9, 10:24 pm
    BigC

    mf3106 writes...

    Is this OK when running my PC with Firefox, results are from ipleak.net.

    Did you try this DNS leak fix for Firefox?
    http://support.vpnsecure.me/articles/ssh-tunnelling-proxy-troubleshooting/ssh-socks-dns-leaks-in-mozilla-firefox

  • mf3106

    BigC writes...

    Did you try this DNS leak fix for Firefox?

    No I hadn't done that, but what I found that seemed to work was to in my adaptor settings:-

    - Set my IP address to fixed (192.168.0.xxx),
    - Set my DNS to fixed � but leave it blank.

    That seemed to remove the Telstra DNS being shown in ipleak.

    However I have also applied the leak fix you suggested as well.

    Thanks.

  • BigC

    mf3106 writes...

    However I have also applied the leak fix you suggested as well.

    Thanks.

    Good stuff.. I was also having the same issue. But the leak fix in Firefox did the trick for me, without having to change adapter or router settings.

  • Lobomoon

    Is the installer file safe to open? Any viruses / malware?

    Can I set this up manually instead?

  • Dags.

    Lobomoon writes...

    Is the installer file safe to open? Any viruses / malware?

    Well I used it very recently with no problems :)

  • 2015-Jun-16, 3:40 pm
    Kuro
    this post was edited

    I've also been having consistent problems with latency on PIA in the last week.

    Game servers where I usually have a ping around 40-45 now sit around 650ms. However, SpeedTest reports a ping less than 40ms and my download speed is normal.

    I tried the Sydney servers, Melbourne servers, the PIA desktop client, the OpenVPN desktop client, my router's OpenVPN client, and the results are all the same. Download speed and speedtest - normal. Gaming - unplayable. My latency was actually better (still 450ms) when I connected to the Hong Kong servers.

    I've jumped through the support hoops of changing protocols, changing ports, changing MTUs, specifying IPs and nothing makes any difference. The generic responses they've given me of "increased latency is very common in online games when using a VPN" and "the speeds you're seeing are above average" are pretty hard to swallow when my current setup has been flawless for the past two months...

    Has anyone else noticed a problem specifically with latency?

    Edit: I looked through my VPN logs and I believe the problem started around midday on May 10th after I got an "Inactivity timeout" from the PIA servers. Ever since that point, my connections are always to the 168.1.6.0/24 SoftLayer Technologies servers instead of the 103.43.72.0/24 Choopa LLC servers I had been connecting to. I'm not able to ping any of the Choopa LLC servers either. Did PIA change the Australian server hosts?

  • 2015-Jun-16, 3:40 pm
    SW Victoria

    Kuro writes...

    Did PIA change the Australian server hosts?

    I thought its been soft layer for a while. The last time I check was when they listed 60 servers for Melbourne and Sydney.

  • Plague129

    I'm having issues even connecting the Vpn client just stuck on connecting it had been working previously and has stopped

    I have rebooted the machine and router etc

  • Pikey18

    Kuro writes...

    Game servers where I usually have a ping around 40-45 now sit around 650ms. However, SpeedTest reports a ping less than 40ms and my download speed is normal.

    How does a traceroute to the game server look?

    Also no issues here on connecting to either Sydney or US California - I am on California for US Netflix right now and it usually sits on the maximum bitrate.

  • 2015-Jun-16, 7:59 pm
    Kuro

    Pikey18 writes...

    How does a traceroute to the game server look?

    Also no issues here on connecting to either Sydney or US California � I am on California for US Netflix right now and it usually sits on the maximum bitrate.

    Using the Sydney Valve servers as a test � the tracert looks normal.
    38ms off the VPN, 40ms on the VPN.
    But my in game ping while using the VPN is 650-670ms, whereas it's only about 40ms without.

    Streaming video content is fine for me too. The throughput isn't the problem, only the latency. I can max my bandwidth on video or downloads like I always could, but my ping in any online game is through the roof.

  • 2015-Jun-16, 7:59 pm
    DaveTheMan

    Does PIA work well when Downloading Torrents?

  • 2015-Jun-16, 8:52 pm
    2tyres

    Kuro writes...

    But my in game ping while using the VPN is 650-670ms,

    Excuse my ignorance on the subject but why would you route gaming through a vpn?

  • 2015-Jun-16, 8:52 pm
    Kuro

    2tyres writes...

    Excuse my ignorance on the subject but why would you route gaming through a vpn?

    Everything on my network runs though the VPN. My router is set up as the OpenVPN client so all the clients on my network are tunnelled through the VPN indiscriminately. It seems unnecessary to mess with the iptables to create port based rules after this many months without problems.

  • 2tyres

    That doesn't really answer my question. Also, it does seem to be causing problems i.e. latency.

  • Azi-Ak

    DaveTheMan writes...

    Does PIA work well when Downloading Torrents?
    PIA is good
    Speeds are good, but for torrents you'll have to use a server outside of the US.
    Speed test hit my 100Mbps cap. I haven't tested on a 1Gbps uplink/downlink yet, so I don't know if it's much more than that.

  • 2015-Jun-16, 10:27 pm
    DaveTheMan

    Azi-Ak writes...

    PIA is good
    Speeds are good, but for torrents you'll have to use a server outside of the US.
    Speed test hit my 100Mbps cap. I haven't tested on a 1Gbps uplink/downlink yet, so I don't know if it's much more than that.

    So using a Aussie Servers to use for Torrents?

    What other good ones for Torrents you found?

    I don�t have super quick Internet

  • 2015-Jun-16, 10:27 pm
    Kuro

    2tyres writes...

    That doesn't really answer my question. Also, it does seem to be causing problems i.e. latency.

    The question was why route gaming. The answer was that gaming is not selectively routed � everything is routed.

    But yes, routing is causing the latency, however it has not for the past two months. Routing has only been an issue while gaming since PIA apparently dropped the Choopa LLC servers and are exclusively using SoftLayer Technologies servers.

    The problem also appears to be that data is being rereouted since a tracert to the game servers show a 40ms latency, but the actual in game latency is over 650ms. This is why download speeds and streaming video are unaffected. It's most likely a measure that SoftLayer is implementing to reduce their P2P overhead that is having the negative affect of ruining my latency.

  • 2015-Jun-18, 4:06 pm
    Kuro

    Bad news for Australian gamers on PIA.

    After going through eight PIA support people over the course of six days, they have confirmed that they are exclusively using SoftLayer Technology severs instead of Choopa LLC servers in Australia. As a result, if you prefer the security of routing all your traffic through the VPN, online gaming is now impossible.

    They also refuse to offer a refund for the degradation in service.

  • 2015-Jun-18, 4:06 pm
    Illidan

    Kuro writes...

    Bad news for Australian gamers on PIA.

    After going through eight PIA support people over the course of six days, they have confirmed that they are exclusively using SoftLayer Technology severs instead of Choopa LLC servers in Australia. As a result, if you prefer the security of routing all your traffic through the VPN, online gaming is now impossible.

    Yeah, League of Legends for example.

    PIA: Does not ever connect into a game.
    Cyberghost: Connects into games fine.

    Pretty annoying.
    If anyone else has got PIA working for League let me know =\

  • 2015-Jun-18, 5:21 pm
    MarknStacey

    So a bit of an interesting one � I got connected to the NBN today through Netcube and also purchased a year of PIA. My problem is that PIA won't work with UDP selected in the PIA settings, PIA will connect and stay connected but most websites won't load, facebook and google do but speedtest.net and others won't and torrents run at a crawl.

    The TCP option will work but disconnects frequently once i start torrents up and I have read that UDP is the faster option so i would prefer to get this working.

    I am on OSX and am using an Apple Airport connected to the nbn box, I assumed it was an OSX problem (as there are reported problems with OSX's firewall and UDP mode) but after troubleshooting with no luck I decided to try my old iprimus adsl2 connection which is still connected for a couple of days and now UDP mode does work... So this points to a problem with the nbn or netcube

    I've also tried it with a windows machine and am getting the same result.

    Does anyone have any advise on this?

  • 2015-Jun-18, 5:21 pm
    DaveTheMan

    With Site Blocking Law been Passed I am looking at Signing up here.

    So what do I need to Know?

  • 2015-Jun-18, 5:30 pm
    DaveTheMan

    Using uTorrent with PIA works Fine?

  • 2015-Jun-18, 5:30 pm
    batfink0767

    yes.

  • 2015-Jun-22, 11:55 pm
    DaveTheMan

    Good � So I just start the VPN up and check the IP�s have Changed and that be fine?

  • 2015-Jun-22, 11:55 pm
    batfink0767

    DaveTheMan writes...

    Good � So I just start the VPN up and check the IP�s have Changed and that be fine?

    Start your VPN
    In PIA client tick these options-
    Kill switch enabled,
    IPv6 leak protection enabled.
    DNS leak protection enabled.

    If you hover over the PIA icon in the system tray it displays the current ip address.

    and then check for IPv6 leak and DNS leak here- https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/2114/ipv6-leak-dns-leak-e-mail-ip-leak

    also check ip address here- https://ipleak.net/
    also on this page check Torrent Address detection,you can download the Magnet link into Utorrent,
    then highlight the link download in the utorrent client and then click on trackers tab at the bottom of the client window, the ip address utorrent is using will be shown below in the details panel/window.

    For extra protection if using firefox disable webRTC - Set media.peerconnection.enabled to false in about:config. Google WEBRTC if you don't know what that is.

    the only issue i have is sometimes when i disconnect from the VPN, i lose my normal internet connection and i have to reset "Obtain an ip address automatically" in network/sharing centre ,to get it workin again without the VPN, it only takes a second or so i'm not too fussed.

    If you have this issue it can be fixed by
    1.open network sharing centre by right clicking network icon in system tray (win 7)
    2.click the network connection you have on the right of the screen (in blue) ,mines listed as wireless network connection (xxxx-pc_Network.
    3. Then Click properties at the bottom left of the popup screen.
    4.Double click "Internet protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
    5. tick/select "Obtain an ip address automatically"
    6.click ok, exit out and your good to go.

    You can also right click network icon(sytem tray ) and select "troubleshoot problems" and the windows wizard will automatically reset it for you.

    Video that explains socks5 proxy and vpn- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

  • Jackpackage

    batfink0767 writes...

    the only issue i have is sometimes when i disconnect from the VPN, i lose my normal internet connection and i have to reset "Obtain an ip address automatically" in network/sharing centre ,to get it workin again without the VPN, it only takes a second or so i'm not too fussed.

    I have been noticing this issue from time to time and wondered what causing it, generally I have my VPN on all the time out of habit

  • Obey The Fist!

    I use PIA in a couple of places, but on a Windows 8.1 system I have, every time I try to use it, it asks for me to reinstall the TAP driver. Is this a known issue with a known fix?

  • 2015-Jun-23, 10:04 am
    Chuggabug

    batfink0767 writes...

    issue i have is sometimes when i disconnect from the VPN, i lose my normal internet connection and i have to reset "Obtain an ip address automatically" in network/sharing centre ,to get it workin again without the VPN

    As your running Windows, and disconnected your VPN... I would give this a try:

    Open an elevated CMD prompt window, (Black as the Ace of Spades)

    then type:
    netsh interface show interface

    This will show you a 'Connected' interface, where you need to record the name of the respective connected 'Interface Name'.

    so e.g... if I find my interface name is 'Local Area Connection'...

    I would then type (including quotes):
    netsh interface IPv4 set dnsserver "Local Area Connection" dhcp

    then:
    ipconfig /flushdns

    This should return you to your normal internet connection :)

    You could also create a batch file (to include the 2 last commands) to automate this process.

  • 2015-Jun-23, 10:04 am
    -wook-
    this post was edited

    So I just signed up with PIA

    I really only want to use this with torrents and am happy to just switch it on and off using the windows taskbar notifier.

    I have set it to the settings mentioned above.

    When using https://ipleak.net/ my IP address is overseas )U.S) as is my "torrent address detection".

    However, under DNS and WebRTC my IP address and ISP IP address are showing respectively.

    Is this something to be concerned about as far as using torrents?

    Also, my connection speed when using the VPN is about 10% of my normal speed... Anything I can do about that?

  • 2015-Jun-23, 12:16 pm
    Mxyzptlk

    I heard PIA leaks like a siv.. Im looking at total protection and heard PureVPN is great, anyone tried?

  • 2015-Jun-23, 12:16 pm
    TEMPA

    Mxyzptlk writes...

    I heard PIA leaks like a siv.. Im looking at total protection and heard PureVPN is great, anyone tried?

    So why post in a PIA thread?!?!

  • 2015-Jun-23, 12:23 pm
    Mxyzptlk

    Because its a thread, and maybe someone might say "You heard wrong" PIA is ..........

  • 2015-Jun-23, 12:23 pm
    Pikey18

    Mxyzptlk writes...

    I heard PIA leaks like a siv.

    No leaks here. I use Google DNS on all network interfaces so don't need DNS leak protection.

  • maddog12

    Ok so with these recent laws being passed. I'm interested in a VPN service. All this mumbo jumbo seems confusing to me so i have a couple questions

    Do i need to access my router settings to enable?
    Does the VPN cover my entire home network or just the pc installed on?
    Can you turn it on/off easily?
    How good/bad is the speed diff, currently im on 100mb/s

  • DaveTheMan

    batfink0767 writes...

    Video that explains socks5 proxy and vpn- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

    What is better and Faster and Easier to use out of VPN or socks5 Proxy?

  • Pikey18

    DaveTheMan writes...

    What is better and Faster and Easier to use out of VPN or socks5 Proxy?

    Socks5 is easier and faster. Not as secure though.

  • lehman

    maddog12 writes...

    Do i need to access my router settings to enable?
    Does the VPN cover my entire home network or just the pc installed on?
    Can you turn it on/off easily?
    How good/bad is the speed diff, currently im on 100mb/s

    I'm no where near an expert but I was wanting to do a similar thing to you.

    Some months ago I signed up to 12 months PIA VPN. My modem/router can do PPTP VPN, so I set it up to connect to PIA as I just wanted a simple set up where all the house hold devices connected to the router went via the VPN.

    I chose a Sydney gateway and didn't notice any speed issues, I'm also on 100mb/s.

    I had to give it away though as I couldn't access a number of sites, such as my internet banking, ABCiview and a number of others that I can't think of right now.

  • 2015-Jun-23, 3:33 pm
    Evva

    I signed up today and it's unbelievably slow. Even browsing is near unusable. Are the US locations the best to use?

  • 2015-Jun-23, 3:33 pm
    DaveTheMan

    Evva writes...

    signed up today and it's unbelievably slow. Even browsing is near unusable. Are the US locations the best to use?

    Have you Tried Aussie Servers?

  • 2015-Jun-23, 3:37 pm
    Evva

    DaveTheMan writes...

    Have you Tried Aussie Servers?

    I'm on them now and it's a bit better. 360p vid on Youtube is struggling though.

  • 2015-Jun-23, 3:37 pm
    TEMPA

    DaveTheMan writes...

    What is better and Faster and Easier to use out of VPN or socks5 Proxy?

    I use both at the same time. I know all the claims are it's not necessary but I consider that an extra layer of tin foil can't hurt.... ;-)

  • MarknStacey
    this post was edited

    "So a bit of an interesting one � I got connected to the NBN today through Netcube and also purchased a year of PIA. My problem is that PIA won't work with UDP selected in the PIA settings, PIA will connect and stay connected but most websites won't load, facebook and google do but speedtest.net and others won't and torrents run at a crawl.

    The TCP option will work but disconnects frequently once i start torrents up and I have read that UDP is the faster option so i would prefer to get this working.

    I am on OSX and am using an Apple Airport connected to the nbn box, I assumed it was an OSX problem (as there are reported problems with OSX's firewall and UDP mode) but after troubleshooting with no luck I decided to try my old iprimus adsl2 connection which is still connected for a couple of days and now UDP mode does work... So this points to a problem with the nbn or netcube

    I've also tried it with a windows machine and am getting the same result.

    Does anyone have any advise on this?"

    So just in reply to this, I have installed Viscosity, UDP still has the same problem but choosing tcp and port 443 is working well, getting a solid 50Mb/s through torrents using the Melbourne PIA server. 2mbit on overseas servers. No disconnects so far.

    Why would my isp be blocking the UDP ports, is this heard of? I would still rather use UDP and I find it strange that I can't.

    Also, I have seen it mentioned here that I shouldn't be using the Melbourne PIA server for torrents, why is this?

  • alexb618

    easy question for everyone

    currently i use unblock-us to access all netflix regions via my xbox 360 (change DNS settings on xbox, use unblock-us website to select netflix region)

    can i use PIA to access whatever region of netflix i want on my 360? because i want the privacy of PIA which unblock-us does not have... but i also want to be able to access all of netflix.

    will i need PIA for privacy and unblock-us for netflix? are they able to work together?

  • Evva
    this post was edited

    edit. Installed Viscosity much better speeds.

  • Pikey18

    alexb618 writes...

    can i use PIA to access whatever region of netflix i want on my 360? because i want the privacy of PIA which unblock-us does not have... but i also want to be able to access all of netflix.

    Yeah you can use different regions � but expect a massive speed hit.

    Try Getflix who have a smart DNS and VPN in one package � best of both worlds.

  • 2015-Jun-23, 8:50 pm
    brett174
    this post was edited

    I was wanting to trial PIA for a month to see how they go. Can anyone confirm if selecting the 1 month $6.99 option is a one off cost or will they debit you each month for this ongoing?

  • 2015-Jun-23, 8:50 pm
    alexb618

    thanks pikey, i am using getflix now and it works really well

  • batfink0767
    this post was edited

    brett174 writes...

    will they debit you each month for this ongoing?

    They will debit you each month if you do not cancel, you can sign up and then cancel the recurring monthly payment straight away , you will still be able to use the service for the month you have paid for. If you are happy with the service and you want to continue , you can cancel the monthly payment (if you haven't already) and then sign up for a 12 month plan which is a much cheaper option.

    edit- prices on the website are in U.S. dollars.

  • kitalor

    I'm reading lots of conflicting information about this but the general consensus on this thread seems to be that it is 'safe enough' to go through a local server with the PIA app � i.e No proxy � VPN alone?

    But then some say the local servers are bad for p2p so is it really faster to route through the states? In which case you are compromising the speed of general browsing for the sake of torrents...

    I tried following the instructions in this video

    batfink0767 writes...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

    Which suggests it's safest to use vpn and proxy. However the 'tunnel within a tunnel' reduces my speed to about � of normal speed -which I presume is to be expected with so much encryption and routing?

    Anyway I guess I'm looking for a definitive setup with the best of both worlds -security and speed.

    If I go with VPN and no proxy do I need to tweak any settings in Utorrent or the PIA app (other than leak protection/kill switch -such as encryption)?

    Sorry for the barrage of questions but it seems like there is a grey area here or a discrepancy between official PIA advice and user discussion

  • 2015-Jun-24, 2:01 pm
    jfprizzy

    kitalor writes...

    I'm reading lots of conflicting information about this but the general consensus on this thread seems to be that it is 'safe enough' to go through a local server with the PIA app � i.e No proxy � VPN alone?

    No matter what goes through that VPN tunnel and comes out the other endpoint; ISPs, the Government and content holders (with the right tools), can only view it as a 'certain volume of data' going back and forth between 'some IP address that probably isn't really you', the PIA VPN server (regardless of it being local or international), and to the rest of the world.

    I believe the biggest safety or privacy misunderstanding or shady area of VPNs is whether you are safe if you P2P and pass authentication details to some form of account that is tied with your name, address etc. See my new discussion on it here: /forum-replies.cfm?t=2421038

    But then some say the local servers are bad for p2p so is it really faster to route through the states? In which case you are compromising the speed of general browsing for the sake of torrents...

    The net speed via VPN is affected by what I would assume is based on the locality of the data/content you are accessing, no different to when you don't use a VPN, but where you don't use a VPN, an ISP can throttle you further based on it identifying a particular data it has policies to throttle.

    In one circumstance, most P2P peers for a particular swarm you are connecting to, could be located closer in locality if you were to connect to a different international server, than a local server.

    Which suggests it's safest to use vpn and proxy. However the 'tunnel within a tunnel' reduces my speed to about � of normal speed -which I presume is to be expected with so much encryption and routing?

    Every extra layer of abstraction, complexity, in the form of encryption, communication or routing, will add more and more overhead, consequently slowing your speeds down.

    I'm on 100mbps Optus Cable, and I think using the kill-switch is just fine and it works for me, as I've closely monitored mine.

  • 2015-Jun-24, 2:01 pm
    stuffed13

    When browsing with a VPN what exactly does the ISP see?

  • jfprizzy

    stuffed13 writes...

    When browsing with a VPN what exactly does the ISP see?

    At the highest abstract level,
    When you use a VPN service through a particular VPN server, it is so that external observers cannot see "who you really are" beyond the fact that you are just "someone who uses that specific VPN server presently".

    At the data level,
    VPNs tunnel connections between your computer and the VPN server you connect to (regardless of it being a local or international VPN server), have encryption applied to jumble the data into what appears as nonsense to the external observer.

    What the ISP sees, is your computer, as it would, because it's blood providing you the internet service, a connection made to the VPN server you selected to connect to, and a volume of data that it can't understand, going back and forth.

    An external observer can however see everything that leaves the VPN server endpoint, but if we have the scenario where VPNs map external IP addresses to multiple VPN clients (ONE-to-MANY relationship, with sub-addressing or identifiers to route traffic where it's meant to go inside the VPN tunnels), than it doesn't matter what pops out the other end. You can't tie it back to you because VPNs won't reveal this to a 3rd party entity.

  • stuffed13

    Ok so an ISP cant see that I am actually visiting Torrent sites like pirate bay to forward to the hollywood people wanting to know who is downloading? or even that I am posting this message?

  • 2015-Jun-24, 3:21 pm
    jfprizzy
    this post was edited

    stuffed13 writes...

    Ok so an ISP cant see that I am actually visiting Torrent sites like pirate bay to forward to the hollywood people wanting to know who is downloading? or even that I am posting this message?

    Breaking this down:

    Without VPN to access PirateBay:
    - Your computer sends request for PirateBay to ISPs DNS server, routing you the correct IP address of the DNS name of thePirateBay.se.

    With VPN to access PirateBay:
    - Your computer sends request for PirateBay to the VPN provider's DNS server, that would then route you to the correct IP address for the DNS name of thePirateBay.se.

    If we frame the viewpoint of the ISP to viewing and accessing torrent sites using a VPN tunnel, then all the ISP would see is a transmission of data (the request and response) between your computer and the VPN server.

    If we frame the viewpoint of the ISP to viewing the endpoint of where the request has left the VPN server, and then reenters with a response of the IP address of a torrent site, your ISP if it even knew where to look for this particular request/response; would only know that it goes into the VPN server, then back to some unknown destination. Yes it would see traffic back into your computer, but it doesn't know where from. ISPs cannot make the correlation, connection, etc.

    You posting, accessing or discussing anything about torrent/P2P sites is not admissible evidence that you committed any copyright infringement. I wouldn't fret.

    There's a worlds difference between using torrent/P2P sites for sharing copyright content, using torrent/P2P sites for sharing free content, and just merely accessing the site.

  • 2015-Jun-24, 3:21 pm
    TEMPA

    Interesting when I am connected to PIA and coming out on the Melbourne server and I access http://dnsleak.com/ the results show �

    Your IP: *** *** ***
    DNS IP: *** *** ***
    Hostname: *** *** ***-static.reverse.softlayer.com
    ISP: Credit Suisse Group / CANA
    Country: Switzerland

    Wasn't expecting to see that for the ISP and Country. All the other leak test websites show ISP as Softlayer and Australia.

    Thoughts?

  • Ace_Steezy

    I'm using ExpressVPN and it is slow as.....
    Doesn't matter which country I choose...

    Any suggestions?

  • BillBillo1
    this post was edited

    Hi guys,

    Long time reader on whirlpool forums you guys are great!

    I would also be considered a noob and just recently signed up with PIA.

    I use Qbittorrent instead of the usual utorrent and was wondering if just setting up the VPN and enabling kill switch etc is enough to be protected?

    I also have checked and have no dns leaks/also disabled the WEBRTC leaks from firefox

    I also got the "torguard check my torrent ip address" and it also comes up as showing the vpn ip address during downloads on qbittorrent instead of the usual one, does this, most of all things mean that I am protected?

    Or do I need to add any additional settings to the client? I ask because I read something about a network interface or something by Qbittorent I.e. on the network interface tab in qbittorent it is set to "any interface" but this wouldn't matter because I have kill switch enabled right so if it cut then it wouldnt switch to my usual ip connection right?

    Specifically this thread, something to do with a bug in qbittorrent, does anyone know about this? https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/4091/qbittorrent-setup-tips

  • 2015-Jun-24, 5:46 pm
    kitalor

    Thanks for the response jfp. That answered some questions and brought up a whole lot more:)

    jfprizzy writes...

    In one circumstance, most P2P peers for a particular swarm you are connecting to, could be located closer in locality if you were to connect to a different international server, than a local server.

    I can nearly max out connection with torrents without vpn so I'm pretty sure they're not throttled.
    My thinking was that the closer the tunnel that I'm jumping in geographically would provide the best speed regardless of what I'm doing with it taking into account congestion and capacity of said server?
    When I connect to my nearest server it is noted as 'softlayer' in ipleak and my torrents take a while to get going and average out at about 400kBs.
    If I auto connect it goes to silicon valley and torrents load much faster and average out at 700kBs (peak with no vpn is about 1.2mbs)
    Now browsing the web and doing speed tests I get the opposite result softlayer 8-10mbs -silicon valley 4-8mbs
    Is anyone else experiencing this? Happy to admit there may be something wrong on my end
    Earlier posts suggest softlayer aren't the best for p2p. If I'm going down the route of VPN without proxy what server would people suggest? I really just want to set and forget.

    Is anyone more satisfied getting the balance right with proxy alone? IF so what settings or guide did you follow?

  • 2015-Jun-24, 5:46 pm
    Pikey18

    kitalor writes...

    Earlier posts suggest softlayer aren't the best for p2p. If I'm going down the route of VPN without proxy what server would people suggest? I really just want to set and forget.

    I got good results using Getflix PPTP using a server in Canada. OpenVPN is better I expect just PPTP was easy.

  • Chuggabug

    BillBillo1 writes...

    Or do I need to add any additional settings to the client? I ask because I read something about a network interface or something by Qbittorent I.e. on the network interface tab in qbittorent it is set to "any interface" but this wouldn't matter because I have kill switch enabled right so if it cut then it wouldnt switch to my usual ip connection right?

    If you hover over the kill switch, PIA don't recommend it in certain network configurations.

    This tells me that there is a possibility it won't work/will screw up your internet settings.

    If your using Windows, simply create INBOUND & OUTBOUND Windows firewall rules to only allow Qbittorent to work if your 'Public' (VPN network) profile is active, and to deny Qbittorent access to 'Domain' and 'Private' profiles.

    The OUTBOUND rule is described here:
    http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/128882.aspx
    Just point the program path to the correct location where qbittorrent.exe exists on your drive.

    Then create a similar INBOUND rule, ie instead of selecting Outbound Rules in Step 1, select Inbound Rules and follow the remainder of the setup.

    Test it by disconnecting your VPN, and you will see that Qbittorent will stop downloading.

    Once in place there is no need to worry about what interface to choose in Qbittorent !


    I have used the PIA client and now have reverted to a native OpenVPN setup (as the client seems slow in connecting and with my testing seemed slower with downloads), but I also use firewall rules to keep an eye on things :)

  • kitalor

    Chuggabug writes...

    I have used the PIA client and now have reverted to a native OpenVPN setup (as the client seems slow in connecting and with my testing seemed slower with downloads), but I also use firewall rules to keep an eye on things :)

    Is this what you're referring to?
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/client-support/windows-openvpn

  • 2015-Jun-24, 6:00 pm
    Chuggabug

    kitalor writes...

    Is this what you're referring to?

    Yes, but I've gone ahead and downloaded the latest version of OpenVPN found here:
    https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html

  • 2015-Jun-24, 6:00 pm
    ozigoo

    Anyone used an Australian Toys R Us or Target gift card to pay?
    cheers

  • 2015-Jun-29, 10:40 am
    Lobomoon

    I just installed PIA � which boxes should I tick on advanced login screen?

  • 2015-Jun-29, 10:40 am
    Total Recall

    Lobomoon writes...

    I just installed PIA � which boxes should I tick on advanced login screen?

    For me I have DNS leak Protection and IPv6 Leak Protection ticked, VPN Kill Switch should also be but I have setup my P2P client to stop if and when PIA drops.

    Edit I don't even have IPv6 enabled via my ISP anyway as Getflix doesn't like it.

  • Lobomoon

    Do I need to do any extra settings in Vuze?

  • Total Recall

    PIA offer a Socket5 Proxy with your login, you need to generate the user ID and password via PIAs site.

    Not sure the specifics with Vuze though, this will give you a idea https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=pia+vuze

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:10 am
    billybalakalai

    I'm very happy with PIA after two months..

    Just wish they'd get a Korean server soon...

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:10 am
    Lobomoon

    What about connection type: tcp or udp?

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:22 am
    Pikey18

    Total Recall writes...

    Edit I don't even have IPv6 enabled via my ISP anyway as Getflix doesn't like it.

    I have IPv6 enabled here and use Getflix. All they do is forward requests to Telstra DNS which is dual stack and answers with AAAA records even over IPv4.

    Just have to make sure all DNS goes to Getflix.

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:22 am
    Total Recall

    Lobomoon writes...

    What about connection type: tcp or udp?

    Mines set to udp, not sure if it was default or I set it up like that back in the day.

    Pikey18 writes...

    I have IPv6 enabled here and use Getflix. All they do is forward requests to Telstra DNS which is dual stack and answers with AAAA records even over IPv4.

    Just have to make sure all DNS goes to Getflix.

    Oh ok, I still have to disable in order for my Netflix AUS account to be seen unmetered via Internode as they're currently having issues with IPv6.

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:31 am
    Pikey18

    Total Recall writes...

    Oh ok, I still have to disable in order for my Netflix AUS account to be seen unmetered via Internode as they're currently having issues with IPv6.

    Makes sense. I am on Telstra Business so no unmetered content to worry about (just unmetered uploads).

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:31 am
    SW Victoria

    Looks like they have dropped a few servers none in Australia and mostly in Canada. Anyone herd anything as to why?

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:35 am
    xHusky

    Edit: Wrong Post.

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:35 am
    Who needs Identity
    this post was edited

    SW Victoria writes...

    Looks like they have dropped a few servers none in Australia and mostly in Canada. Anyone herd anything as to why?

    By the looks of things they are using the Softlayer (Auto Scale feature) meaning they can have less servers but less more powerful servers.

    The only reason so many VPN companys use Softlayer is if you pay monthly or annually you get 5TB of bandwidth for free on each server each month. So Sydney 5TB x 60 = 300TB + Melbourne 5TB x 60 = 300TB. Total monthly bandwidth = 600TB for Australia.

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:42 am
    the Unforgiven

    Who needs Identity writes...

    Total monthly bandwidth = 600TB for Australia

    is that enough?

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:42 am
    SW Victoria

    I'm surprised they sell bandwidth in the quota form as wholesale, they are nearly always in bits per second.

  • McoreD

    I have noticed a drop in speeds in the last few weeks. I wonder if it is to do with the surge of new VPN subscribers.

  • Frenata


    @47400244 Lobomoon writes...
    Do I need to do any extra settings in Vuze

    I use Vuze and the following (which I found on the PIA site) does work
    "

    1. launch Vuze

    2. Go to Tools>Options

    3. Click Connection (drop down arrow)>Advanced Network Settings

    4. In the box that states Bind to Local IP type eth4. This is PIA TAP Adapter.

    5. Click Save

    6. Re-launch Vuze

    At the bottom right corner of the Vuze program, you will see Routing. Place your mouse cursor over it and wait for it to connect to PIA IPv4 address. It starts with 10.

    In case you're skeptical, you can go to Network and Sharing>Click on LAN>Details. It will show you the IPv4 address that will match in Vuze.

    All torrent traffic will be routed to that address. If the VPN disconnects, torrents will stop downloading immediately until the VPN re-establishes connection. You can also test it out by disconnecting the VPN manually (do not have internet browsers open at the time) and go back to Vuze. Place your mouse cursor over Routing and you will see it is still connected to PIA IPv4 address."

    I hope that helps

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:46 am
    fysho

    Frenata writes...

    4. In the box that states Bind to Local IP type eth4. This is PIA TAP Adapter.

    Not necessarily.. find the TAP Adapter and use the corresponding eth#, last time I used Vuze my eth was 5.. so don't just blindly put in 4.. find the correct adapter number.

  • 2015-Jun-29, 11:46 am
    drd71

    Frenata writes...

    4. In the box that states Bind to Local IP type eth4. This is PIA TAP Adapter.

    Is this for Windows � I was told to type in "tun0" into the box Bind to Local IP??

    Ps I'm on a mac??

  • 2015-Jun-29, 7:24 pm
    Who needs Identity

    Bear_drinks_beer writes...

    s that enough?

    No idea mate. TBH PIA using Softlayer servers is pretty tight arse. There's much better hosts out there.

  • 2015-Jun-29, 7:24 pm
    batfink0767
    this post was edited

    fysho writes...

    Vuze my eth was 5.. so don't just blindly put in 4.. find the correct adapter number.

    +1 agreed,
    when using Vuze on my windows 7 laptop the correct one is this- eth5 (TAP-Win32 Adapter V9)
    eth4 is listed as eth4 (Bluetooth Personal Area Network).

  • 2015-Jun-30, 1:58 pm
    the Unforgiven

    Who needs Identity writes...

    PIA using Softlayer servers is pretty tight arse

    bugger :)

    There's much better hosts out there

    the truth is out there ;)

    cheers

  • 2015-Jun-30, 1:58 pm
    Frenata

    Eth4 is for windows, I believe you are correct for Mac it is tun0.
    Eth4 worked for me. I have not tried Eth5.

  • 2015-Jun-30, 1:59 pm
    Dilligaf

    So I have PIA and am thinking of using vuze for this feature.
    trouble is I dont quite get the advice regarding the vuze settings
    can this be clarified easily - as in how do I work it out which eth etc?

  • 2015-Jun-30, 1:59 pm
    batfink0767
  • chopinhauer

    Simo135 writes...

    Would I still need to set-up a proxy if I am routing all my traffic through PIA's VPN anyway? I thought either VPN OR proxy would do the same thing re: Bittorrent? Or do I need to use both a proxy and a VPN simultaneously?

    Did this question on page one of the thread ever get an answer. If so, I couldn't spot it so could somebody please say it as being a VPN noob I'd really like to know.

  • 2tyres

    I have to say I'm a touch annoyed with whirlpool that the PIA ip address i have is being blocked by them. That is counterproductive!

  • 2015-Jun-30, 6:16 pm
    Anunnaki

    chopinhauer writes...

    Did this question on page one of the thread ever get an answer. If so, I couldn't spot it so could somebody please say it as being a VPN noob I'd really like to know.

    You only need one, i would go with VPN.

  • 2015-Jun-30, 6:16 pm
    chopinhauer

    Anunnaki writes...

    You only need one, i would go with VPN.

    Thanks, I'll do that in the event I go back to torrenting in this new '1984' environment.

  • 2015-Jun-30, 8:36 pm
    ozigoo
    this post was edited

    If you install PIA first have it running, then download and install Vuze second , the current version of Vuze automatically recognizes you have a VPN running and a pop up box comes up asking if you want Vuze to direct all traffic through the VPN, if you click yes, it sets up all the settings for you automatically...
    If your a noob like me, its easy and might be worth uninstalling and reinstalling Vuze to get it to do this...

  • 2015-Jun-30, 8:36 pm
    hendo

    So is Vuze safer to use than UTorrent? I currently use U Torrent but will change if it is quicker and safer.

  • 2015-Jun-30, 9:00 pm
    fysho

    hendo writes...

    is Vuze safer to use

    Just my opinion.. but the amount of extraneous junk getting shoved into your Vuze install leads me to believe that there are way better options around that don't have as many 'potential' susceptibilities in them as Vuze. I've recently gone from vuze.. bloated, to deluge.. wouldn't download worth a damn no matter what I did to the settings.. to qbitorrent.. that "Just downloads the things I want without erroring, bloating, throttling or any other "ing" except *downloading*.

  • 2015-Jun-30, 9:00 pm
    Drufazz

    With the current WOW outage I signed up with PIA as a few people said they could still play through a VPN. It's working, but the ping is 700ms+. Using the Sydney gateway. Did read a post here someone experiencing the same high pings and no solution to it.

    Cheers,

  • 2015-Jun-30, 9:26 pm
    fysho

    Drufazz writes...

    the ping is 700ms+

    I'd be happy as a pig in poo if I could keep my ping down in the low 700's.. but then I'm on satellite and shouldn't expect a real broadband connection because of my errant "lifestyle choice"... according to the Minister for all things not related to God or Coal.. or his panting lapdogs.

  • 2015-Jun-30, 9:26 pm
    clarktek

    Does anyone else find that PIA is very slow when connected to the VPN even if your connected to the Aus Servers? i couldnt even use Youtube connected to the Calafonia servers? and torrent downloading is at best 1mb sec using proxy setting in utorrent

  • 2015-Jun-30, 9:30 pm
    Total Recall

    clarktek writes...

    Does anyone else find that PIA is very slow when connected to the VPN even if your connected to the Aus Servers?

    Sometimes I do find it sporadic, I just disconnect and reconnect and it helps.

    Speed wise, not a huge difference.

    With PIA Sydney http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4474379359
    Without it http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4474381665

  • 2015-Jun-30, 9:30 pm
    Jackpackage

    clarktek writes...

    oes anyone else find that PIA is very slow when connected to the VPN even if your connected to the Aus Servers? i couldnt even use Youtube connected to the Calafonia servers? and torrent downloading is at best 1mb sec using proxy setting in utorrent

    I find general day to day browsing the net fine, it's when downloading I get terrible speeds but I'm not sure if it's a congestion issues with Telstra.

    As an example, last night went to download The Zoo Ep 1 � it was downloading at an average of 15KBPS up untill around 10:30 it shot up to 1.3mbps?!

    I usually don't mind if it takes a while as I usually watch the show the next day or save them up for a mini marathon but last night was frustating. Been thinking about getting a VPS or Seedbox and those sort of speeds are making it more likely I'll do it sooner than later.

  • TEMPA

    Jackpackage writes...

    As an example, last night went to download a Linux distro � it was downloading at an average of 15KBPS up untill around 10:30 it shot up to 1.3mbps?!

    Fixed your post for you...... ;)

  • GeoQuack

    clarktek writes...

    Does anyone else find that PIA is very slow when connected to the VPN even if your connected to the Aus Servers?

    International can be a bit variable, but Australian servers always seem fast. This is from my phone connected to the Melbourne server via work's wireless network. http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/a/1348087286

  • 2015-Jul-1, 11:22 am
    Dimtar
  • 2015-Jul-1, 11:22 am
    Total Recall

    Dimtar writes...

    Deal on for 4th July. 2 years for $60:
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/slickdeals-fourth-of-july

    That's awesome value, shame I just started my second year with them in May. If I could buy it now and leave it for my current sub to expire I would but from my understanding the service starts when the sub is activated.

    I wonder how this will work with gift card payments.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 9:55 am
    Mr Gimlet

    Total Recall writes...

    That's awesome value

    None of their offers are available to existing customers.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 9:55 am
    Total Recall

    Mr Gimlet writes...

    None of their offers are available to existing customers.

    I have always paid via GC so user/pw have been different, paying via PayPal in the future will be a better choice because it's far better value compared to a GC of $50/366 days vs $39.95/365 days.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 10:16 am
    rickmck

    Mr Gimlet writes...

    None of their offers are available to existing customers.

    I spoke to PIA and existing customers just need to cancel their account and then sign up to the new deal . No problems. Of course you lose any time you had left on your old account .

  • 2015-Jul-3, 10:16 am
    the Unforgiven

    rickmck writes...

    you lose any time you had left on your old account

    or give that old account to a mate

    cheers

  • 2015-Jul-3, 12:58 pm
    Mr Gimlet

    rickmck writes...

    I spoke to PIA and existing customers just need to cancel their account and then sign up to the new deal

    Thanks for that

  • 2015-Jul-3, 12:58 pm
    XxHarryxX

    Is PIA mode of currency in terms of USD? I want to try it for a month and want to make the payment via prepaid cards(to be bought from Woolworths). What denomination shall cover the full payment considering the overseas transaction fee or other expenses, if any?

  • 2015-Jul-3, 1:57 pm
    the Unforgiven

    XxHarryxX writes...

    Is PIA mode of currency in terms of USD?

    yes

    What denomination shall cover the full payment

    google the amount for a conversion from US(amount) to AUD

    cheers

  • 2015-Jul-3, 1:57 pm
    Liability

    hendo writes...

    So is Vuze safer to use than UTorrent? I currently use U Torrent but will change if it is quicker and safer.

    A bit of a late response, but the only torrent client that I have found that "respects" proxy settings is Deluge.

    If you use the PIA proxy settings in Deluge it will only download from that proxy. Other clients, such as utorrent, will download from your "real" connection if the proxy drops out.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 2:03 pm
    TEMPA

    Liability writes...

    If you use the PIA proxy settings in Deluge it will only download from that proxy. Other clients, such as utorrent, will download from your "real" connection if the proxy drops out.

    Hence why I use the PIA proxy within the PIA VPN....

  • 2015-Jul-3, 2:03 pm
    JoffaR

    Been using the OpenVPN client as a replacement for the flaky pia windows client for last couple of days.
    Seems a lot more solid and you can actually connect/disconnect/re-connect without it crapping out on you.

  • JoffaR

    Bear_drinks_beer writes...

    google the amount for a conversion from US(amount) to AUD

    And factor an extra 5% for the cream that visa/paypal skim from the transaction to be safe.

  • Liability

    TEMPA writes...

    Hence why I use the PIA proxy within the PIA VPN....

    If you use Deluge then you only need to use the PIA proxy, no point in running the VPN as well, that just slows things down.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 5:24 pm
    the Unforgiven

    JoffaR writes...

    And factor an extra 5% for the cream that visa/paypal skim from the transaction to be safe

    true, I forgot to mention that ripoff extra they do, thanks

    cheers

  • 2015-Jul-3, 5:24 pm
    Mungrel

    Hi Guys

    I have been reading the posts here as I am setting up a spare box here solely for torrenting and am looking for a VPN to use on it.

    I understand the basics of a VPN but am still uncertain of the best one to use, as I am not wanting to start and stop it so I can surf the web or anything, it will be on all the time the computer is on as the computer is only one of the ones on my home network and it has only one purpose.

    I tried IPVanish for a month and it seemed ok, but I am still unsure of which one would get me the most consistent download speeds. It is rare that I need something as soon as it finished downloading as most of the time I just set it to go while I am at work or asleep etc.

    I see a lot of converation about AU servers etc but I figure that nowadays with everyone getting more VPN aware, there will be a lot more people using AU servers and therefore more congestion = slower speeds. I have had some success using asian servers using IPVanish, but it can be a pain finding a decent server depending on the time of day etc.

    Is PIA a decent alternative or are there better options?

    Im not fussed about paying with gift cards etc as I believe that is unwarranted. Its not illegal to have a VPN and it doesnt mean you are doing anything illegal with it so I dont see any reason for going to that level of caution.

    Thanks

  • 2015-Jul-3, 6:22 pm
    Liability

    Mungrel writes...

    Is PIA a decent alternative or are there better options?

    I have found PIA to be fine.

    I normally only use it for torrents, so I have set up Deluge to use the PIA proxy. This is all you need to do if you are only worried about torrents. No need to install the PIA VPN software, or run it, if you just use Deluge to download torrents.

    If you want to install the PIA VPN software, you can run it if you ever want to use the VPN for browsing.

    Edit - just to be clear, if you are setting up a spare box just for torrenting, use the Deluge torrent client with the PIA proxy settings and all will good. No need to do anything else. Deluge will only download through those proxy settings, if the proxy drops out Deluge will stop downloading, it will not use your "normal" internet connection - unlike most other torrent clients.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 6:22 pm
    Mungrel

    Liability writes...

    install the PIA VPN software, you can run it if you ever want to use the VPN for browsing.

    but isnt this what you are doing to get the torrent before you download the file?

    if you are only worried about torrents. No need to install the PIA VPN software, or run it

    does this mean I dont have to actually join up to PIA? I can just get their proxy settings and go? :)

  • 2015-Jul-3, 8:31 pm
    PkV

    Liability writes...

    use the Deluge torrent client with the PIA proxy settings and all will good.

    I use PIA ( Location: Netherlands ) with FireFox (webrtc disabled) I have a seedbox that is based in the Netherlands as well
    and downloading from my seedbox using a FTP connection ( FTP Client is Bitkinex 3.2 )

    Is this setup secure and hidden enough from prying Eyes 8-)

  • 2015-Jul-3, 8:31 pm
    billybanana

    Mungrel writes...

    does this mean I dont have to actually join up to PIA? I can just get their proxy settings and go?

    You have to enter your PIA username & password in the proxy settings. So yes still need to join.

  • 2015-Jul-3, 9:20 pm
    Mungrel

    billybanana writes...

    So yes still need to join

    bugger! lol

  • 2015-Jul-3, 9:20 pm
    Liability

    PkV writes...

    Is this setup secure and hidden enough from prying Eyes 8-)

    All you need to do is stop your real IP address from appearing in torrent swarms. That is how you get caught out with torrents.

    The way that people are caught out with torrents is not rocket science. If you look at your torrent program you will see a list of the IP adresses of the seeds and peers. All the tracking software used by "the enforcers" does is to log the details of that IP address. If they don't have your real IP address they don't know you exist.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 12:17 am
    TEMPA

    Liability writes...

    so I have set up Deluge to use the PIA proxy.

    Can you please advise how to fill out the proxy fields in Deluge? And how many of them to fill out? uTorrent only has one proxy section to complete, the Deluge I downloaded and installed has 4 proxy fields!

  • 2015-Jul-5, 12:17 am
    Liability

    TEMPA writes...

    Can you please advise how to fill out the proxy fields in Deluge?

    You need to fill out all 4 proxy fields with the proxy details from PIA.

    I don't have my PIA login details handy to log on and check, but if you log into your PIA account there were will be a proxy settings page somewhere, you need to generate a proxy user id and password on that page, which be will different from your normal PIA login details.

    In deluge proxy settings you need to select "socks 5 with auth", put in your proxy username and password and proxy-nl.privateinternetaccess.com as host and 1080 as port.

    I get around 80% of my normal maximum torrent speed using the PIA proxy and deluge.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 7:57 am
    Oceang

    Dimtar writes...

    Deal on for 4th July. 2 years for $60:
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/slickdeals-fourth-of-july

    I am trying to sign up for this using Paypal. When it gets through to Paypal and I sign on it doesn't get past the process of asking me for security questions. I get an obscure Paypal error message.

    I can sign on to Paypal independently and it works fine.

    I have tried this on 3 computers and my Android phone.

    Anyone else having this issue?

  • 2015-Jul-5, 7:57 am
    Aldi Rocks

    I don't think you are, and it shouldn't matter, but are you using a vpn? I"m blocked from paying for certain things using my vpn. The business it'self is responsible

  • 2015-Jul-5, 11:19 am
    TEMPA

    Liability writes...

    You need to fill out all 4 proxy fields with the proxy details from PIA.

    Thanks for that! That was what I wasn't sure of � if I needed to do all 4 fields.

    Thanks again.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 11:19 am
    Oceang

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    I don't think you are, and it shouldn't matter, but are you using a vpn?

    If you are asking me, no I am not using a VPN and always use Paypal to pay for things online, eg eBay, software, etc. without any issues. I probably use Paypal at least once a week currently.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 11:47 am
    altoalto

    Is it possible to use the DNS Leak setting over the OpenVPN? There is no option to turn it on.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 11:47 am
    JoffaR

    altoalto writes...

    Is it possible to use the DNS Leak setting over the OpenVPN? There is no option to turn it on.

    Google will show you what adapter settings to change to sort out dns leakage.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 1:38 pm
    Oceang

    I finally decided to use one of my spare debit cards. Loaded AUD80 on it and got it processed.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 1:38 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    rickmck writes...

    I spoke to PIA and existing customers just need to cancel their account and then sign up to the new deal . No problems. Of course you lose any time you had left on your old account .

    There's no point in doing that. When your subscription is about to expire PIA send you an email to resubscribe 12months for $32. There's very little to save with this current offer & you are stuck with them for 2 years when maybe they become embroied in a privacy scandal where they hand over identifiable info to police/copyright lawyers in a few months or even they could be blocked in Australia soon due to being such a large company & promoting torrents

  • 2015-Jul-5, 1:48 pm
    Kooratz

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    There's no point in doing that. When your subscription is about to expire PIA send you an email to resubscribe 12months for $32.

    Thanks for that, I was about to buy that 2 years subscription..., will wait for my email next month...
    cheers,

  • 2015-Jul-5, 1:48 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    You should get the email a month before your subscirption ends. This is the link anyway

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/rejoin-vpn-subscription

  • 2015-Jul-5, 2:48 pm
    rickmck

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    There's no point in doing that. When your subscription is about to expire PIA send you an email to resubscribe 12months for $32. There's very little to save with this current offer & you are stuck with them for 2 years when maybe they become embroied in a privacy scandal where they hand over identifiable info to police/copyright lawyers in a few months or even they could be blocked in Australia soon due to being such a large company & promoting torrents

    You save about $5 by doing this. Vpns main use is for privacy not breaching copyright. The government has stated that they will not be targeting them. Most businesses use vpns for security so I can't see the government touching them. If they don't keep logs then there is nothing to hand over ! PIA does not promote torrents ! You sound paranoid .

  • 2015-Jul-5, 2:48 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    rickmck writes...

    he government has stated that they will not be targeting them

    They have said that for now but if you read the actual legislation there is nothing stopping them blocking vpn's that assist in copyright infringement.

    If they don't keep logs then there is nothing to hand over ! PIA does not promote torrents

    They see your real IP each time you connect & for the duration of your connection. Not sure if the historical recording of IP's matter that much. PIA have a proxy for torrents & port forwarding for torrents. You may say it's not necessarily for that use the fact is that it greatly enhances torrent use. They also state "P2P and VoIP Support"

  • 2015-Jul-5, 4:01 pm
    rickmck

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    They have said that for now but if you read the actual legislation there is nothing stopping them blocking vpn's that assist in copyright infringement.

    The legislation states that a sites main purpose must be to aid in copyright breaching. A VPNs main purpose is security, privacy and avoiding geoblocking. Torrenting is not illegal it has many legal uses.
    The government does not want to stop copyright breaches it just wants to be seen to be trying to stop it . To keep the large companies happy. It's impossible to stop it altogether. Almost half of what is on youtube breaches copyright but they don't seem worried about that !

  • 2015-Jul-5, 4:01 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    rickmck writes...

    Almost half of what is on youtube breaches copyright but they don't seem worried about that !

    Youtube abide by DMCA laws. Piratebay doesn't so will be blocked, & the government could later argue that a vpn that facilitates a connection to the likes of piratebay must block piratebay or be banned it'self. The copyright lobyistts are so powerful they got both sides of the government to agree to censoring of the internet, they have further potential for great evil.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 5:13 pm
    DaveTheMan

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Youtube abide by DMCA laws. Piratebay doesn't so will be blocked, & the government could later argue that a vpn that facilitates a connection to the likes of piratebay must block piratebay or be banned it'self. The copyright lobyistts are so powerful they got both sides of the government to agree to censoring of the internet, they have further potential for great evil.

    Google is a Big Business so they will Comply with there Mates

  • 2015-Jul-5, 5:13 pm
    DaveTheMan

    rickmck writes...

    You save about $5 by doing this. Vpns main use is for privacy not breaching copyright. The government has stated that they will not be targeting them. Most businesses use vpns for security so I can't see the government touching them. If they don't keep logs then there is nothing to hand over ! PIA does not promote torrents ! You sound paranoid .

    What the Government Says and Does are 2 Entirely Different Things

  • 2015-Jul-5, 6:24 pm
    rickmck

    Time will tell , I just took up the 2 year deal and I'm not worried. It takes governments years to do anything. I don't see any sites blocked yet ! And only a fool would give the DBC any money.

  • 2015-Jul-5, 6:24 pm
    Not Mr Conroy

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    They have said that for now but if you read the actual legislation there is nothing stopping them blocking vpn's that assist in copyright infringemen

    Uh, then that would be all of them....

    I'd enjoy seeing this happen. Watch government try to effectively shut down much of Australias business internet traffic, and subsequently get lampooned for being the dickheads they are.

  • Aldi Rocks

    If PIA really had a lot of non piracy business users they could set rules for any connections geolocating from Australia. Servers must abide by Australian block list & more severe & hopefully not ever even expressed as an idea block torrent traffic through all vpn servers Australians connect to. Obviously the act of torrenting it'self should never be an issue.

    So there are way of not affecting business, which is worrying

  • Mr Gimlet

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    hey could set rules

    They could. What makes you think that they would?

  • 2015-Jul-6, 10:06 am
    Aldi Rocks

    They would to remain operational in Australia with business, non torrent users. We already see how they block torrents on Australian, US and other servers with a strong stand on copyright,, even though torrenting does not equal piracy.

    I"m saying if Government were to say block Au banlist & block AU from torrenting or PIA is blocked in Australia they would have to comply or they lose all non piracy business in Australia. Not to say that will happen but it could under current legislation.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 10:06 am
    Jackpackage

    Hey all, just picked up a new Asus AC2400 router and was thinking of putting PIA on the router level over using the client desk application.

    Are there any speed benefits with this at all ?

  • 2015-Jul-6, 10:50 am
    Oceang

    I am new to VPN, so I have been relying on this foum and other forums for my education in this subject.

    I have just purchased PIA for three main reasons:

    1. Avoid geo-blocking both here and when travelling overseas.
    2. Encrypted traffic when using Wi-Fi overseas, either in public or hotels.
    2. Protect my childrens download activities.

    So I have got it successfully installed on my Surface Pro and my Samsung S5 and it seems to be OK, though I wouldnt want to use it all the time as it slows down my Internet significantly even when I select local servers. I will probably leave it turned off at home after I finish testing and turn it on when I travel.

    My real open issue is the following:

    My childrens computers are setup with them as standard users, with another account on each machine for me to use in Administrator mode.

    I have installed it OK under my account, but when I restart the PC and login under a standard user account, VPN is not active or accessible.

    How can I setup these machines so that either VPN is on all the time, or at least they can turn it on and off as required?

    I am still within my 7 days cooling off, so is this an issue for all VPN's or just PIA.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 10:50 am
    Chuggington

    Oceang writes...

    I have installed it OK under my account, but when I restart the PC and login under a standard user account, VPN is not active or accessible.

    VPNs under windows are per user unless you specify the "Allow other people to use this connection".

  • 2015-Jul-6, 3:08 pm
    batfink0767

    Oceang writes...

    How can I setup these machines so that either VPN is on all the time,

    There is a setting in the PIA client for "start application at logon".

  • 2015-Jul-6, 3:08 pm
    Oceang

    Chuggington writes...

    VPNs under windows are per user unless you specify the "Allow other people to use this connection".

    PIA doesnt have this option from what I can see. Should I just install it again the other account as well?

  • 2015-Jul-6, 3:54 pm
    Oceang

    batfink0767 writes...

    There is a setting in the PIA client for "start application at logon".

    I have that set already.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 3:54 pm
    Mungrel

    Ok I will stir the pot a bit here.

    I am looking at getting PIA as a VPN but am wondering how many servers they have that allow P2P (shhh thats torrenting)?

    Which ones are the best from people experiences and what sort of speed hits am I to expect? � I realise there will be a speed hit whoever I go through.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:14 pm
    Chuggington

    Mungrel writes...

    (shhh thats torrenting)?

    Torrenting is perfectly legal.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:14 pm
    batfink0767

    They all allow PTP as far as i know, if you want to port forward then these servers work,
    CA Toronto
    CA North York
    Netherlands
    Switzerland
    Sweden
    France
    Germany
    Russia
    Romania
    Hong Kong
    Israel
    I can max out my connections on PTP downloads 12mbits/sec, i only notice a small speed hit when doing general browsing.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:18 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    It looks like PIA have reduced their annual price to $32 a year now as standard, rather then being a sale?

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:18 pm
    JoffaR

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    It looks like PIA have reduced their annual price to $32 a year now as standard, rather then being a sale?

    Where are you seeing this price? Shows as $39.95 for me

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:58 pm
    Aldi Rocks
  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:58 pm
    JoffaR

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    It shows $31.95US for me

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/buy-vpn/

    Still $39.95 for me. You must have picked up a special cookie somewhere.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:59 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Yes I have confirmed your premise. price is $31.95 on chrome, but $39.95 on firefox. Anyway that answers my question. Their standard price is still the same

  • 2015-Jul-6, 4:59 pm
    Waz

    It appears that USD31.95 is available for resubscribers.

  • 2015-Jul-6, 5:04 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Waz yeah that's where they give you the cookie, so for US$31.95 new user annual sub first go to
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/rejoin-vpn-subscription

    then

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/buy-vpn/

  • 2015-Jul-6, 5:04 pm
    marbles

    Oceang writes...

    PIA doesnt have this option from what I can see. Should I just install it again the other account as well?

    I had this issue, it wouldnt work when a second user account logged on to windows.

    To fix it, go into scheduled tasks and find the one which launches PIA at "any user logon", export it as xml, then import it and give it a different name.

    Change the credentials which launch PIA to be the second user account (General Tab, Security Options). Change the "Trigger" to be logon of the specific second user, instead of any user. You should end up with a task for each user, using the credentials of that user. Then launches successfully for both users at logon

  • 2015-Jul-7, 7:19 pm
    Altais

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    If PIA really had a lot of non piracy business users

    They have in there term of service that your licence only allows non-commercial use......

    Privateinternetaccess.com grants you a personal, limited, non- exclusive license to use an account to which you have access for your personal, private, non-commercial, non-transferable, limited uses solely as set forth herein and as set forth in any additional documentation and/or agreements applicable to the Services accessed by you.

    Reference: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/terms-of-service/

  • 2015-Jul-7, 7:19 pm
    gloonk

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Waz yeah that's where they give you the cookie, so for US$31.95 new user annual sub first go to
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/rejoin-vpn-subscription

    then

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/buy-vpn/

    thanks for that. Ive now got a vpn :)

  • Oceang

    marbles writes...

    To fix it, go into scheduled tasks and find the one which launches PIA at "any user logon", export it as xml, then import it and give it a different name.

    Thanks I will try this tomorrow when I have access to the machine.

  • jjcoolaus
    O.P.

    Drufazz writes...

    With the current WOW outage I signed up with PIA as a few people said they could still play through a VPN.

    A VPN will give you high gaming pings. Have you tried changing your computer's DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 instead? If that works, do it on your router for every machine/phone/tablet at your place.

  • 2015-Jul-7, 9:56 pm
    brettmo86

    Wondering if anyone else has the same issue as me:
    Running PIA openvpn via my netgear WNDR3800 router.
    Everything works OK via laptops.
    However, on my android phone a couple of websites don't work and the fb mobile app also doesn't load anything, just gets a constant spinning circle. google search also doesn't work...

    Disable vpn and everything works.

    Any ideas?

  • 2015-Jul-7, 9:56 pm
    the Unforgiven

    DNS settings on your Android?

  • 2015-Jul-8, 4:32 pm
    brettmo86

    Bear_drinks_beer writes...

    DNS settings on your Android?

    Don't think so.
    It's getting the google dns servers, same as laptop. DNS servers set in router.
    I set them manually on my phone just to make sure, no dice.

  • 2015-Jul-8, 4:32 pm
    Rat

    I can't get PIA to connect to ANY servers today, last few days it has been getting more and more difficult to connect, today I can't at all.

    Restarted PC and modem, no go, tried all the setting changes on the PIA forum, no go, uninstalled PIA and reinstalled, no go :(

  • Ray

    I can't get PIA to connect to ANY servers today, last few days it has been getting more and more difficult to connect, today I can't at all.

    Worked fine for me this afternoon connected to Amsterdam. Have had no connection issues at all recently.

  • Oceang

    marbles writes...

    To fix it, go into scheduled tasks and find the one which launches PIA at "any user logon", export it as xml, then import it and give it a different name.

    Thanks Marbles. I tested this afternoon and this approach works.

    One question. When I switched back to the admin user on the machine (me) without logging off first, and then switched back, PIA disconnected. Is that what you would expect.

    Thanks again for your assistance.

    I can work with what you proposed in our situation, as normally may child would be the only one signed on to the machine.

  • 2015-Jul-8, 7:57 pm
    Rat

    I'm on now, for some reason Tinywall had decided to block my VPN, I had tried putting it in learning mode and when that didn't work I went looking for other reasons, but then I totally disabled my firewall and I connected OK. Will have to update my exceptions, something must have changed or updated.

  • 2015-Jul-8, 7:57 pm
    Kable

    Anyone that uses PIA on mac have an issue when changing users/logging into a second account pia will not load or show. Yet strangely it's working still. Is there an option I'm missing so we can see PIA loaded in the task bar of both login accounts.

  • 2015-Jul-8, 9:16 pm
    MBRMC
    this post was edited

    Hi - can anyone help me out? I have a raspberry pi 2 running raspbian, with deluge daemon and openvpn with pia. I can only get an open incoming connection when I use port forwarding in my router and have openvpn switched off - under these conditions it works fine. As soon as I switch on openvpn I lose the incoming connections (though I can still download). What is openvpn doing that breaks my router's port forwarding? Router is a Netcomm N600 (NB16WV-02).

    Update: even though Deluge client is reporting no incoming connections (and the port test fails) I still seem able to both download and upload (though uploading is very slow). I'm not sure what tests I need to run to find out why this is the case or if everything is working as it should.

  • 2015-Jul-8, 9:16 pm
    Jace
  • 2015-Jul-9, 5:16 pm
    zzaaac

    Quick question from a complete newbie.

    I thinking of signing up to their year plan. Do they bill me month to month, or the whole price at one go?

    Also does it auto renew?

  • 2015-Jul-9, 5:16 pm
    XxHarryxX

    El Tito writes...

    I thinking of signing up to their year plan. Do they bill me month to month, or the whole price at one go?

    If you take an yearly plan it will be one-off payment.

    Also does it auto renew?

    I think they send you a reminder with a small discount to renew.

  • 2015-Jul-9, 5:36 pm
    batfink0767
    this post was edited

    El Tito writes...

    Also does it auto renew?

    I payed with Paypal for 12 mnths, it is a recurring payment/subscription unless you cancel.
    If you cancel the subscription/recurring payment, you can still use the service until the end of the plan date you paid for expires.

    FEES
    You acknowledge that PrivateInternetAccess.com reserves the right to create a subscription service through one or more third party merchants. Payments will be charged on the day you sign up for service and will cover use of that service for the duration of one (1) month, six (6) months, one (1) year, two (2) year or a �lifetime� account without subscription depending on the service plan level. A subscription plan is an automatic payment recurring based on the service plan with the exception of the two (2) year subscription, which will not be automatically renewed if the original subscription was paid for via the Credit Card payment option.

    edit-there is a 7 day refund policy if you aren't satisfied and want to cancel/

    If you are less than 100% satisfied with the PrivateInternetAccess.com VPN service, we will gladly refund your payment if the refund is requested within seven (7) days from the date of the purchase. Requests made later than the 7 day purchase date window will be denied.

  • 2015-Jul-9, 5:36 pm
    Kampua

    I am getting error from the browsers saying the security certificate has problem when I try to visit PIA web site. Do others experience the same?

  • 2015-Jul-9, 6:54 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Is the turnning of re-sub within PIA menus or within Paypal?

    Not familiar with eithere.

  • 2015-Jul-9, 6:54 pm
    TEMPA

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Is the turnning of re-sub within PIA menus or within Paypal?

    Not familiar with either.

    It's in Client Control Panel on the PIA site but I cancelled there and also cancelled the renewal authorisation in Paypal as well.

  • 2015-Jul-13, 11:05 pm
    batfink0767

    Kampua writes...

    I am getting error from the browsers saying the security certificate has problem

    Tried my three browsers ,IE ,FF, Slimjet, got no certificate issues on either.

  • 2015-Jul-13, 11:05 pm
    maddog12

    Simple question here. Can this just run on one pc without affecting other pcs on the network?

  • 2015-Jul-15, 9:57 pm
    2tyres

    maddog12 writes...

    Simple question here. Can this just run on one pc without affecting other pcs on the network?

    Yes. In fact that is the easiest way to set it up. Just install their client and only that pc will route through the vpn although it must be noted this is the least secure method.

  • 2015-Jul-15, 9:57 pm
    ja123

    maddog12 writes...

    Simple question here. Can this just run on one pc without affecting other pcs on the network?

    It should not affect any other computers on the network.

  • 2015-Jul-15, 10:06 pm
    maddog12

    2tyres writes...

    Yes.

    ja123 writes...

    It should not affect any other computers on the network.

    Great. Thanks for the response!

  • 2015-Jul-15, 10:06 pm
    Red Jack Rackham

    Anyone else getting seriously slow speeds from the Sydney and Melbourne servers? I've a 10mb DSL connection but getting no more than 75k download speeds.

    Pushing to California, I'm getting 650k !

  • 2015-Jul-16, 1:56 am
    batfink0767

    nope, all good here in Adelaide, ping 25ms ,getting 5mb/s down and 2mb/s up to both aussie servers.

  • 2015-Jul-16, 1:56 am
    davio

    so does PIA set-up most of it automatically and then we just have to activate the SOCKS5 proxy and thats it?

  • 2015-Jul-16, 6:05 pm
    batfink0767

    Yes, you don't really have to do any of the work yourself if you use the vpn,Just download and install their software client and you'll be up and running your vpn in a few minutes.
    If you choose to use the socks5 proxy, check out this video for help in doing this.
    Also explains a few things you may want to know.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

  • 2015-Jul-16, 6:05 pm
    davio

    batfink0767 writes...

    Yes, you don't really have to do any of the work yourself if you use the vpn,Just download and install their software client and you'll be up and running your vpn in a few minutes.
    If you choose to use the socks5 proxy, check out this video for help in doing this.
    Also explains a few things you may want to know.

    thanks for the help mate

  • 2015-Jul-17, 12:17 am
    GravelClimber

    I'm finding PIA so frustrating and thinking of given up, even though I've paid for a year.

    When it works � speeds are fine. Problem is the app frequently fails. Right now I can't disconnect. Right click disconnect and little man stays bright green. Sometimes I can't connect. Other times I try using the kill switch and even when the app is off the internet is still dead. Try un-ticking the kill switch and saving, but internet still dead and requires a fix though Windows.

    All these things are easily solved, but having to constantly fix them is really annoying. Reinstalling the app hasn't helped. Wish ExpressVPN were much cheaper as I found it far better � can't justify the price though (given I don't torrent and don't really need a VPN as such, just want to defend my privacy)

  • 2015-Jul-17, 12:17 am
    gloonk

    Hi. I just installed PIA and firefox with TRC disabled and IPV6 disabled in my wireless network adaptor. I plan to use this PC solely for the purpose of torrenting. So it's basically clean ie fresh windows install and firefox with deluge to go on. Maybe throw Nod 32 on as well but that's pretty much it. Now i just tried to run some tests to see how my stealth is/isn't and the first two sites below show me as being in the states, but the last test also shows the states DNS and also the DNS of my Australian provider.

    1 � ipleak.net
    2 � dnsleaktest.com
    3 � perfect-privacy.com/dns-leaktest/

    SO what do I do from here please? I understand my set up is not ideal, its just another computer on the network, but is there a solution or better setup you can recommend for me to get me more stealthy?
    thanks :)

  • 2015-Jul-17, 1:10 am
    XxHarryxX

    GravelClimber writes...

    I'm finding PIA so frustrating

    I was facing the exact same issue when I started using it. I had to restart my PC so many times before it started to connect.
    After that I disabled and re-enabled the connection before you plan to switch on the VPN. (Network and Sharing Center -> Change adapter settings). That worked for me.

    Please note that, every time you re-enable the VPN connection IPV6 checkbox gets checked(atleast it happens for me). So, please remember to uncheck it too. :)

    Hope it helps

  • 2015-Jul-17, 1:10 am
    batfink0767
    this post was edited

    For DNS leak issues

    This is straight from PIA support,

    I would also recommend manually changing your DNS settings instead of using the DNS leak protection setting in the client, as the latter makes changes to your DHCP settings. Manual DNS assignment accomplishes the same DNS leak prevention without interfering with DHCP.

    Use the following instructions to make the changes:

    1. Go to Start
    2. Go to Control Panel
    3. Go to Network Settings
    4. Go to Network and Sharing
    5. Go to Change Adapter Settings
    6. Choose your normal internet connection. DO NOT make these changes to the TAP connection
    7. Right click and press Properties
    8. Go to the Network Properties
    9. Go to the TCP/IP v4 and select Properties
    10. Change "Obtain DNS server address automatically" to "Use the following DNS server address"
    11. Enter 209.222.18.222 for the preferred DNS server
    12. Enter 209.222.18.218 for the Alternate DNS server
    13. Press OK
    This also from pia support,-
    Please follow these steps to use the killswitch properly:

    - Before connecting the VPN, please UNcheck the killswitch button.
    - AFTER connecting to the chosen VPN server, then enable the killswitch.
    - When you are done with the VPN, disable the killswitch BEFORE disconnecting or exiting the client.
    If you fail to follow the above steps properly, you will run into the DHCP problems you keep encountering.

    The following/below is written by me and NOT from PIA support.
    For internet not working after disconnecting vpn (this happens to me about twice out of 10 times)

    1.open network sharing centre by right clicking network icon in system tray (win 7)
    2.click the network connection you have on the right of the screen (in blue) ,mines listed as wireless network connection (xxxx-pc_Network.
    3. Then Click properties at the bottom left of the popup screen.
    4.Double click "Internet protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
    5. tick/select "Obtain an ip address automatically"
    6.click ok, exit out and your good to go.

  • 2015-Jul-17, 11:59 am
    batfink0767

    GravelClimber writes...

    Problem is the app frequently fails

    I have been using for about 3 months and it has never failed to connect/disconnect, maybe you could ask them about this on their online chat support, they are quick to reply to any issues you are having.

  • 2015-Jul-17, 11:59 am
    madmangohan

    For those having Kill Switch issues, are you guys just simply clicking the disconnect or actually exiting the tray app properly?

    I only ask because I've found you need to completely close the app if you have the kill switch enabled, otherwise it just thinks you lost vpn connection and does exactly what it is meant to do, kill your network.

    Certainly boggled me for a day until I figured that one out. Only issue I've had since was a stupid bug with the Aero theme (on Vista) that caused my server list to begin appearing off-screen. The only solution so far has been to switch to a Classic theme. Hoping it sorts itself out one day as it used to work fine under Aero :/

  • TEMPA

    madmangohan writes...

    I've found you need to completely close the app if you have the kill switch enabled, otherwise it just thinks you lost vpn connection and does exactly what it is meant to do, kill your network.

    +1

    I right click the tray icon and select "exit".

    The VPN disconnects and then it take a few seconds for the connection to change back over to my ISP provided IP and normal connection.

  • Jace

    Why would that matter

  • 2015-Jul-17, 2:06 pm
    shadow23

    madmangohan writes...

    I've found you need to completely close the app if you have the kill switch enabled, otherwise it just thinks you lost vpn connection and does exactly what it is meant to do, kill your network.

    I'm clueless about VPNs and tried PIA. I tried the software and it was easy but my IP and DNS was leaking. So I ended up playing around with the VPN settings on my ASUS AC68R And my IP and DNS doesn't leak out anymore.

    But might have to try other VPN providers because my speed is not all that great.

  • Firefly45

    worth signing up to PIA for torrenting when your download speeds a crappy 2mb?

    I've heard it considerably slows your download speeds is all is this true?

    speeds i download at are around 200kbs atm but tests read at 2mb

  • shadow23

    Firefly45 writes...

    worth signing up to PIA for torrenting when your download speeds a crappy 2mb?

    I think it is worth it. Just for the fact that your activity is hidden (not really sure how hidden it is). Just my 2 cents.

  • 2015-Jul-19, 2:27 pm
    Jace

    Speed fluctuates, it's often a lot higher than that.

  • 2015-Jul-19, 2:27 pm
    SGM

    Yeah I don't get more than 300kb/s download speeds with PIA.

  • 2015-Jul-19, 2:38 pm
    Obey The Fist!

    Ion writes...

    Yeah I don't get more than 300kb/s download speeds with PIA.

    I get about 5-6Mb/s on a good day, but it depends on the quality of your source. Check which server you are going to � some are much slower than others.

  • 2015-Jul-19, 2:38 pm
    Pep� LePew

    Obey The Fist! writes...

    I get about 5-6Mb/s

    that would be on an exceptional day for me but i usually download at ~2Mb/s which is perfectly fine AFAIC.

  • 2015-Jul-19, 10:41 pm
    m.o.b.

    what country do you guys connect to to get good speeds?

  • 2015-Jul-19, 10:41 pm
    batfink0767
  • 2015-Jul-20, 11:17 am
    Pep� LePew

    m.o.b. writes...

    what country do you guys connect to to get good speeds?

    i use the AU servers and enjoy full cable download speeds ~25Mbs however if i move away from them i take a speed hit.

  • 2015-Jul-20, 11:17 am
    DaveTheMan

    batfink0767 writes...

    you can test them yourself here.
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/

    Tried That and I always seem to get some very good speeds from the Melbourne Server's

  • Trim Tab

    DaveTheMan writes...

    Tried That and I always seem to get some very good speeds from the Melbourne Server's

    Likewise, but very infrequently (maybe once every 7 � 10 days) I'll suffer a really slow internet on Melbourne and sometimes Sydney isn't any better. After disconnecting PIA, or swapping to an overseas server, all might be OK. A little while later and the local PIA servers are back up to speed once more.

    I guess this probably comes and goes across the day, so anyone trialling a VPN should really do more than one quick test before judging their relative performance and subscribing to the service.

  • Aldi Rocks

    They are terrible speeds for Australians to overseas servers. I assume I don't have to be connected to PIA for those tests to be true. I wonder if PIA i to blame or Australian ISP's

  • 2015-Jul-20, 8:14 pm
    SamFisher

    if you have setup the VPN at the computer level with an application such as openvpn or the PIA app, does it matter if your modem/router supports vpn or vpn passthrough or not ?

  • 2015-Jul-20, 8:14 pm
    Pikey18

    SamFisher writes...

    if you have setup the VPN at the computer level with an application such as openvpn or the PIA app, does it matter if your modem/router supports vpn or vpn passthrough or not ?

    For OpenVPN/PIA app no it does not.

  • 2015-Jul-20, 8:44 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Trim Tab writes...

    Likewise, but very infrequently (maybe once every 7 � 10 days) I'll suffer a really slow internet on Melbourne and sometimes Sydney isn't any better. After disconnecting PIA, or swapping to an overseas server, all might be OK. A little while later and the local PIA servers are back up to speed once more

    This has been my observations and many others. It's the sign of a terrible vpn if it's cyclic and constantly repeatable. It feels like a science experiment or something. I felt like a hamster. All low quality VPN's ar the same. This game of constantly finding a server that works, use it until it doesnt work, then refinding another servver that works, maybe the one that didnt work the other day.

    I remember constantly the australian vpn's not even workking with a 768kbit stream, so went to Japan, worked for 10 minutes, then too slow, tried hongking and singapore. both too slow. What sort o pumpkin farmers have vpn's that can't stream 768kbit!!!!!!!!!!!

    I would rate this vpn 5/10

  • 2015-Jul-20, 8:44 pm
    jjcoolaus
    O.P.
    this post was edited

    Firefly45 writes...

    I've heard it considerably slows your download speeds is all is this true?

    Not at speeds that low, no. You would have to be on a Cable or Fibre connection before you start seeing major depreciation in speeds, about 20 megabits seems to be about the normal limit for VPNs with Australian servers, but some can go much higher than that.

    If your connection is only 2 megabits, you will have no trouble maxing it out.

    Anyone who tells you differently has the wrong VPN and/or torrent settings. After connecting, run utorrent's speed setup guide again, that will help.

    *edit* A VPN router is a worthwhile investment - it will give you the best speeds and reliability. You can either buy something pre setup for you from flashrouters.com or similar (that costs a bit more) or buy one of the recent Asus routers running Merlin (not the ones with modems built in, a router only - eg the RT-AC86U - then use the in built openvpn client with PIA's openvpn files).

    Windows isn't great at VPNs. Never has been. A linux based OS such as Linux, Android, Mac OS X or a VPN router are better.

  • 2015-Jul-20, 9:44 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    jjcoolaus writes...

    If your connection is only 2 megabits, you will have no trouble maxing it out.

    Anyone who tells you differently has the wrong VPN and/or torrent settings. After connecting, run utorrent's speed setup guide again, that will help.

    As I just said that's not true. Torrent can be a different kettle of data owing to the cummulative nature of slower transfers maxing out a connection. It's still bad if there's only a few cconnections.

    A VPN router is a worthwhile investment � it will give you the best speeds

    Bro once again that's not true. Your average vpn router will give you the slowest speed. OpenVpn will tax the processor of a consumer router. You need to buy a business grade router or use a power hungry computer has a VPN. A reasonablle router for use as a vpn will cost over prob $350+ Need a 1ghz processor.

  • 2015-Jul-20, 9:44 pm
    2tyres
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Bro once again that's not true. Your average vpn router will give you the slowest speed. OpenVpn will tax the processor of a consumer router. You need to buy a business grade router or use a power hungry computer has a VPN. A reasonablle router for use as a vpn will cost over prob $350+ Need a 1ghz processor.

    There is little to no truth in your entire statement. A raspberry pi, costs around $50 Will work fine as a VPN gateway if you want to do it on the cheap. I personally use a netgear r7000 running tomato as a VPN client. Cost $180. CPU load is barely affected.

  • 2015-Jul-20, 10:29 pm
    Pikey18

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Bro once again that's not true. Your average vpn router will give you the slowest speed. OpenVpn will tax the processor of a consumer router. You need to buy a business grade router or use a power hungry computer has a VPN. A reasonablle router for use as a vpn will cost over prob $350+ Need a 1ghz processor.

    The fact I can max my 12Mbit ADSL using PIA Sydney in my router that only cost around $220 makes you wrong. I have an ASUS RT-AC68U.

    CPU was nowhere near its limits when maxing my DSL via VPN on the router.

  • Aldi Rocks
    this post was edited

    Pikey18 writes...

    The fact I can max my 12Mbit ADSL using PIA Sydney in my router that only cost around $220 makes you wrong. I have an ASUS RT-AC68U.

    Brother you need to think about the NBN. Future proof. They say this router in best conditions can only do aroound 23MB

    Immediately running PIA OpenVPN on the PC 17.7MB on Speedtest. Then running OpenVPN thru the AC68 router I got 14.6MB on Speedtest. OpenVPN is slower thru the router than it is thru the PC. So I question this 23mbit max. What speed would you get without the vpn on router? Notably faster I'd say. It's just hard to test with slow mainstream vpns

  • 2tyres

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Brother you need to think about the NBN. Future proof. They say this router in best conditions can only do aroound 23MBIT.

    I have NBN. Using both cyberghost and pia configured on my router I get consistent 80mb/s.

    I'm not sure what "they" say but real world personal experience tells me this is fine.

    Before I had the r7000 I had a raspberry pi setup running openVPN, transmission etc.. It would easily download torrents around 40mb/s through cyberghost Netherlands.

    My parents live in a retirement village that has a fibre connection. I setup open VPN on their ddwrt router. They get better bandwidth on international links now than what their isp was giving them.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 1:07 pm
    jjcoolaus
    O.P.

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    OpenVpn will tax the processor of a consumer router. You need to buy a business grade router or use a power hungry computer has a VPN.

    How long has it been since you last shopped for a router?

    They have dual and even quad core processors now, and as someone else has already posted about speeds of 80 megabits, well suffice to say different products will give you different levels of quality.

    I only have DSL, and I have no trouble maxing it out connected to a VPN.

    If you are buying consumer routers that are also modems, sure, that's different but if you are buying a high end router (no modem) to connect to your existing modem/router or NBN point then it's worth the extra money if your getting a quality product.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 1:07 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    2tyres writes...

    I have NBN. Using both cyberghost and pia configured on my router I get consistent 80mb/s.

    I'm not sure what "they" say but real world personal experience tells me this is fine

    You must be providing it optimium conditions. My contention was with the gentleman saying openvpn on router is preferable to PC. For almost all consumers with TomatoVPN or DD-wrt on their 200 - 600 mhz consumer router this will likely be untrue. People need to buy 1ghz routers, which ofcourse the AC87U is however my understanding is that this is a general purpose processor . It must contend with wireless, general routing & usb, OpenVpn & wireless 5.8. Wireless is very demanding

    jjcoolaus writes...

    How long has it been since you last shopped for a router?

    2013

  • 2015-Jul-22, 2:07 pm
    davio

    Hey guys, I got PIA today and set it up. I added SOCKS5 Proxy for my torrent application. I checked my DNS leakage issue (and only found a webRCT issue which shouldn't be a problem provided I'm torrenting as I understand). What else should I be checking and what are common mistakes people make? Security wise, would it matter what server I connect to?

  • 2015-Jul-22, 2:07 pm
    Pep� LePew

    davio writes...

    Security wise, would it matter what server I connect to?

    not at all.

    with adding socks 5 inside a VPN you're bullet proof ....enjoy!

    connect anywhere you like ....i use the Melb servers purely for the speed.

  • davio

    Pep� LePew writes...

    with adding socks 5 inside a VPN you're bullet proof ....enjoy!

    I added SOCKS5 but it wouldn't start the download, do you know why?

    I'm happy to see It downloads at a healthy 2mb/s with SOCKS5 not enabled. What other tests should I run to test security measures?

  • Pep� LePew
    this post was edited

    davio writes...

    I added SOCKS5

    it is an authenticated socks 5 so did you put your username and password in correctly into the torrent client proxy settings?

    http://s4.postimg.org/8puggibwt/proxysettings.jpg

  • 2015-Jul-22, 4:40 pm
    davio

    Pep� LePew writes...

    it is an authenticated socks 5 so did you put your username and password in correctly into the torrent client proxy settings?

    I did put it in correctly with the host and port correct too.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 4:40 pm
    Pep� LePew

    davio writes...

    I did put it in correctly with the host and port correct too.

    turn off your vpn and torrent just using the proxy and see if the proxy wakes up and starts to torrent.

    if that works then it should be o.k to restart the client with the vpn.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 4:47 pm
    ctrunfree

    PIA, more like PITA!

    Downloaded the app to first Mac, no problem, works out of the box just as they say.

    Downloaded app onto second Mac, and there's only about half the locations showing-including none in Australia. Got onto Client Support and they suggest a fix which involves tinkering with terminal instructions and other technical stuff (while saying be careful as if you get it wrong significant data loss could occur!)

    Decided not to risk it. Suggest if you aren't very tech savvy steer clear of these providers.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 4:47 pm
    Pep� LePew

    ctrunfree writes...

    Decided not to risk it. Suggest if you aren't very tech savvy steer clear of these providers.

    yeah i noticed that to but after you disconnect and reset the default location in the settings once or twice, it begins to repopulate with all the other server sites.

    it's no biggy.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 4:57 pm
    madmangohan

    The PIA app is rather self contained (on windows at least), meaning you should be able to simply copy the data files from from your first mac to the second and re-run the program.

  • 2015-Jul-22, 4:57 pm
    ctrunfree

    Hmm, Ok I'll try that changing the location in the settings. Wonder why the Help Desk couldn't suggest that.

  • gigman

    Tunnelblick is the best app for openvpn on a mac in my opinion, just download pia config file and cut and paste
    the ovpn files into it. Easy as!

  • ctrunfree
    this post was edited

    Well after 4 or 5 attempts (the drop down menu on the settings widget had AU Melbourne, but it kept connecting to Hong Kong and then USA) it eventually decided to connect to the Australian server. Don't know how, but it works eventually. Thanks Pepe for the tip!

  • jjcoolaus
    O.P.

    davio writes...

    I did put it in correctly with the host and port correct too.

    Your using the L2TP username/password right? It's a different one to the username/password you use with the PIA app.

    If yes, and it's still not downloading, next step is to get rid of that hostname, and use one of the IPs instead. Just do a quick lookup on the hostname and you get random IPs generated based on your location and the load on the servers - eg currently it gives me:
    46.166.186.208
    46.166.186.193
    46.166.186.211
    109.201.154.130
    109.201.154.235
    46.166.190.162
    46.166.186.231
    46.166.190.169
    46.166.186.227
    109.201.154.132

  • davio
    this post was edited

    jjcoolaus writes...

    Your using the L2TP username/password right? It's a different one to the username/password you use with the PIA app.

    I used the IP instead of the hostname and it is now working, awesome thanks :)

    Lastly, I'm having problems when turning off the VPN and returning to regular internet because of the VPN kill switch being enabled. How do I get around this short of turning off the kill switch everytime before disconnecting?

  • 2015-Jul-22, 5:14 pm
    Mr Gimlet

    davio writes...

    I am using the right one

    What torrent client are you using?

  • 2015-Jul-22, 5:14 pm
    davio
    this post was edited

    Mr Gimlet writes...

    What torrent client are you using?

    See as above, I fixed it by using the IP instead of hostname. I use deluge, its my favourite! :)

  • 2015-Jul-25, 7:45 pm
    Dover4

    Hi, finally got pia as a VPN, and read the op about socks. I'm not real up with this sort of thing . I use u torrent, is there anything thing I should do or ports I need to open to get the most out of a VPN? Thanks

  • 2015-Jul-25, 7:45 pm
    AndAND

    hi guys,

    quick question regarding VPNs and privacy when downloading. If i am running torrents, is it safe to connect to the Australian VPN ie. Melbourne? Or should i be routing through somewhere like the Netherlands/Hong Kong etc.

    Thanks

  • 2015-Jul-26, 4:43 pm
    Pep� LePew

    AndAND writes...

    Or should i be routing through somewhere like the Netherlands/Hong Kong etc.

    Melb & Syd give me the best max out speeds of all their servers so i use those.

    PIA keep no logs of any description and multiple people can be using the same IP at any time hence any metadata collected from teh exit node is polluted and worthless.

  • 2015-Jul-26, 4:43 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    AndAND writes...

    Melbourne? Or should i be routing through somewhere like...Hong Kong etc.

    HongKong & Singapore have very slow speeds when I tested. Syd/Mel servers are unreliable speed wise. I remember having the annoyance of the 2 australlian servers being too slow to route a 768kbit video stream.

  • jjcoolaus
    O.P.

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    I remember having the annoyance of the 2 australlian servers being too slow to route a 768kbit video stream.

    How long ago was that? Now both server pools have 60 gigabits of capacity so it should be better now.

    I haven't tried SG or HK with PIA for a while, except while on holiday in Indonesia, using slow free wifi. On the mobile network since the sim card wasn't registered to me, I didn't bother with any protection *gasp*

  • Illidan

    Anyone know why PIA wont authenticate the Battle.net single sign on and League of Legends game launch?
    I can get both to work on Cyberghost flawlessly but PIA is just a show stopper.
    If I want to play games I need to disconnect from the VPN which sucks :'(

  • 2015-Jul-27, 3:36 pm
    2tyres

    Illidan writes...

    If I want to play games I need to disconnect from the VPN which sucks :'(

    Configure your firewall so the ports used by the games don't go through the VPN.

  • 2015-Jul-27, 3:36 pm
    Illidan

    2tyres writes...

    Configure your firewall so the ports used by the games don't go through the VPN.

    Cyberghost for example require me to do that.
    I'm very happy with PIA for the rest of my household but in terms of gaming it's just not great. I just want everything via the VPN :P

  • 2015-Jul-27, 5:00 pm
    GravelClimber

    I'm having issues with games like hearthstone (can't play at all), and high pings with other games. Annoys me to have to switch the VPN off.

    Is a workable solution to use a virtual linux box with PIA installed for all non-gaming stuff that I want to keep private, and not use PIA in the Windows host (which will only have games, and I don't care is not private)?

    I'm no really up on networking, but if the virtual linux box is using PIA, but traffic is through the Windows network connection, presumably the traffic is all encrypted and the Windows host IP is not evident from the other end as per usual?

  • 2015-Jul-27, 5:00 pm
    User 53626

    Is there a way to have uTorrent using the VPN while continuing to use my normal I.P address for everything else?

  • 2015-Jul-28, 8:22 am
    gloonk

    ^@ GravelClimber /forum-replies.cfm?t=2430218

    good advice on that thread. pretty much sums up what you need.

    Cheers

  • 2015-Jul-28, 8:22 am
    GravelClimber

    gloonk writes...

    good advice on that thread. pretty much sums up what you need.

    Thanks � don't need Windows in the VM, so gave the Ubuntu setup a go this afternoon using Virtual Box. All works perfectly (except the VM won't auto-connect on login due to the VPN, which is a known Ubuntu bug). My setup pretty much matches though � use a shared folder for downloaded stuff so can access from Win. Don't use torrents, so don't have to stuff around with that. SABnzb and SickBeard all run happily on Linux. I'll try and mimimise the resources that the VM uses so it doesn't interfere with anything else.

    No IP or DNS leaks, so all seems good. Happy days for gaming.

  • 2015-Jul-28, 8:28 am
    JoffaR

    Was at Bunnings today and connected to their free wifi but when i tried to connect pia vpn it wouldnt connect :(
    Anyone know of a workaround for this? Public wifi is one of the very times you want a vpn the most.

  • 2015-Jul-28, 8:28 am
    GravelClimber

    Rukia writes...

    Is there a way to have uTorrent using the VPN while continuing to use my normal I.P address for everything else?

    What I tried in the post above should work and costs nothing. Install Ubuntu or Mint on a VM (Virtual box is free). Very simple to get up and running. Install PIA and whatever torrent software (that runs on Linux) on the VM. Download to a shared folder so you can access the files from Windows. Don't bother with PIA on Windows at all.

  • 2015-Jul-28, 8:55 am
    slam
    this post was edited

    Anyone having issues connecting to the Netherlands server for now?

    I'm unable to connect to it for some reason.

    Slam

    Edit: back working now, had some authentication issues with the handshaking. Now its worked, no changes to anything.

  • 2015-Jul-28, 8:55 am
    casualmondays

    Rukia writes...

    Is there a way to have uTorrent using the VPN while continuing to use my normal I.P address for everything else?

    You can run a Virtual Machine (VM) on, eg, Virtualbox running Ubuntu, then use qTorrent on there. It's all pretty point and click, I'm sure there will be step by step guides out there

  • 2015-Jul-28, 11:52 am
    2tyres

    casualmondays writes...

    then use qTorrent on there.

    If you're using Linux, there is no better torrent client than transmission. Light weight and effective. Simple to configure with remote access etc...

    For a cheap torrent solution, get a raspberry pi. Install openVPN, transmission, sickbeard, couch potato and plex media server.

    Faultless and automated.

  • 2015-Jul-28, 11:52 am
    onggie

    Is the Raspberry PI even powerful enough to render movies with Plex?

  • 2tyres

    onggie writes...

    Is the Raspberry PI even powerful enough to render movies with Plex?

    Well, you won't be doing too much transcoding so make sure the media can be played natively by your client. It works fine in that respect and better on the electricity bill then running an x86 device 24/7.

  • Dreyfus27

    Rukia writes...

    Is there a way to have uTorrent using the VPN while continuing to use my normal I.P address for everything else?

    This link explains Manual Proxy Setup Guide for uTorrent once you have done that, test it via Ipleak or ipmagnet then you can use uTorrent without using your VPN

    Edit: remember though that the meta info of what you search for will be logged only the torrent IP will be disguised (with PIA it's via the Netherlands server)

  • 2015-Jul-31, 11:38 am
    MJB013

    What speeds are you getting while using PIA?

    I was downloading at 150 KB while not suing PIA, it dropped to 35 when I turned it on

  • 2015-Jul-31, 11:38 am
    User 53626

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    This link explains Manual Proxy Setup Guide for uTorrent once you have done that, test it via Ipleak or ipmagnet then you can use uTorrent without using your VPN

    Thanks, but I've read about people getting copyright letters with SOCKS proxies, I'd rather stick to VPN.

  • 2015-Jul-31, 12:10 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Rukia writes...

    Thanks, but I've read about people getting copyright letters with SOCKS proxies, I'd rather stick to VPN.

    If you do it right an IP magnet test should confirm the IP that uTorent is using but Socks5 connections are not encrypted. I use both � Socks5 on uTorrent and I configure the VPN client on the router so nothing leaks.

  • 2015-Jul-31, 12:10 pm
    Liability

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    This link explains Manual Proxy Setup Guide for uTorrent once you have done that, test it via Ipleak or ipmagnet then you can use uTorrent without using your VPN

    The problem with using uTorrent is that it does not respect the proxy settings. If PIA drops out uTorrent will continue to download through your "normal" connection, not through the proxy.

    There are programs such as VPN watcher that you can set to immediately shut down uTorrent if PIA drops out, and this is a workaround.

    The only torrent client that I have found to date that respects proxy settings is Deluge. If the proxy drops out Deluge stops downloading.

  • 2015-Jul-31, 2:34 pm
    JoffaR

    MJB013 writes...

    What speeds are you getting while using PIA?

    I was downloading at 150 KB while not suing PIA, it dropped to 35 when I turned it on

    When you say "downloading" do you mean torrenting? If so, did you set up port forwarding properly?

  • 2015-Jul-31, 2:34 pm
    RedDusk

    I'm on a 100mbps connection and through PIA's Sydney server, I get around 65mbps (test done at 7pm on a Friday).

    http://www.speedtest.net/result/4545795710.png

  • 2015-Jul-31, 5:44 pm
    Aldi Rocks
    this post was edited

    jjcoolaus writes...

    Now both server pools have 60 gigabits of capacity so it should be better now.

    I find syd/melb servers to be generally unreliable speed wise, which is very annoying. It's the most common prob with cheap crap vpn's. Doing the vpn server shuffle to try and find a server that gives the speed you need. It's the only reason i ditched my old vpn. I do a speed test says 17MBIT, but in reality can't stream a 2mbit feed, frequently can't stream a 768kbit stream. These are twitch video streams if it matters

    Liability writes...

    The problem with using uTorrent is that it does not respect the proxy settings. If PIA drops out uTorrent will continue to download through your "normal" connection, not through the proxy.

    That is interesting and worrying.

    It explains why irc could not connect via socks5 - an error saying proxy not found and yet utorrent was downloading at the same time. Not good.

  • 2015-Jul-31, 5:44 pm
    batfink0767

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    These are twitch video streams if it matters

    This page, gives some tips for Australian users with twitch buffering issues, has helped some.

    http://www.reddit.com/r/GlobalOffensive/comments/2ywftw/psa_to_all_australians_with_unbearable_twitch_lag/

  • 2015-Jul-31, 6:23 pm
    mboner1

    I thought i would drop in here and just mention another vpn that is pretty good, i would start a thread for it but not sure if one exists or not.. and i have been using private internet access until i started having a few issues with it which set me off on the hunt for a different vpn so i have grounds for comparison.

    So i didnt think i would find anything better than pia after trying a few different vpns via free trials and what not and i was about to give up, Then i found a one called airvpn, not sure if they are well known and im late to the party or if no one has heard of them regardless you can try it out for $1.50 for 3 days (thats what i did) , the best thing about it is its pretty much made for torrenting, you can forward ports on any server, something i dont think any other vpn does? My torrent client shows listen port open and speeds are good. Another cool feature is no matter what server you connect to you get the US netflix when connecting to netflix, i connect to singapore server and get full speed 1080p US netflix thanks to some airvpn dns trick im guessing like unblock.us. , works for hulu and bbc and a few others. From any server you select. Just noticed it says airvpn is made by activists and hacktivists in defence of net neutrality. Guess a bit like popcorn time.

    Only downside is no australian servers, but there is singapore and that is almost just as good apart from the ping, which goes from my regular 32 up to 102 when connected. Without the vpn connected i download at 1400kb/s , while connected i get 900-1000kb/s. Consistently. Plenty of set up options to tweak it how you like.

    Obviously if pia is working well then stick with it, but if you have tried it and are about to give up on vpns like i almost had to, maybe think about giving airvpn a go, i will be sticking with them until they give me a reason not to.

    Dont know how trustworthy this review is but it has a fair bit of info about them..

    https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/4486/airvpn-review/

  • 2015-Jul-31, 6:23 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    mboner1 writes...

    Obviously if pia is working well then stick with it, but if you have tried it and are about to give up on vpns like i almost had to, maybe think about giving airvpn a go,

    PIA is just constantly unreliable using Australian servers. It can be too slow to run youtube videos at 480p, 1mbit twitch streams, right now I had to disconnect to watch https://totaldrama.net/dvr/ . I don't know what the bandwidth for that stream is but I don't think it's much at all. I hate this vpn.

  • 2015-Jul-31, 6:47 pm
    davio

    Is anyone having a slight problem where PIA does not launch on start-up? I only noticed this after switching from windows 7 to 10, thus if people have windows 10 and PIA let me know please. Apparently its meant to be starting up (according to windows, but it never does).

  • 2015-Jul-31, 6:47 pm
    JoffaR

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    PIA is just constantly unreliable using Australian servers. It can be too slow to run youtube videos at 480p, 1mbit twitch streams, right now I had to disconnect to watch https://totaldrama.net/dvr/ . I don't know what the bandwidth for that stream is but I don't think it's much at all. I hate this vpn.

    Have you tried setting the PIA client to connect using tcp instead of the default udp? I hear some isps attempt to shape udp traffic at times.

  • mboner1

    davio writes...

    Is anyone having a slight problem where PIA does not launch on start-up? I only noticed this after switching from windows 7 to 10, thus if people have windows 10 and PIA let me know please. Apparently its meant to be starting up (according to windows, but it never does).

    Yep happened to me on windows 10 as well, which was part of the reason i started using airvpn. Glad it happened to be honest, airvpn is superior in nearly every way for my usage.

  • Trim Tab

    davio writes...

    Is anyone having a slight problem where PIA does not launch on start-up?

    The same Win7 to 10 upgrade worked fine for me for a couple of days, then PIA started to fail to connect. The app was loading OK still, since it was there, but never a bright green icon and forever 'connecting'. This morning I downloaded PIA's Win10 update and it's now back to normal. Beats me why it worked OK for a couple of days though, then failed.

  • 2015-Aug-2, 1:55 am
    davio

    Trim Tab writes...

    I downloaded PIA's Win10 update and it's now back to normal. Beats me why it worked OK for a couple of days though, then faile

    Okay gunna dl it now, thanks

  • 2015-Aug-2, 1:55 am
    Oceang

    davio writes...

    Okay gunna dl it now, thanks

    I had a look. Cant see any reference to Windows 10 on their site, other than the forums. Do you have a link?

    BTW, I have upgraded my Surface Pro 1 to Windows 10 and PIA is working fine.

    I had a look at when I installed PIA and it was 3rd July. Maybe I already have the latest.

  • Trim Tab

    Oceang writes...

    Cant see any reference to Windows 10 on their site

    Nor can I now, but I was sure I browsed by some reference to a Win10 update to their app/loader before actually downloading it (v.46) from their Client Support page. It might well have been a mention in the forum that I started clicking from since it seemed like the answer even before I downloaded it.

  • MJB013

    JoffaR writes...

    When you say "downloading" do you mean torrenting? If so, did you set up port forwarding properly?

    Yes I mean torrenting, I don't think I setup Forwarding at all

  • 2015-Aug-3, 10:26 am
    onggie

    PIA works fine in W10 except it doesn't auto start. Anyone noticed this?

  • 2015-Aug-3, 10:26 am
    Trim Tab

    Josh writes...

    I'm having trouble sending out email. It appears PIA are blocking SMTP port 25.

    Every week or two I seem to suffer a failure to send an email using Gmail's SMTP server. I get an SMTP failure pop-up with an offer to send later. I thought it was an Apple OS X (iMac/Apple Mail) issue, but my Android phone (Samsung Note 2) fails to send at times too, and today it failed to send while on the Telstra broadband network.

    Both devices were running PIA and I've recently noticed that if I quit PIA, the emails immediately get sent without fail.

    It seems odd that I can leave PIA running 24/7 on these devices and send emails (Gmail IMAP) perfectly fine for days and weeks, then suddenly there's this SMTP problem that goes away the moment PIA is interrupted. Emails continue to be sent OK for days/weeks with PIA running once more.

  • 2015-Aug-5, 10:35 pm
    2tyres

    Trim Tab writes...

    Every week or two I seem to suffer a failure to send an email using Gmail's SMTP server.

    Pia block smtp by default. Open a ticket to get the Google smtp server unblocked.

  • 2015-Aug-5, 10:35 pm
    TEMPA

    Last few days my PIA connection has been tish house....

    I always use the Melbourne server and have never had any issues but at present it is virtually unusable. Dial up speeds.... Have tried the auto server function and that has thrown Sydney up a couple times but that is cactus for me as well.

    Think I may have to look at another provider. I am in the middle of a 3 day free trial with NORD VPN and just deleted their app because they have been useless as well.

    Might give Express VPN a try since they have the 30 day money back guarantee.

  • 2015-Aug-5, 10:59 pm
    Dreyfus27

    TEMPA writes...

    I always use the Melbourne server and have never had any issues but at present it is virtually unusable.

    If it is not just Melbourne then it may be your connection, try Singapore. I just tested both AU servers and I got good speed through both. I know it sounds insulting to some but have you tried rebooting your router/modem?

  • 2015-Aug-5, 10:59 pm
    Trim Tab

    2tyres writes...

    Pia block smtp by default. Open a ticket to get the Google smtp server unblocked.

    Being processed � thanks!

  • 2015-Aug-6, 7:29 am
    TEMPA

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    If it is not just Melbourne then it may be your connection, try Singapore. I just tested both AU servers and I got good speed through both. I know it sounds insulting to some but have you tried rebooting your router/modem?

    I have never had much success with speed from Singapore on PIA. I did reboot the router and computer to no avail. Re-connected PIA around midnight and speeds were back up again so I am assuming it is congestion on their network. I re-tried NORD around the same time and it was still flaky so they can stay gone IMO.

    Will test again over the next few days and see how it goes. If it keeps up I may try Express and take advantage of their 30 day refund guarantee.

  • 2015-Aug-6, 7:29 am
    Dreyfus27

    TEMPA writes...

    I have never had much success with speed from Singapore on PIA.

    Funny/odd how it all works because I use Singapore most of the time and have no problems except for the occasional slowdown due to 'time of day' congestion. At other times, for doing website updates, I connect through Toronto because of the FTP connection and that was working well for ages and than just got slower and slower � lots of people were complaining on the PIA forum about the Toronto servers and others saying they had no problems with it and now for me it is back to being reasonably fast. I don't know how it works but obviously some people get better results than others on the same servers at the same times.

  • 2015-Aug-6, 8:35 am
    TEMPA

    Question re the PIA SOCKS5 proxy � Every now and then torrents in uTorrent will show up "red" in the status section where it shows seeding, downloading etc where as normally seeding torrents are green. I am running the PIA SOCKS5 proxy. Is this red colour denoting that the proxy has failed or has some other sort of error or is it unrelated to the SOCKS5 proxy?

    I run the Proxy and VPN in conjunction so if it is a proxy error I am still covered by the VPN but I would like to understand what the issue is. I can have several torrents seeding, some can be green and some can be red. Other times I have had them all green and returned later to see some are red.

    Thoughts?

  • 2015-Aug-6, 8:35 am
    mboner1

    TEMPA writes...

    Last few days my PIA connection has been tish house....

    I always use the Melbourne server and have never had any issues but at present it is virtually unusable. Dial up speeds.... Have tried the auto server function and that has thrown Sydney up a couple times but that is cactus for me as well.

    Think I may have to look at another provider. I am in the middle of a 3 day free trial with NORD VPN and just deleted their app because they have been useless as well.

    Might give Express VPN a try since they have the 30 day money back guarantee.

    I had the same issue as you always used the melbourne or sydney server also. Speeds use to be fine but turned to crap. Tried nearly every vpn available but i have found a couple that seem to be good since pia crapped out on me.

    I posted about air vpn earlier in this thread, with port forwarding on any server in any country which is good for torrents if you want to set it up properly, auto connects in windows 10 which pia wasnt doing for me, and has the feature where netflix, hulu load the US version with no set up required and it worked well.. 1080p netflix was no problem.. all from their singapore server.. which is their only downside.. no australian server, but speeds were about 2 thirds of what i normally get.. normally download at around 1500kb a second but was getting about 900 to 1000 on the singapore server. And not once did i have to stuff around with adapter settings and dns settings like i did with pia after disconnecting and stuff.

    But i decided to keep looking for another one to see if i could do any better and found one called le vpn, its located in france i think, anyone heard of them? They have australian servers and smart dns which also connects you to the US version of netflix, hulu and more on any server, and they offer port forwarding on selected servers.. not the australian one, but torrents i was getting around 1300kb a sec on the australian server with no port forwarding. But the setup was much worse than airvpn. Support has been pretty lacklustre and getting the smart dns feature to work was a chore but finally got it figured out i think.. but i think it will require entering dns settings every time i disconnect and reconnect it, where air vpn did it all on its own. Speeds are slightly better with le vpn so i will be sticking with it for a bit.

    Just a couple of others to think about. Sorry if i dribbled on for a bit lol.

  • Andrew

    Hi.

    I'm using PIA but the transfer speeds where very low.

    So I signed up to the Telstra Speed Boost, in the hopes of better speeds.

    The best speeds are of course, are with the Melbourne (my local) server.

    BUT one of the most popular websites that I like to use, only wants to connect to European or HK servers. Which have very low transfer speeds.

    Does anyone have a solution that gets the high transfer speeds with the access to the VPN restrictive sites?

  • SoW

    I am thinking about canceling PIA subscription due to poor speeds.
    Any recommendations where to go?

  • 2015-Aug-6, 11:11 am
    Who needs Identity

    SoW writes...

    I am thinking about canceling PIA subscription due to poor speeds.
    Any recommendations where to go?

    Deploy your *own* OpenVPN server.

  • 2015-Aug-6, 11:11 am
    fubar_ru2

    Has anyone had problems running pia in Windows 10 mine wont run at all . if there is a trick or help guide please let me know would be much appreciated.

  • 2015-Aug-6, 12:50 pm
    J.C.

    fubar_ru2 writes...

    Has anyone had problems running pia in Windows 10 mine wont run at all . if there is a trick or help guide please let me know would be much appreciated.

    Few people on page 84 of this thread mentioned Windows 10 issues and a download of the latest version of the Windows PIA Client fixing them (V.46). https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/client-support/

    There's guides to properly uninstalling & reinstalling the client I saw too:
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/632/tutorial-uninstall-pia-s-windows-client

    https://support.privateinternetaccess.com/Knowledgebase/PopularArticles

  • 2015-Aug-6, 12:50 pm
    Mr_makaveli

    hi i just upgraded to Windows 10, i am having trouble with the kill switch, i can get it working by going into adapter settings, disable then enable the connection, when it works its fine until i restart.

    Ive tried updating my tap with open vpn
    removed all networks restarted and let it reinstall
    uninstall and reinstall PIA

  • 2015-Aug-6, 4:18 pm
    Mr_makaveli

    i have it working but not the kill switch properly

    *i suck at forums, this was a reply to a post above

  • 2015-Aug-6, 4:18 pm
    batfink0767

    How many PIA users on here have upgraded to Win 10, are you having any issues with the PIA client?,
    or has the Win 10 upgrade gone smoothly and all is working as it should?.

    I am waiting to upgrade to Win10, but don't want problems, so i am waiting for V47 client update.
    I have read some are having issues but are there users on here with no issues?.
    thanks.

  • 2015-Aug-7, 8:46 am
    Trim Tab

    batfink0767 writes...

    How many PIA users on here have upgraded to Win 10, are you having any issues with the PIA client?, or has the Win 10 upgrade gone smoothly and all is working as it should?.

    I'm running Win10 64bit in a Parallels VM on an iMac Retina with no problems. I upgraded by way of a Win7 64bit clone to Win10 without any problems on the day of its release using a downloaded ISO from MS. PIA is connecting automatically on boot-up now, but it did need a re-install of the PIA app a couple of days in � the original instance (ex-Win7) was running fine, then suddenly stopped connecting for some reason.

    I'm rather surprised at how smoothly Win10 installed and ran, spotting an old HP LaserJet with a parallel/USB connection, an early Canon WiFi iP5200R and Epson scanner without any intervention from me. And doing it all as a VM on an iMac. Certainly the smoothest upgrade I've ever encountered from MS and also the nicest Windows � runs rings around Win8 on my laptop. I often swap OS's (OS X, Linus and Windows) for comparison/fun, but I might actually now use Win10 on the iMac for tasks usually easier done on another OS. This time around I'm finding Windows far more user friendly and intuitive.

  • 2015-Aug-7, 8:46 am
    BigC

    batfink0767 writes...

    How many PIA users on here have upgraded to Win 10, are you having any issues with the PIA client?,
    or has the Win 10 upgrade gone smoothly and all is working as it should?.

    Works perfectly fine on my Win 10. No different than before on Win 7.

  • 2015-Aug-8, 10:54 pm
    batfink0767

    Thanks for the replies, i think people having problems with Win10 and the PIA client must be in the minority as this thread isn't full of complaints of their vpn's / client going bellyup.
    Might do a win 7 backup and give Win10 a whirl in the next couple of days.

  • 2015-Aug-8, 10:54 pm
    placeb0

    I seem to get speeds around a tenth of my normal speed when on PIA (speedtest shows a drop from ~100 Mbps normally, to ~10 Mbps once I turn on the VPN).
    That is using the fastest server, melbourne � it only goes downhill from there.

    What can I do to tweak the settings? I'd really prefer to not have such a massive plunge in speed, but don't know where to start. I'd like to be using the VPN even when browsing, just for that extra layer of security, but it seems a waste if my connection takes such a hit

  • 2015-Aug-11, 10:43 am
    jjcoolaus
    O.P.

    placeb0 writes...

    What can I do to tweak the settings?

    Try different encryption settings, personally I find on android that using AES-256 to be faster than using Blowfish, but YMMV. Also try different ports, this can make a huge difference.

  • 2015-Aug-11, 10:43 am
    placeb0

    jjcoolaus writes...

    Try different encryption settings

    Thanks, but it didn't work � I tried all combinations, even with no encryption � it didn't seem to make much difference.

    Same with ports, tried all the ones listed and still no dice....

  • 2015-Aug-12, 1:19 am
    JoffaR

    SoW writes...

    am thinking about canceling PIA subscription due to poor speeds.
    Any recommendations where to go?

    Given that so many people seem to have no speed issues with PIA, including myself, I dont think it makes sense to lay the blame at their network when it sounds more likely to be a client end or some oddball routing issue. If it was at the PIA end then everybody would be experiencing it and clearly theyre not.

    Whereever else you choose to look i recommend you take a trial run of their service before subscribing.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 1:19 am
    JoffaR

    placeb0 writes...

    Thanks, but it didn't work � I tried all combinations, even with no encryption � it didn't seem to make much difference.

    You could try another client and see if that makes a difference . I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client. Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

  • Aldi Rocks

    JoffaR writes...

    If it was at the PIA end then everybody would be experiencing it and clearly theyre not.

    What if everybody is, you're just oblivious to the problem, due to only using torrents, or the time of the day, or rarely use protocols that are single threaded that require reasonable speed?

    The problem with this vpn is it's just not reliable. It's not dependable. The amount of times changing vpn servers or turning it off all together fixes the problem is testimony to how bad this vpn is.

    Syd/Mel are often rogered, so next I try singapore/hongkong but their bandwidth figures shows why they will usually be slow. Next try is Japan, it can be good but once again it's not reliable and slow down will require a server change again. So now it's time to cycle to previoiusly tried servers in a hope they've fixed something. Then it's time to turn the 3rd rate turd off, and the internet runs as it should again.

  • Chuggabug

    JoffaR writes...

    I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client.

    +1
    The OpenVpn 64bit client with the PIA VPN service seems bullet proof.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 12:36 pm
    mboner1

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    The problem with this vpn is it's just not reliable. It's not dependable. The amount of times changing vpn servers or turning it off all together fixes the problem is testimony to how bad this vpn is.

    Syd/Mel are often rogered, s

    Try le vpn or airvpn. I switched from pia to them and both are better and more reliable for me. Le vpn has australian servers airvpn does not but singapore is quick on airvpn.. airvpn has port forwarding for torrents but le vpn does not.. but the australian servers with le vpn are fast for torrents without port forwarding... both connect to us netflix on any server. Same for hulu.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 12:36 pm
    Arrith

    Is anyone else having really bad issues with gaming while on the aus servers? they used to be great but lately getting into the 700ms area.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 8:41 pm
    placeb0

    JoffaR writes...

    I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client. Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

    Thanks � I set this up and tested on the melbourne server, got 22 down / 2.12 up on my 100/2 cable connection. Not amazing, but double what I was getting

  • 2015-Aug-12, 8:41 pm
    Obey The Fist!

    JoffaR writes...

    Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

    Is there a link? I poked around in that maze for about 5 minutes... I am sure no matter which obscure router/linux distro I could ever buy, I found the instructions there, but nothing for configuring PIA with OpenVPN 64bit client under Windows.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 9:52 pm
    placeb0

    Obey The Fist! writes...

    Is there a link? I poked around in that maze for about 5 minutes...

    First I went and grabbed the openVPN 64 bit client here:

    https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html

    Then I went to this page and followed the installation process, substituting the new client for the PIA one at the start:

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/client-support/windows-openvpn

    Download the zip of the server locations on that page and extract them in the config folder. Then just run your new client and test for leaks.

    Seems to have worked for me; I did try out the PPTP and L2TP installation processes but got multiple DNS addresses detected when using ipleak.net (none of them in aus, but a bunch in taiwan and US). I had no idea what I was doing so I thought I'd be safer not playing around with them anymore :)

  • 2015-Aug-12, 9:52 pm
    Chuggabug

    placeb0 writes...

    Seems to have worked for me;

    Sound like your on the right track, your connection log should look something like this...

    Sat Aug 15 12:23:00 2015 OpenVPN 2.3.7 x86_64-w64-mingw32 [SSL (OpenSSL)] [LZO] [PKCS11] [IPv6] built on Jun  8 2015
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:00 2015 library versions: OpenSSL 1.0.1m 19 Mar 2015, LZO 2.08
    Enter Management Password:
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:01 2015 UDPv4 link local: [undef]
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:01 2015 UDPv4 link remote: [AF_INET]168.1.75.23:1194
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:02 2015 [Private Internet Access] Peer Connection Initiated with [AF_INET]168.1.75.23:1194
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 do_ifconfig, tt->ipv6=0, tt->did_ifconfig_ipv6_setup=0
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 open_tun, tt->ipv6=0
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 TAP-WIN32 device [TAP-Windows Adapter v9] opened: \\.\Global\{93621C3D-A30A-4E5E-A749-8630BDED2281}.tap
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 Notified TAP-Windows driver to set a DHCP IP/netmask of 10.168.1.6/255.255.255.252 on interface {93621C3D-A30A-4E5E-A749-8630BDED2281} [DHCP-serv: 10.168.1.5, lease-time: 31536000]
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 Successful ARP Flush on interface [20] {93621C3D-A30A-4E5E-A749-8630BDED2281}
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:10 2015 Initialization Sequence Completed

    I'd personally ditch your need for PPTP and L2TP as the only reason you're using the OpenVPN client is for anonymity and security, PPTP and L2TP are down the list in this regard.

    run your new client and test for leaks.

    This is where it gets tricky, as you've mentioned got multiple DNS addresses detected when using ipleak.net and you WILL have the same issues if just using the OpenVPN client and running the same tests.

    The multiple addresses are DNS leaks and probably by going by what you mentioned (none of them in aus, but a bunch in taiwan and US), are Google's DNS addresses by the sounds of it.

    If your wanting to overcome DNS leaks there is a good write up here... https://dnsleaktest.com/how-to-fix-a-dns-leak.html, in effect if done properly the only DNS address you should see is a DNS IP address the same as 'Your IP Address'.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 10:51 pm
    mboner1

    Chuggabug writes...

    This is where it gets tricky, as you've mentioned and you WILL have the same issues if just using the OpenVPN client and running the same tests.

    Whats wrong with getting multiple dns addresses from google or opendns? As long as your own dns isn't showing up?

  • 2015-Aug-12, 10:51 pm
    Firefly45

    Do you just need to click killswitch and DSN leak and your good to download with pia?

  • 2015-Aug-14, 11:36 pm
    TEMPA

    JoffaR writes...

    I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client. Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

    I tried this last night, following the instructions on PIA's site but when I connect ipleak and whoer show my ISP IP address. Clearly I ballsed something up....

  • 2015-Aug-14, 11:36 pm
    tallPete

    Hello folks, I'm curious how people paid for PIA here. I'm wanting to subscribe to a VPN, and one of my goals is anonymity. For those who are using PIA for anonymity how did you ensure that your identity was protected? During payment PIA collects some details which could be used to identify you � so how did you pay? Did you pay by paypal � but that means that PIA would know the email attached to your paypal account? Did you pay by credit card � but then PIA would have a number of details � or maybe you paid by bitcoin but provided a reasonably obscure email � although the purchase of bitcoin can be troublesome in itself?

    Thank you in advance for your replies :)

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:54 am
    TEMPA

    tallPete writes...

    Did you pay by paypal � but that means that PIA would know the email attached to your paypal account?

    Yep I paid by PayPal. My need to wear a tin foil hat is not such that I was worried about being identified as someone who purchased access to a completely legal and legitimate service....

    It's not illegal or indicative of anything illegal to purchase access to a VPN.

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:54 am
    Chuggabug

    mboner1 writes...

    Whats wrong with getting multiple dns addresses from google or opendns?

    As long as you know these multiple DNS servers are not logging your requests ?

    As long as your own dns isn't showing up?

    +1 but be 100% sure that your own ISP's DNS server is not showing up.
    I have seen (while using ipleak) that even though you may see a multitude of servers offshore, from time to time you actually get to see your own ISP server included in that list.

    The difference being, I know that my VPN requests including DNS requests are not being logged.
    I only see 1x and only ever 1x DNS server meeting my requests my VPN's.

    Firefly45 writes...

    Do you just need to click killswitch and DSN leak and your good to download with pia?

    Yes if your using their PIA app with DNS leak protection on.

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:30 pm
    Trim Tab

    TEMPA writes...

    Yep I paid by PayPal. My need to wear a tin foil hat is not such that I was worried about being identified as someone who purchased access to a completely legal and legitimate service....

    My sentiments exactly ... PayPal for me too, although I suspect the toaster was taking notes :|

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:30 pm
    Chuggabug

    TEMPA writes...

    I tried this last night, following the instructions on PIA's site but when I connect ipleak and whoer show my ISP IP address. Clearly I ballsed something up....

    You actually haven't, it's only part of the puzzle, it's just that there are other components to the PIA app that are built in so you don't physically have to do them.

    If you follow the instructions below you will see that you too can have on OpenVPN implementation that will only show 1x IP address for you and your DNS, the one that belongs to your VPN provider.

    see info under the section titled 'Solution B � Manually clearing the DNS' here...

    Chuggabug writes...

    If your wanting to overcome DNS leaks there is a good write up here...
    https://dnsleaktest.com/how-to-fix-a-dns-leak.html,

  • 2015-Aug-15, 7:13 pm
    TEMPA

    Chuggabug writes...

    You actually haven't, it's only part of the puzzle, it's just that there are other components to the PIA app that are built in so you don't physically have to do them.

    Suddenly got too hard for me as I really don't understand what I am doing when it comes to networks etc. I'll just make do with the PIA app I think.... Seems pretty fool proof and that's what I need!

  • 2015-Aug-15, 7:13 pm
    placeb0

    Chuggabug writes...

    If your wanting to overcome DNS leaks there is a good write up here... https://dnsleaktest.com/how-to-fix-a-dns-leak.html, in effect if done properly the only DNS address you should see is a DNS IP address the same as 'Your IP Address'.

    Thanks for that � I'm going to have another hash at this and see how I go

  • 2015-Aug-15, 10:25 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    placeb0 writes...

    Thanks � I set this up and tested on the melbourne server, got 22 down / 2.12 up on my 100/2 cable connection. Not amazing, but double what I was getting

    I would doubt that's got anything to do with your speed increase. Just a coincidence. You are still using openvpn when using PIA gui. OpenVpn is without the pia stuff is more reliable and doesn't crash. I wouldn't think it would have much to do with speed increase, it's not like your cpu can't handle the load when the PIA GUI icon sits there doing nothinig after you've connected to vpn

  • 2015-Aug-15, 10:25 pm
    Loose Nut

    I know this is a long shot, but has anyone got PIA working with transmission on linux? I've got Debian running on a Banana Pi that I want to use as a torrent box. I'm hoping that I can set it up so that it will stop torrents if the VPN disconnects.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 7:15 am
    maxwolfie

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks. PIA said they can't do anything about it.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 7:15 am
    JoffaR
    this post was edited

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks. PIA said they can't do anything about it.

    I think that arrangements is ideal. To keep a port permanently allocated to a person allows the potential for individuals activity to be tracked and identified over time. It would negate the security of being an unidentifiable individual in a crowd on a shared ip.
    On the other hand a port that changes on every connection becomes an annoying PITA.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:02 am
    noboot

    Think I will be giving these guys a try.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:02 am
    Kurgan

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks. PIA said they can't do anything about it.

    I've only ever used a single port for torrents and it has served me well for several years now.

    Your post suggests that this wouldn't work for me with PIA? How would I be able to get around this? Set up new rules all the time in my router?

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:12 am
    laconic

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled

    What is it exactly that requires people to enable port forwarding?

    I haven't and have been using PIA with no problem for months. I can browse, download torrents and perform any normal Internet task without the need to even log into my router.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:12 am
    Jack.Daniels

    laconic writes...

    What is it exactly that requires people to enable port forwarding?

    There's only certain nodes on PIA that support port forwarding. If you're running torrents via their VPN service you'll only have your torrent client visible if you have the port you're using forwarded from their VPN endpoint. Otherwise you'll only seed when you're actively downloading on the same port.

    The downside is that your forwarded port will also make your real IP address more visible.

  • Jace
    this post was edited

    Loose Nut writes...

    know this is a long shot, but has anyone got PIA working with transmission on linux? I've got Debian running on a Banana Pi that I want to use as a torrent box. I'm hoping that I can set it up so that it will stop torrents if the VPN disconnects.

    Yes, you need to bind transmission to the VPN connection (Via the configuration file) ... You can use a bunch of shell scripts to automate it.... I'll find some links for you later when I get home.... Raspian on pi...

  • Loose Nut

    Jace writes...

    I'll find some links for you later when I get home

    Thanks dude, that would be great :)

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:38 am
    JoffaR
    this post was edited

    laconic writes...

    What is it exactly that requires people to enable port forwarding?

    Most often useful for for peer to peer file sharing. When port forwarding is set up this allows incoming connections from peers which can make torrent downloads much faster on sparsely seeded torrents.

    You dont get allocated the same port every time, so you need to check it and manually change the port set in your torrent client to match.

    I haven't and have been using PIA with no problem for months. I can browse, download torrents and perform any normal Internet task without the need to even log into my router.

    That only applies if your router is handling the vpn instead of client software on your pc.

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:38 am
    JoffaR

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks.

    I am curious as to how this works in the absence of logging, that they say they never do...

    How can they be re-allocating the same port over numerous sessions without 'remembering' what subscriber ip gets allocated what port?

  • 2015-Aug-18, 6:21 am
    laconic

    re: "port forwarding".

    Thanks for the answers Jack and JoffaR.

    I'll have to give myself a shake and look into this more. I assumed that because completed torrents were seeding automatically that there wasn't anything more I should be doing.

    I'll have a closer look at things when I fire up the VM tonight.

  • 2015-Aug-18, 6:21 am
    Loose Nut

    Going to signup for PIA today, this port forwarding thing is confusing though. I want to setup my Banana Pi to run as 24/7 torrent box, but it sounds like every couple of weeks it will just stop and I will need to change the port manually?

    In the meantime I will be using it on my windows machine to download torrents. At this point I think I would just like to have my torrents going through PIA and my general websurfing through my regular internet connection. Downloading torrent files is not illegal, so it does not matter if my ISP sees me going to indexers at this stage? When they begin blocking sites I will then start using the VPN to access indexers.

    Anyway, the best way to do this would be to use the socks5 proxy? Is this 100% secure? I don't need to worry about a kill switch or anything do I? As if the proxy goes down than utorrent will just stop downloading until it comes back up?

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:50 pm
    Jace

    Everytime you connect the port changes. You can script it all to get the new one and update transmission quite easily tho :)

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:50 pm
    Loose Nut

    Jace writes...

    Everytime you connect the port changes. You can script it all to get the new one and update transmission quite easily tho :)

    Oh cool. Transmission doesn't support proxies though?

  • Jace

    No need to use the proxy. You bind transmission to the VPN, and update the port, and leave proxy empty. If the VPN disconnects transmission won't do anything. I didn't have time last night but I'll try get you some of the details tonight...

    Basically you can script the following :

    -connect to vpn via openVPN service
    -get allocated port from pia (they provide a url for this you can hit)
    -update transmission configuration to bind VPN ip and port allocated
    -start transmission service

    You can go a step further and only ever allow transmission to run if openVPN service is running and connected... However binding should be sufficient

  • 2tyres

    Jace writes...

    If the VPN disconnects transmission won't do anything.

    Iptables is a surefire way of achieving the same.

  • Loose Nut
    this post was edited

    Jace writes...

    Basically you can script the following :

    -connect to vpn via openVPN service
    -get allocated port from pia (they provide a url for this you can hit)
    -update transmission configuration to bind VPN ip and port allocated
    -start transmission service

    That sounds awesome!

    On another note. I just signed up for PIA and I get significantly faster speeds using the PIA client than the socks5 proxy, so I think I'm going to use the client. I did the IPMagnet test and it came back with the PIA proxy. However, I did a dns leak test at dnsleaktest.com and it came back with my ISP.

    I'm confused what this means? Am I safe while torrenting?

    I have DNS leak prevention enabled in the PIA client.

    Edit: cleared browser cache and cookies and restarted PIA client and it is working now.

  • 2tyres

    Loose Nut writes...

    I have DNS leak prevention enabled in the PIA client.

    Use the openVPN client from your repository. Also, edit /etc/network/interfaces so you are using the pia DNS 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:29 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Use the openVPN client from your repository. Also, edit /etc/network/interfaces so you are using the pia DNS 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3

    This is on my windows machine...

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:29 pm
    Loose Nut

    Ok, it seems to be running well now. However, my concern is that the PIA client takes longer than utorrent to load at startup. By the time PIA loads and connects utorrent has already loaded and broadcasted my real IP. Is there anyway to get around this? Maybe delay utorrent from loading for a few minutes?

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:30 pm
    2tyres

    Loose Nut writes...

    Is there anyway to get around this?

    Configure Windows firewall so torrent client can only access internet through vpn.

    For ease and privacy, keep torrents to Linux and transmission. Ditch utorrent and Windows.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:30 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Configure Windows firewall so torrent client can only access internet through vpn.

    For ease and privacy, keep torrents to Linux and transmission. Ditch utorrent and Windows.

    That's the plan, but my Bpi isn't up and running yet and I need to download torrents in the meantime.
    Is this the best way to configure the firewall?
    https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/articles/202723616-IP-Binding-via-Windows-Firewall-block-non-VPN-traffic

    Cheers

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:36 pm
    Voxel

    Anyone know why I'm getting a teardrop attack when I connect to this VPN?

    http://puu.sh/jGOIw/35c7af5f20.png

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:36 pm
    Naoki
    this post was edited

    Just signed up to these guys but having troubles.

    Can someone connect to the PIA Japanese server and click this link? Then click the blue icon and tell me what you see on the next page.... Should be asking for login details but I'm getting an message in Japanese telling I can NOT access this site from outside Japan.

    http://otn.fujitv.co.jp/nextsmart/index.html

    Thanks to anyone that can help. Cheers.

    This is the msg I get after clicking the blue button. I'm hoping someone can confirm its not just my issue.

    Imgur.com/LZNyF18

    ??????????????????????????????????????

    ?Android????????
    ????????????????????Chrome???????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

    Edit: I have done ip leak test and don't see any dns leaks or web etc leaks. Tried chrome IE and Firefox still no dice.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:49 pm
    batfink0767

    yes i get the same, firefox and chrome.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:49 pm
    maxwolfie

    Jace writes...

    Basically you can script the following :

    -connect to vpn via openVPN service
    -get allocated port from pia (they provide a url for this you can hit)
    -update transmission configuration to bind VPN ip and port allocated
    -start transmission service

    You can go a step further and only ever allow transmission to run if openVPN service is running and connected... However binding should be sufficient

    Excellent. Is this possible with other torrent clients such as Deluge?

  • 2015-Aug-19, 4:00 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Use the openVPN client from your repository. Also, edit /etc/network/interfaces so you are using the pia DNS 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3

    I had a thought. Do you run your linux box headless? What do you do if the PIA server you are connected to stuffs up? This afternoon the Melbourne server was so slow it may as well not even have been online, I changed to the Sydney server on windows because I saw it was so slow and now it is downloading fast from the Sydney server.

    If I had automated torrents on linux I wouldn't have known there was a problem until I went to watch a show and realised it hadn't downloaded.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 4:00 pm
    JoffaR

    Im on Melbourne right now and speed looks normal to me at 11mb/s
    Are all you people with speed complaints on nbn?

  • Jace

    Loose Nut writes...

    I had a thought. Do you run your linux box headless? What do you do if the PIA server you are connected to stuffs up?

    I had a solution for that too.

    During the times that Transmission and your VPN are connected and running, you can create a monitor shell script that basically hits a URL like so:
    https://wtfismyip.com/xml

    Maybe you run it every 15mins... if you notice the VPN is disconnected, you re-run the connect startup scripts.

    I mentioned in a previous post above that you can script up the PORT Number and the VPN IP address in the config file, well, you can do the same for the PIA server so that each time it connects it tries a different one.

  • Loose Nut

    JoffaR writes...

    Im on Melbourne right now and speed looks normal to me at 11mb/s
    Are all you people with speed complaints on nbn?

    I wish I was on nbn!
    It was really weird, it was downloading fine, then all of a sudden it just dropped to almost 0k/sec, but it wasn't just net traffic, it was also my LAN traffic. I connected to Sydney and everything went back to normal, so I'm not really sure what was going on.

  • Loose Nut

    Jace writes...

    I mentioned in a previous post above that you can script up the PORT Number and the VPN IP address in the config file, well, you can do the same for the PIA server so that each time it connects it tries a different one.

    That's awesome! I have so much to learn!

  • Naoki

    batfink0767 writes...

    yes i get the same, firefox and chrome.

    Thanks for checking. Anyone else confirm? Any idea why this would be happening?

  • 2015-Aug-19, 9:57 pm
    2tyres

    nayr37 writes...

    Anyone else confirm?

    Pia Melbourne server working fine for me. In adelaide on TPG NBN.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 9:57 pm
    Naoki

    2tyres writes...

    Pia Melbourne server working fine for me. In adelaide on TPG NBN.

    No mate. Go a few posts further up. I'm asking people to connect to the Japanese server and see if they can access the link I provided. Seems like their servers in Japan are not working as advertised?

  • Firefly45

    Apologies if this has been asked already but is there a way so utorrents won't work unless VPN (PIA) is connected wouldn't want killswitch to fail then real one exposed

  • Pikey18

    Firefly45 writes...

    Apologies if this has been asked already but is there a way so utorrents won't work unless VPN (PIA) is connected wouldn't want killswitch to fail then real one exposed

    Not easy with uTorrent but with qBittorrent its very easy to bind to an interface (I have tested it � had it downloading at good speed and disconnected the VPN and the download instantly stopped).

  • 2015-Aug-20, 6:05 pm
    2tyres

    nayr37 writes...

    No mate. Go a few posts further up. I'm asking people to connect to the Japanese server

    Sorry. Curse my damned one minute attention span!

  • 2015-Aug-20, 6:05 pm
    Loose Nut

    Pikey18 writes...

    Not easy with uTorrent but with qBittorrent its very easy to bind to an interface (I have tested it � had it downloading at good speed and disconnected the VPN and the download instantly stopped).

    Can't you use the Windows firewall?
    https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/articles/202723616-IP-Binding-via-Windows-Firewall-block-non-VPN-traffic

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:08 pm
    2tyres

    Loose Nut writes...

    Can't you use the Windows firewall?

    Absolutely. And that will be the most sure and safest way to be guaranteed.

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:08 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Absolutely. And that will be the most sure and safest way to be guaranteed.

    That's the next job on my list.
    After that it's getting transmission setup :)

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:20 pm
    batfink0767

    Firefly45 writes...

    Apologies if this has been asked already but is there a way so utorrents won't work unless VPN (PIA) is connected wouldn't want killswitch to fail then real one exposed

    use windows firewall as mentioned above.
    https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/articles/202723616-IP-Binding-via-Windows-Firewall-block-non-VPN-traffic

    Or use deluge or QBittorent and bind the torrent client to the vpn tap adapter.
    Or for best security do both.

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:20 pm
    Firefly45

    How does one bind it to qbitttorrent? Is there a guide Still new to all this lol :)

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:27 pm
    ottyacat

    Firefly45 writes...

    How does one bind it to qbitttorrent? Is there a guide Still new to all this lol :)

    First you will need to know what the network adaptor is called. In windows go to "network and sharing center", then click on the link on the left that says "change adaptor settings". To find network and sharing center right click on the little wifi / connection icon down the bottom right of the screen.

    Disconnect / reconnect the PIA vpn client and see which adaptor disconnects / reconnects, it can also be identified by the type which will be something like "TAP-Windows Adaptor". I normally right click it and rename it to something like PIA VPN for simplicity.

    Then startup QBitorrent
    Goto Tool -> Options -> Advanced
    Look for "Network Interface (Requires Restart)"
    Select your PIA VPN adaptor.
    Restart QBitorrent.

    Your should be good to go and QBittorent will only work when you are connected to PIA. :)

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:27 pm
    Firefly45
    this post was edited

    Cheers mate just set up like that now having an issue where everything i try download says stalled doesn't matter what it is ect libra software

    Connection status is yellow

  • Jason1984

    Isn't PIA related to VPN's? just a bit curious about this cause I've never heard about it before.

  • batfink0767
  • ottyacat
    this post was edited

    Firefly45 writes...

    Cheers mate just set up like that now having an issue where everything i try download says stalled doesn't matter what it is ect libra software

    Make sure you have have PIA connected before u start qbittorent otherwise it will not work (at least on my pc). Other than than not really sure sorry, just check to make sure you choose the correct VPN interface in the setup.

    You could temporarily disable the kill switch to see if that's interfering, i dont use it, i find it annoying for general browsing. I don't use bittorrent that often and i find myself manually having to revert the settings in the network connection even after i disable it in the client.

  • Loose Nut

    I do not have the kill switch ticked in my PIA client, but when I disconnect from PIA I lose my internet. My wifi connection is shown by windows as connected and it says I have internet access, but nothing will load. Is there a trick to turn off the vpn and surf with your normal connection?

    I have tried disconnecting and reconnecting to the wifi and disabling and re-enabling the wifi adapter, neither of them fixed it.

  • 2015-Aug-23, 12:12 pm
    seriously

    i was waiting for someone who knows to answer you but since no one did, let me try and see if this help. instead of disabling/enabling the wifi adaptor, try uninstall it in device manager. then reboot your pc so that windows would re-install the wifi adaptor driver. hopefully this work as it did for me all the time when i had connection issue.

    edit: oh, you should also exit the pia cleint altogether while it's still connected instead of disconnecting. that could be the reason you can't connect especially if you had the stop dns leak ticked.

  • 2015-Aug-23, 12:12 pm
    Loose Nut

    seriously writes...

    i was waiting for someone who knows to answer you but since no one did, let me try and see if this help. instead of disabling/enabling the wifi adaptor, try uninstall it in device manager. then reboot your pc so that windows would re-install the wifi adaptor driver. hopefully this work as it did for me all the time when i had connection issue.

    Do you have to do that every time you turn PIA off? Man that is a PIA :p

    Edit: I do have DNS leak ticked, so I will trying closing it instead of disconnecting. Thanks.

  • seriously

    Loose Nut writes...

    Do you have to do that every time you turn PIA off? Man that is a PIA :p

    no you don't. exiting the pia client (while it's still connected) should then allows you to connect normally. the uninstall procedure only required when pia lost the connection and you can't get it back.

  • batfink0767

    @ Loose nut,when that happens try this.

    1.open network sharing centre by left or right clicking network icon in system tray (win 7)
    2.click the network connection you have on the right of the screen (in blue) ,mines listed as wireless network connection (xxxx-pc_Network.
    3. Then Click properties at the bottom left of the popup screen.
    4.Double click "Internet protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
    5. tick/select "Obtain an ip address automatically" ( it might have PIA's ip address and subnet mask listed in the 'use following ip address'
    6.you can tick 'validate settings upon exit'if you want, ( i usually don't)
    7.click ok, exit out and your good to go.

    You can also right click network icon(sytem tray ) and select "troubleshoot problems" and the windows wizard will automatically reset it for you.

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:34 am
    Dimtar

    2 years at a discount, the same as the April deal:
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/techbargains-special-offer

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:34 am
    TakesControl

    Can you turn off auto-renew with PIA?

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:46 am
    batfink0767

    yes, login in to your online PIA client control panel, and you will see this

    'Cancel Subscription (Optional)
    Please use the following button to cancel your subscription. Your automatic payments will be canceled, but you will still be able to login for the remainder of the billing period.
    This cannot be reversed and is effective immediately.'

    Your subsciption will be cancelled but you can still use the VPN until your subscription expires.
    You can also cancel recurring payment through Paypal account. if you used that to sign up.

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:46 am
    gracks

    I'm on TPG at the moment and my connection maxes out at 450kbps. How much of a speed reduction were I to take if I went through a VPN? I'm guessing barely usable.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 7:05 pm
    2tyres

    grarck attakc writes...

    I'm on TPG at the moment and my connection maxes out at 450kbps. How much of a speed reduction were I to take if I went through a VPN? I'm guessing barely usable.

    There is no definite answer. There are many variables and unknowns. I can safely say that after routing through a vpn your connection will appear somewhere between it being barely noticeable to barely usable.

    You won't know until you do it.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 7:05 pm
    batfink0767

    Well PIA have a 7 day money back guarantee,so if your not happy, it won't cost you anything to try it.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:15 pm
    gracks

    k thanks guys

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:15 pm
    Irishjim

    So, having a problem for the first time with PIA. Been working fine until today with Vuze, but now the VPN Helper Plugin for PIA is reporting "Can't connect to PIA RPC via /10.203.32.240: Connect to www.privateinternetaccess.com:443 failed: no route to host"

    Any help/suggestions?

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:26 pm
    Loose Nut

    grarck attakc writes...

    I'm on TPG at the moment and my connection maxes out at 450kbps. How much of a speed reduction were I to take if I went through a VPN? I'm guessing barely usable.

    From my experience I think you will be fine. I'm with TPG also and on a really good day doing a speed test I can sometimes hit 7Mbps, with the Australian PIA servers I usually get somewhere between 5 and 5.5Mbps.

    From what I have read slower connections usually get closer to their max speed, whereas people with faster speeds (eg. NBN) get a bigger performance hit.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:26 pm
    Ray

    From what I have read slower connections usually get closer to their max speed, whereas people with faster speeds (eg. NBN) get a bigger performance hit.

    I'm on 100 Mb Telstra cable and torrent via the Netherlands server. The combined speed of all downloading torrents is consistently in the 4-5 Mb range which I find more than adequate.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 9:01 pm
    Kurgan
    this post was edited

    Morning all

    I've been trying to wrap my head around this whole VPN business for a while and not having much luck determining if I'll be able to get it working as I need it to.

    Basically, due to my router I need to use a single port for torrents (which I have forwarded) and it works well. I read earlier in the thread that it is a random port, is there any way to make it static?

    In regards to the kill switch, it seems that this is easily engaged via PIA settings (or similar), is this correct? How well does it work? Do I simply need to put it against uttorrent somehow? https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/5142/5-ways-to-protect-yourself-when-your-vpn-connection-fails/

    I use Getflix as well to access other Netflix libraries, will a changing IP address cause issues there? Would I need to update the IP each time I wanted to watch Getflix?

    Same deal for the private tracker I use, will a changing IP address cause issues there? I know they use the IP to determine a member, is it simply a matter of logging in each time?

    I assume the DNS leak prevention is pretty solid, is this a fair assessment?

    What servers have been found to be the quickest or more reliable?

    Sorry for, what will be, questions previously asked multiple times.

    Appreciate any assistance guys

  • 2015-Aug-26, 9:01 pm
    Loose Nut

    Ray writes...

    I'm on 100 Mb Telstra cable and torrent via the Netherlands server. The combined speed of all downloading torrents is consistently in the 4-5 Mb range which I find more than adequate.

    I'm jelly!
    How does that compare to what you would get without the VPN on?

  • 2015-Aug-27, 9:24 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip

    Is it risky to run account based services like FB over a VPN, from an anonymity perspective? Can the other traffic through the pc be tied back to your fb traffic/account?

  • 2015-Aug-27, 9:24 am
    Ray

    Loose Nut writes...

    How does that compare to what you would get without the VPN on?

    Have been using PIA for several months now but I think that it is about a 50% hit on the overall speed that I was getting from well seeded private tracker torrents.

  • 2015-Aug-27, 7:35 pm
    Loose Nut

    Ray writes...

    Have been using PIA for several months now but I think that it is about a 50% hit on the overall speed that I was getting from well seeded private tracker torrents.

    Yeah, that's what I meant when I said it seems to affect fast connections more than slower connections. The PIA can't match a 100mbit NBN connection, but they can get close to a 5mbit adsl connection. Does that make sense? I suck at explaining!

  • 2015-Aug-27, 7:35 pm
    Nostromo

    Hi could someone do a traceroute to login.worldoftanks.asia from the Aussie servers please :)

  • Meemoo

    What's the best way to pay for this?

  • gracks

    Meemoo writes...

    What's the best way to pay for this?

    Prepaid credit card

  • 2015-Aug-28, 8:38 am
    Pikey18

    Nostromo writes...

    Hi could someone do a traceroute to login.worldoftanks.asia from the Aussie servers please :)

    Tracing route to login.worldoftanks.asia [92.223.16.66]
    over a maximum of 30 hops:

    1 35 ms 34 ms 35 ms 10.143.1.1
    2 34 ms 34 ms 34 ms 168.1.6.2-static.reverse.softlayer.com [168.1.6.2]
    3 34 ms 34 ms 34 ms 168.1.18.132-static.reverse.softlayer.com [168.1.18.132]
    4 34 ms 34 ms 35 ms ae9.bbr01.eq01.syd02.networklayer.com [50.97.19.150]
    5 35 ms 35 ms 35 ms Bundle-Ether27.ken-edge902.sydney.telstra.net [139.130.197.165]
    6 35 ms 36 ms 35 ms bundle-ether14.ken-core10.sydney.telstra.net [203.50.11.96]
    7 47 ms 48 ms 49 ms bundle-ether12.win-core10.melbourne.telstra.net [203.50.11.123]
    8 58 ms 59 ms 58 ms bundle-ether6.fli-core1.adelaide.telstra.net [203.50.11.90]
    9 91 ms 90 ms 90 ms bundle-ether5.wel-core3.perth.telstra.net [203.50.11.19]
    10 92 ms 92 ms 90 ms tengige0-6-0-0.pthw-core01.perth.net.reach.com [203.50.13.234]
    11 135 ms 133 ms 136 ms i-0-1-4-0.istt-core02.bx.telstraglobal.net [202.84.141.154]
    12 133 ms 136 ms 136 ms i-0-0-0-0.istt03.bi.telstraglobal.net [202.84.243.74]
    13 132 ms 133 ms 133 ms unknown.telstraglobal.net [202.127.73.118]
    14 134 ms 132 ms 133 ms sg2-n5596-fe-1-vl231.wargaming.net [92.223.116.163]
    15 133 ms 132 ms 133 ms sg2-sl-a66.worldoftanks.sg [92.223.16.66]

    Trace complete.

  • 2015-Aug-28, 8:38 am
    batfink0767

    Meemoo writes...

    What's the best way to pay for this?

    It's not illegal to purchase or use a Vpn, i just used Paypal.

  • Jason1984

    I am also using Windows 7 and uTorrent. It works fine at first but after how many months of use and lots of downloads it made my computer really slow. I just make sure that I am connected to a VPN when downloading because utorrent is full of viruses and hidden malwares.

  • Dreyfus27

    Meemoo writes...

    What's the best way to pay for this?

    Unless you are planning on doing something extremely dodgy or are wearing a tinfoil hat (or both), a credit card or pay pal will work fine.

  • 2015-Aug-28, 10:17 am
    Kurgan

    Quick question

    Is the pricing on the 2 year deal ($60) in AUD or USD? I cant work that out.

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/techbargains-special-offer

    People have also mentioned that you can pay using iTunes cards, I can't see this option anywhere, can someone please provide me with a link?

    Cheers

  • 2015-Aug-28, 10:17 am
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Is the pricing on the 2 year deal ($60) in AUD or USD? I cant work that out.

    I am guessing it is USD but you could ask them https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/contact-us

    People have also mentioned that you can pay using iTunes cards, I can't see this option anywhere, can someone please provide me with a link?

    There is a whole list of cards in the drop-down menu but is says � Apple Store (not iTunes)

    https://secure.paygarden.com/pay/site/ltm/privateinternet/start

    It's not illegal, Paypal or credit card works fine

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:13 am
    Loose Nut

    Since last night PIA has become basically unusable for me. I didn't change any settings, I was browsing websites and downloading a torrent at about 400K/sec then all of a sudden it just dropped to 0 and I started getting server not found errors when I tried to go to a web page. It drops all all connections to peers in utorrent, occasionally it will connect to a couple and download at 2-3k/sec and then go back to 0. This is happening on every server I connect to. When I change servers it will usually work fine for about 30 seconds (400+K/sec, and web pages will load), then it will drop down to 0.

    If I do a speedtest it will start fast, then just drop and eventually stops completely and doesn't even finish the speed test. If I do it without PIA running the speed test is basically a straight line at about 7MBps.

    Is it a coincidence that this has started happening just as my 7 money back period trial has finished?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:13 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip

    Loose Nut writes...

    Since last night PIA has become basically unusable for me.

    Which server/s? I noticed last night and this morning that the NL gateway was behaving oddly, not loading sites etc.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:41 am
    Nostromo

    Pikey18 writes...

    Tracing route to login.worldoftanks.asia [92.223.16.66]

    Thanks Pikey18 appreciate it :)

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:41 am
    J.C.

    Kurgan writes...

    Is the pricing on the 2 year deal ($60) in AUD or USD? I cant work that out.

    My regular annual subscription comes out in US dollars

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:50 am
    Loose Nut

    manchanko writes...

    Which server/s? I noticed last night and this morning that the NL gateway was behaving oddly, not loading sites etc.

    Sydney
    Melbourne
    Singapore
    Toronto

    I haven't found one that is working yet. I have spoken to the help desk and they have given me a list of settings to change (all to do with tcp/udp and ports). I'm about � of the way through and none of them have helped yet.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:50 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip

    Loose Nut writes...

    I haven't found one that is working yet.

    Bugger, hope it works out. I'll check those gateways tonight, how are you finding PIA support generally?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:54 am
    Loose Nut

    manchanko writes...

    Bugger, hope it works out. I'll check those gateways tonight, how are you finding PIA support generally?

    Thanks, I don't think it's the servers though as it's happening on every one I connect to. Their support seems pretty good so far.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:54 am
    jackski

    No problem with the Melbourne server, taken just now.

    [URL=http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4626448752][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/4626448752.png[/IMG][/URL]

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:20 am
    Trim Tab

    Loose Nut writes...

    I don't think it's the servers though as it's happening on every one I connect to

    Have you done Item One on the amateurs' fixit list � turn everything (e.g. PC and modem) off and on? Then, if it's still misbehaving, reinstall any associated software (e.g. PIA) and redo the settings?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:20 am
    maxwolfie

    Is there any way to stop the port changing periodically when you enable Port Forwarding?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:25 am
    Loose Nut

    Trim Tab writes...

    Have you done Item One on the amateurs' fixit list � turn everything (e.g. PC and modem) off and on?

    Yep. Everything works fine without the PIA client working, it's just when the PIA client is turned on everything falls apart.

    Then, if it's still misbehaving, reinstall any associated software (e.g. PIA) and redo the settings?

    That is my next step.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:25 am
    batfink0767

    manchanko writes...

    how are you finding PIA support generally?

    Very early on i had a few questions a couple of times and their online chat support was very prompt, i don't think i waited more than a minute to chat with someone and they were very helpful.
    I emailed them once and had a reply within 24 hours.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:47 am
    Kurgan

    All set up now and seemingly working smoothly. Speeds are about � of normal which is acceptable

    I have a question on QBT however which I'd prefer to discuss more privately, can someone please whim me if they're familiar with the machinations of set-up.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:47 am
    Loose Nut

    My issue has exhausted the online chat support. I have had to lodge a support ticket. Very frustrating.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:55 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip
    this post was edited

    Loose Nut writes...

    I have had to lodge a support ticket. Very frustrating.

    So you wiped the client (and TAP adapter afaik?) and reinstalled/setup and still an issue?

    https://support.privateinternetaccess.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/32

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:55 am
    trial by power

    This seems to be a better thread to ask over the other one I was asking.

    Anyway; I'm looking at PIA since they seemed to be the best ones which came up, but I have a few questions.

    1- This is relating to steam, if I use PIA servers would it effect steam if I make the final connection an Australian server once it has gone through some overseas servers?

    I don't want to risk getting my steam account nuked if they detected I using VPN's

    2- With Netflix, would I be able to keep it on the Australian region since I have a bunch of stuff to get through and I'm not sure if using the American region will lose my Aus titles or anything (This would be for if I watched from the computer, I have a Roku which shouldn't be effected with how I want to set it up).

    3- I know this will have a speed impact, and from what other's have told me, I'm hoping it shouldn't be too noticeable, I currently get between 10 and 13mbps so I'm hoping I should see only a 2-4mbps hit, but the large thing is ping, I don't play online games as much I used to, but how much will the vpn add on in terms of ping? Would it likely be 50+?

    4- The next thing, and someone mentioned this to me in the other thread, but I would look at encrypting my connection from my computer rather than at the modem level (As I'm not sure how it'll effect the households other units) but I was told I'd need AES encryption but I wasn't sure about how to do this? Does PIA offer AES encryption in an easy to set up manner?

    Once the data retention laws come into effect, I'll likely be browsing with PIA and maybe tor browser as well.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 11:25 am
    Loose Nut

    manchanko writes...

    So you wiped the client (and TAP adapter afaik?) and reinstalled/setup and still an issue?

    https://support.privateinternetaccess.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/32

    Yes, that's exactly what I did. Didn't solve it :(

  • 2015-Sep-1, 11:25 am
    batfink0767

    trial by power writes...

    Does PIA offer AES encryption in an easy to set up manner?

    you can set encryption from within in the PIA client software.
    AES-128
    AES-256
    Blowfish

  • 2015-Sep-1, 12:01 pm
    trial by power

    batfink0767 writes...

    you can set encryption from within in the PIA client software.
    AES-128
    AES-256
    Blowfish

    Ahh that's good than.

    What about all the other things especially steam and speed and ping hits?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 12:01 pm
    Loose Nut

    Well my turn came to upgrade to Win 10 and it appears as though my issues have been resolved. Fingers crossed it sticks!

  • 2015-Sep-1, 5:46 pm
    batfink0767

    trial by power writes...

    speed and ping hits?

    Depends on the time of day really, i don't notice too much of a performance hit, i'm on a 12 mbit/sec connection and i might lose roughly 20% with the highest encryption AES -256.
    I'm in Adelaide and connect to Melb/Sydney, so not ideal, users closer probably get a better outcome.
    PIA have a 7 day money back guarantee, so if you want to try it, it won't cost you anything if your not satisfied.
    Don't use steam ,so don't know about that.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 5:46 pm
    trial by power
    this post was edited

    batfink0767 writes...

    Depends on the time of day really, i don't notice too much of a performance hit, i'm on a 12 mbit/sec connection and i might lose roughly 20% with the highest encryption AES -256.
    I'm in Adelaide and connect to Melb/Sydney, so not ideal, users closer probably get a better outcome.
    PIA have a 7 day money back guarantee, so if you want to try it, it won't cost you anything if your not satisfied.

    Sounds alright.

    I think i'm in a good area in regards to speeds, I seem to get quite healthy speeds all the way to servers in Cali.

    Don't use steam ,so don't know about that.

    Might have to contact their support team or maybe someone else here has experience.

    EDIT: Just got off with support and steam would detect that it was VPN. I'm just not sure if I'd get my account nuked even if I made the last connection appear as though I am still from aus so I wouldn't be bypassing any geoblocked content.

  • Kurgan

    Whirlpool seems to dislike my using PIA, is there any way to stop the 'suspicious activity' warning from appearing?

  • batfink0767

    I have only had that once, maybe because i choose to stay signed in.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:31 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Whirlpool seems to dislike my using PIA, is there any way to stop the 'suspicious activity' warning from appearing?

    Just fill in the capcha and don't fight it /forum-replies.cfm?t=2441526

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:31 pm
    Kurgan

    Thanks guys, I've been playing around with servers to get the best connection for me and it seems WP dislikes it, fair enough too maybe.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:45 pm
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip
    this post was edited

    Loose Nut writes...

    my issues have been resolved

    Awesome, good outcome!

    Kurgan writes...

    Whirlpool seems to dislike my using PIA, is there any way to stop the 'suspicious activity' warning from appearing?

    I'd imagine some servers would work while others would be temporarily blocked, keen to know how Simon's Interwebs blocker works. I just move along if WP blocks me, and try again later.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:45 pm
    Alberto2345
    this post was edited

    Hey everyone,

    If you haven't seen my other topics relating to speedtests of VPN providers (I've posted about NordVPN and ExpressVPN), I've been VPN shopping trying to find what I think is the best VPN for me in regards to speeds and price as well as anonymity and I decided to give PIA a go.

    Here are my results, testing some of their servers.
    Speedtests taken at around 9:30 � 10:30PM, Tuesday 1/09/2015

    Oceania:
    � Melbourne, Australia: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4626938142.png
    � Sydney, Australia: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4626943846.png

    Asia:
    � Japan: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627572301.png
    � Singapore: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627576635.png
    � Hong Kong (although its showing in USA on speedtest.net :o): http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627581481.png

    America:
    � Los Angeles, USA: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627599308.png
    � Dallas, USA: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627603290.png
    � New York, USA: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627607346.png
    � Mexico: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627611605.png
    � Brazil: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627615486.png
    � Toronto, Canada: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627618524.png

    Europe:
    � Sweden: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627622941.png
    � Netherlands: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627626588.png
    � Ireland: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627630986.png
    � Romania (routing seemed abit messed up): http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627636288.png
    � Russia: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627642500.png
    � France: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627646986.png
    � London, UK: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627652402.png

    Middle East:
    � Turkey: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627588341.png
    � Israel: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627595089.png

    I had some problems with there client software at first, but once I submitted a support ticket when told to by a support person in the live chat, I got a response that fixed my issues. I do think that PIA could still improve their client software alot though.

    I hope these results help!

    Thanks.

    EDIT: Here is what I get without a VPN: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4630224888.png

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:06 pm
    trial by power

    Alberto I assume you're on some sort of very fast internet plan? How do you manage nearly 100Mb/s on Aus servers?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:06 pm
    Alberto2345

    Ah ye, sorry I forgot to add my speedtest without a VPN. I added it to the post.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:20 pm
    Kurgan
    this post was edited

    Has PIA suddenly stopped working for anyone else?

    Was connected fine and now it's in a status of 'connecting'.

    Have tried other servers with the same results.

    EDIT: NVM, has come back on line now. Guess it proves the old kill switch is working correctly.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:20 pm
    batfink0767

    working fine for me using Sydney/Melb.

  • Kurgan

    batfink0767 writes...

    working fine for me using Sydney/Melb

    Thanks, first glitch I've had in the 3 days I've been using it, can't fault it otherwise.

  • Trim Tab

    Kurgan writes...

    Has PIA suddenly stopped working for anyone else?
    Was connected fine and now it's in a status of 'connecting'.

    Several servers, local and some overseas, went dead on me about 2 hours prior to your post. I did reconnect with the UK at that stage and then a short while after I discovered SYD and MEL were back. It would seem to be short and intermittent outages.

  • Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Has PIA suddenly stopped working for anyone else?

    I think it is sometimes an issue of where you are connecting from as much as where you are connecting to.

    Sometimes you will get a very slow connection through a server and others will be fine. It was happening a lot with Toronto recently, because people use Toronto for FTP uploads for websites etc there was much chatter on the PIA forum about how the speed had deteriorated but several users were saying it was just fine. I have been connected through Singapore all morning with no problems.

  • Kurgan

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    I have been connected through Singapore all morning with no problems.

    Thanks for that, I've been using Hong Kong as its listed under 'port forwarding' which helps with torrents by showing the open port. Plus the speed test shows roughly 7meg down which matches my maximum DL speed which is helpful.

    I can handle some intermittment downtime, I'm still getting used to the quirks though and, coupled with getting new modem, not entirely sure where faults lie. :)

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:30 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    coupled with getting new modem

    You might be able to configure the VPN client on the modem (depending on make and model) that way you avoid leaks.

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:30 pm
    Kurgan

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    You might be able to configure the VPN client on the modem (depending on make and model) that way you avoid leaks.

    Still trying to wrap my head around all the things the modem can do (TP Link Archer 9) actually.

    I've ran the various leak checks and all seems in order however and the laptop lost all connectivity when the PIA dropped out so I think I'm ok there.

    I also only use a private site which helps as well if, on the odd occasion, my info is exposed. I'd be unlucky to get pinged with all of these safeguards in place I think.

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:55 pm
    trial by power

    Having a bit of a play around with the VPN and I'm not impressed with the speed hit I'm taking.

    I understand VPN's always slow things down, but the fastest speed test I got to the Melbourne server I think it was, was just under 4mbps and now I can't even get above 1mbps.

    Is there a secret to not taking a 50+ percent speed hit?

    I'd be happy with seeing a 3-5mbps speed hit, but not a 6+mbps speed hit.

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:55 pm
    Loose Nut

    I'm connected to the Melbourne server on my Windows machine and my Linux machine. I've done a test with the TORGuard torrent file and each machine is getting a different Client IP. The Windows machine is displaying the same client IP as I get from whatsmyip , but the linux IP is completely different. Is this normal? My linux machine is going to be my torrent box, so I don't want it to not be working.

    Neither IP is my real IP.

  • Aldi Rocks

    Loose Nut writes...

    I'm connected to the Melbourne server on my Windows machine and my Linux machine. I've done a test with the TORGuard torrent file and each machine is getting a different Client IP

    If you believe PIA , they have 60 servers allocated to Sydney and another 60 to Melbourne. It's not a single IP per city

  • drzeus
    this post was edited

    PIA have a special for 2 years at the moment.

    Anyone know what happens for current subscribers if they were to sign up for this? Do the 2 years get added to your subscription or does it start immediately thus losing the remaining months of our sub?

    With the dollar where it is now we are nearly paying double what I paid last year :(

    EDIT: I've spoked to them via Live Chat..they've confirmed it is NOT possible and the only way to add the 2 years is to start a new account....I have another 4 months left on my sub so probably best to wait for another special unfortunately :(

  • Dreyfus27

    Loose Nut writes...

    Neither IP is my real IP.

    That is a fair indication it is working for you

  • ridecwb

    Hi after some research, I have also settled on PIA. Now after some playing around tonight I am a little concerned about speeds. These are my speeds tonight, before and after connecting to a PIA server in Sydney. It is dropping my connection to 1/3 of normal speed on Telstra 4G. All settings are pretty much default, any ideas?


    Before:

    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 03/09/2015 @ 08:33 PM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 8 MB
    Test Time: 10 secs

    Your line speed is 6.61 Mbps (6607 kbps).
    Your download speed is 826 KB/s (0.83 MB/s).


    After:

    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 03/09/2015 @ 08:37 PM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 3 MB
    Test Time: 10 secs

    Your line speed is 2.26 Mbps (2263 kbps).
    Your download speed is 283 KB/s (0.28 MB/s).

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:17 pm
    jackski

    This is my speed on PIA

    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 03/09/2015 @ 11:49 PM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 28 MB
    Test Time: 10.02 secs

    Your line speed is 23.32 Mbps (23316 kbps).
    Your download speed is 2.91 MB/s (2915 KB/s).

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:17 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Still trying to wrap my head around all the things the modem can do (TP Link Archer 9) actually.

    Something you might like to do is set your DNS to the PIA servers � on the TP link it it might be in the Network>WAN > Primary and Secondary DNS � it will avoid any of the site blocking rubbish that is being forced on the ISP's
    PIA servers
    DNS server 1: 209.222.18.222
    DNS server 2: 209.222.18.218

    There is also an interesting How To on avoiding leaks here

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:47 pm
    alagenic

    When using vpn its usually smart to check www.whoer.net
    Thatll tell u if a vpn server has any evil stuff learking around and if u find one report to pia imidiatly. Im with another provider and found a few nastys. Reported to the vpn ad they did checks and either cleared them or shut the servers down and opened new ones in the same region. Best to check

    Black list No
    Proxy No
    WebRTC N/A

    Blacklist should say no

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:47 pm
    Loose Nut

    alagenic writes...

    When using vpn its usually smart to check www.whoer.net
    Thatll tell u if a vpn server has any evil stuff learking around and if u find one report to pia imidiatly. Im with another provider and found a few nastys. Reported to the vpn ad they did checks and either cleared them or shut the servers down and opened new ones in the same region. Best to check

    Black list No
    Proxy No
    WebRTC N/A

    Blacklist should say no

    I just checked it, and I got a yes on Blacklist. Says it is listed in the CBL because "This IP is infected (or NATting for a computer that is infected) with the Conficker botnet."

    Does this mean my PC is infected or PIA is?

  • 2015-Sep-3, 11:52 pm
    TEMPA

    alagenic writes...

    Blacklist should say no

    Interesting. I see a few of the IP's I connect to via PIA show yes to the blacklist in Whoer.

    Didn't really look in to it or give it a thought. What are the ramifications to using these IP's via the VPN?

    Cheers!

  • 2015-Sep-3, 11:52 pm
    alagenic
    this post was edited

    Hi guys. Not really 100% sure . Confikr is the biggest risk as per the wiki artical below. But if u look at the cbl websiye it usually tells u when the server was attacked n so forth. Point it out to pia ad they hav to sort it out. It could be malware or trojan checking out what people are doing.
    Pia have to either fix it or shut the server down if its too bad. Thats what happenedwith the vpn im with.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conficker

  • 2015-Sep-4, 6:37 am
    trial by power

    Tested the speeds again on the Melb server and I can only get just under 2mbps, yesterday I tested it later on in the day after 3pm, and I couldn't get above 1mbps.

    If these are the normal speeds i'll be seeeing, it is too big of a speed hit.

    Unless there's a secret to not taking a 4+ mbps percent speed hit?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 6:37 am
    alagenic
    this post was edited

    well maybe sign up too another provider for a week. there are a few that u can choose from
    and see if its an issue with ur connection , PIA servers . or what ever causes issues with the net..
    whats the speeds like without VPN?

    edit .. or like i said earlier maybe try UPD UDP.what ever its called..over TCP
    might get better speeds..i know i do
    sorry dident say that here

    said it whrl.pl/Reore3 <-- here

  • trial by power

    alagenic writes...

    whats the speeds like without VPN?

    http://www.speedtest.net/result/4635499745.png with VPN

    http://www.speedtest.net/result/4635502717.png Without VPN.

    or like i said earlier maybe try UPD UDP.what ever its called..over TCP

    Tried it with UDP and TCP, same slow speeds.

    What remote port should I be using? I currently have it set to auto.

  • alagenic
    this post was edited

    trial by power writes...

    Tried it with UDP and TCP, same slow speeds.

    What remote port should I be using? I currently have it set to auto.

    yeah thats a big speed loss...
    i havent had any experiance with PIA . can someone help this guy out?
    i know 443 is good but maybe thats common on PIA..

    https://kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=KB5671
    maybe try those ports
    Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) uses TCP port 443 and works by using a private key to encrypt data that is transferred over the SSL connection. SSL also uses 465 Secure SMTP, 993 Secure IMAP, and 995 Secure POP.

    https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/7359/openvpn-tcp-vs-udp-difference-choose/

    or maybe google around

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:43 am
    Bos

    Anybody spoke to PIA about the issue?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:43 am
    2tyres

    Bos writes...

    Anybody spoke to PIA about the issue?

    Which issue would that be?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:52 am
    Bos

    Loose Nut writes...

    I just checked it, and I got a yes on Blacklist. Says it is listed in the CBL because "This IP is infected (or NATting for a computer that is infected) with the Conficker botnet."

    Does this mean my PC is infected or PIA is?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:52 am
    Dreyfus27

    Loose Nut writes...

    I just checked it, and I got a yes on Blacklist. Says it is listed in the CBL because "This IP is infected (or NATting for a computer that is infected) with the Conficker botnet."

    Does this mean my PC is infected or PIA is?

    It is no big problem for users, but if you report it to PIA they will clean it up. I sent a ticket about same thing on Singapore and the response was quick � "Our senior technicians are looking into this. For the time being it is not a matter of immediate concern for you as one of our users." � and now the server comes up clean.

  • screenwall

    I just signed up with PIA and I'm pretty disappointed by the speeds I'm getting. Is this normal? It's significantly slower to the point I'm about to cancel.

    Before VPN:
    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 05/09/2015 @ 02:59 AM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 106 MB
    Test Time: 10 secs

    Your line speed is 89.29 Mbps (89287 kbps).
    Your download speed is 11.16 MB/s (11161 KB/s).

    With VPN on using Sydney server
    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 05/09/2015 @ 03:00 AM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 8 MB
    Test Time: 10.1 secs

    Your line speed is 6.68 Mbps (6679 kbps).
    Your download speed is 835 KB/s (0.83 MB/s).

  • Jace

    Yes, try a different server

  • 2015-Sep-6, 7:04 am
    Dreyfus27

    screenwall writes...

    It's significantly slower to the point I'm about to cancel.

    You shouldn't lose that much, if you can get 11.16 MB/s normally you should be able to get a connection that only drops that by 2-5mbps. If other servers don't give better results contact the PIA chat support line, they are very helpfull.

    Right now on an NBN 25/5 Fixed Wireless connection I get:
    23.54mbps down with the VPN off
    19.84mbps down with the VPN on and connected through Melbourne
    12.7mbps down with the VPN on and connected through Singapore
    4.7mbps down with the VPN on and connected through Toronto
    7.8mbps down with the VPN on and connected through London

    Those are the sorts of variations on different servers at different times of the day � sometimes you have to try different locations to get the best result.

  • 2015-Sep-6, 7:04 am
    batfink0767

    PIA has this webpage on their site for checking speeds to different servers,
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:21 pm
    trial by power

    batfink0767 writes...

    PIA has this webpage on their site for checking speeds to different servers,
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

    So I shouldn't be seeing such massive speed drops?

    The speed to the two AU servers is very healthy, yet I see a very bad drop.

    I'm thinking of canning my sub and trying another VPN company.

    Worst comes to worse, I'll use tor for all my privacy needs when data retention kicks in

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:21 pm
    screenwall

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    You shouldn't lose that much, if you can get 11.16 MB/s normally you should be able to get a connection that only drops that by 2-5mbps. If other servers don't give better results contact the PIA chat support line, they are very helpfull.

    Those are the sorts of variations on different servers at different times of the day � sometimes you have to try different locations to get the best result.

    I've played around with a few servers and ports which only made it slower even after asking the PIA chat support. Pretty lost but cheers anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another VPN. Hmm

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:38 pm
    - Homunculus -

    Not sure why so many people seem to use PIA. All the reviews in my opinion are paid adverts and operating out of USA it is hard to believe anything is private. Probably sufficient to get through the data retention issues but no more.

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:38 pm
    alagenic

    Personally i would never go with them. To well known now.
    The one im with is getting busy too but still get good speeds. Its good to see a live update on their program says how many Gbps they are pumping out.

  • 2015-Sep-7, 8:32 pm
    batfink0767

    screenwall writes...

    I've played around with a few servers and ports which only made it slower even after asking the PIA chat support. Pretty lost but cheers anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another VPN. Hmm

    If your using Win 10 have you downloaded the latest client version V.47?

  • 2015-Sep-7, 8:32 pm
    jackski

    screenwall writes...

    I've played around with a few servers and ports which only made it slower even after asking the PIA chat support. Pretty lost but cheers anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another VPN. Hmm

    I've upgaded to win 10 today and just run this test. I'm happy with the speed. PIA seems fine with me.
    [URL=http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4645601351][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/4645601351.png[/IMG][/URL]

  • 2015-Sep-7, 11:39 pm
    PH30N1X

    I tried PIA for about an hour after I gave up on BoxPN (quite sad as they were really good at the start but now useless throughput). As far as I could tell they are wholely american utilising an address space aligned with a US company. Plus had issues with getting L2TP/IPSEC running on my router so I cancelled and got a refund.

  • 2015-Sep-7, 11:39 pm
    JoffaR

    Just tested my speeds on Melbourne node to speedtest.net

    TPG without vpn : 12.5mbs
    With vpn : 11.4mbs

  • 2015-Sep-8, 7:30 am
    austoak

    If you want to avoid having your meta data saved should you not use an end point in the USA instead of using an endpoint in Australia? US laws have no laws to track your usage while Australia will this includes end points in Australia.

    So I am wondering people using Australian VPN servers will not hide there activity when meta data retention comes into place. Or am I missing something?

  • 2015-Sep-8, 7:30 am
    Jace

    well, it's not really clear. The retention laws are for ISPs ... not VPN providers.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 3:51 pm
    Dreyfus27

    austoak writes...

    So I am wondering people using Australian VPN servers will not hide there activity when meta data retention comes into place. Or am I missing something?

    What I have been able to figure out (and I am only a low grade nerd when it comes to this) is:
    Once the VPN connection has been established your ISP will only be able to record something that looks like a whole lot of this � OIFjds098fsj9f8F#PM98fjfsdv98dshj938j09cejc0983209834238904hcdsfj*(&$#jfsdf8j)FJd0DS09f8h09 � When you have exited the VPN's server and go to the destination URL the IP of that server is a shared address and will be assigned to many users at the same time and the VPN is not logging that information (unless it is a dodgy VPN provider). At this point your ISP knows you are on line but could only tell what you are doing, to a limited degree, by using DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) software which would be able to establish the different signatures of a bittorrent stream as opposed to netflix or web browsing but the content is still encrypted.

    This is a good description of DPI
    Think of it like this � if you wrap a bicycle and mail it to someone, the post office knows it's a bicycle. They don't know what brand it is and they can't see the serial number to determine if it's stolen, but they know you're sending a bike from your house to the destination address. This is obviously true if somebody is sending the bike from their house to yours too. You can avoid the issue of DPI by using OpenVPN obsfusaction It would be like breaking the bike up into individual parts, then puting each part into a nondescript box, then wrapping and mailing those parts at random intervals.

    The likelihood of an ISP bothering to DPI your data is not a huge worry in Australia but if you are a journalist in China or Iran then yes it is and they will block VPN traffic if they find it and you will be in trouble.

    It is worth mentioning if your VPN is leaking DNS i.e. windows decides it is going to bypass the VPN to ping a DNS server (windows has no respect sometimes) that will get logged by your ISP, so if you are very serious about protecting your identity you need to switch on DNS leak detection on your VPN client and or take other measures Or you can install the VPN on your router but that is another story.

    Using a VPN should protect your Identity and data from the mettadata logging requirements and it is just good practice when you are online to use a VPN to protect against hackers, it's just another level of security like virus protection. A VPN will not stop mettadata being logged about your mobile phone and landline only your web activity.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 3:51 pm
    JoffaR

    Sammy1 writes...

    Not sure why so many people seem to use PIA.

    • Allowance for 5 logins in standard package
    • Port forwarding available
    • Nodes in Australia as well as major countries of interest

    Those things are important to me and nobody else was offering those at a competitive price. If I were a terrorist or cyber criminal I would probably look elsewhere, but I'm not, so i dont.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 4:54 pm
    austoak
    this post was edited

    so 5 logins they give you, that is pretty generous I can see people almost eliminating the cost of the vpn service to peanuts per year.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 4:54 pm
    austoak

    Can someone elaborate on this if it is true or not.

    Spoke with PIA live chat today. I asked about if legislation in Australia required them to data log on Australian servers would they have to comply.

    I was told no, that they are not based in Australia and would not have to comply to any Australian rules/laws.

    True or False?

    USA servers = 3mbit
    AUS servers = 16mbt

    So would rather go with Aus servers but the question above??

  • 2015-Sep-8, 5:44 pm
    Jace

    Only telecommunication providers and isps are required to follow it. Do vpn providers fall into this category?

  • 2015-Sep-8, 5:44 pm
    austoak

    As of now I know, but what stops that from changing. Just wondering from a legal standpoint if the answer I was given is correct.

  • 2015-Sep-9, 12:28 pm
    Vyviel
    this post was edited

    Is this the best price?

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/slickdeals-labor-day-special-offer

    Dunno if I want to sign up for 2 yrs or not though...

    Also it says 5 devices does that mean I could split the cost with my brother if he is interested? I would only use this on my pc and maybe a laptop or mobile so the 2-3 other devices would be wasted.

    Also on the speedtest page

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

    I am only seeing like 3-4Mbps for US servers. Is that normal? Would I need far higher speeds to watch quality video? 4K? I want to use it to get around geoblocking mainly and steam in Full HD and 4K when I buy my new monitor.

    Aussie ones cap out at about 31

    Seems very slow when other people are saying I should be losing about 2-3Mbps on aussie servers so I should be getting 80+ easily.

    My regular internet gives me 93+

    http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4655011924

  • 2015-Sep-9, 12:28 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    austoak writes...

    As of now I know, but what stops that from changing. Just wondering from a legal standpoint if the answer I was given is correct

    And what about if it's the same as in the USA where there is FISA court ordered logging of VPN's but it's illegal for the vpn to divulge they are logging. We would never know

  • 2015-Sep-12, 2:37 pm
    austoak

    Yeah 5 devices means exactly that you can split it with your bro.

  • 2015-Sep-12, 2:37 pm
    Toastpaint

    Issue with their HK servers (hk.privateinternetaccess.com) at the moment. They have reassigned some IPs and it's going to take up to 10 business days to complete. They weren't able to offer any alternative/direct connection methods.

    http://i.imgur.com/wzVuK21.png

  • 2015-Sep-12, 5:55 pm
    Ju??o ?

    Guys just quickly, are there any anonymous payment methods that you know of? Gift cards with fast turn around. Walmart etc

  • 2015-Sep-12, 5:55 pm
    Dreyfus27

    It's not illegal, just use PayPal or credit card.

  • 2015-Sep-12, 8:41 pm
    tlearyus
    this post was edited

    Brandis and the Gov't have been totally unclear whether PIA or any other VPN operators offering their services in Australia would have to provide some kind of logging of users activity under the data retention laws. The AFP, Brandis and others are all saying different things.

    http://www.zdnet.com/article/telstra-hands-over-browsing-history-in-current-warrantless-metadata-regime/

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/08/asio-and-federal-police-seek-to-clear-up-confusion-over-metadata-collection

    I think anyone using any of these mainstream public VPN services are kidding themselves if they think they are out of the reach of authorities. And don't forget the type of Malware being developed and deployed to spy on civilians by various Gov't and Law enforcement agencies would bypass the VPN settings on most devices.

    Some bedtime reading

    http://www.cheatsheet.com/technology/how-the-cia-fbi-and-nsa-are-attacking-your-iphone.html/?a=viewall

    http://www.wired.com/2015/07/fbi-spent-775k-hacking-teams-spy-tools-since-2011/

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/01/07/china-police-inadvertently-admit-to-buying-malware-to-spy-on-citizens/

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government_mass_surveillance_projects

    PS: make sure your browser is not leaking WebRTC requests

    What is a "WebRTC leaks"?

    WebRTC implement STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for Nat), a protocol that allows to discover the public IP address. To disable it:

    Mozilla Firefox: Type "about:config� in the address bar. Scroll down to �media.peerconnection.enabled�, double click to set it to false.
    Google Chrome: Install Google official extension WebRTC Network Limiter.

    https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/webrtc-network-limiter/npeicpdbkakmehahjeeohfdhnlpdklia

    You can test your setup for DNS and WebRTC leaks here
    https://ipleak.net/#dnsleak

  • 2015-Sep-12, 8:41 pm
    Dreyfus27

    tlearyus writes...

    Brandis and the Gov't have been totally unclear whether PIA or any other VPN operators offering their services in Australia would have to provide some kind of logging

    PIA do not keep logs about customer activity � the only data they keep about customers is billing info and contact email and given that it is not illegal to use a VPN that information is of little consequence.

    For the moment VPN's are legal and will not be subject to Data logging, Turnbull has stated on his blog that The Copyright Act does not make it illegal to use a VPN to access overseas content.

    See also this article about VPN's and their future Turnbull's piracy crackdown and the fate of VPNs

    Under the new Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015 that comes into force on Octobere 13th, a VPN is not considered an "internet carriage service" because it is not a service that enables end-users to access the internet i.e. you still need and RSP/ISP to access the internet before you use a VPN. Also it only applies to services that are owned and operated in Australia.

    It works like this:

    It states in the new Data logging amendment division 1 � Obligation to keep information and documents

    (3) This Part applies to a service if:

    (a) it is a service for carrying communications, or enabling communications to be carried, by means of guided or unguided electromagnetic energy or both; and

    (b) it is a service:
    (i) operated by a carrier; [My Emphasis] or
    (ii) operated by an internet service provider [My Emphasis] (within the meaning of Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992);* or
    (iii) of a kind for which a declaration under subsection (3A) is in force; and
    ( c) the person operating the service owns or operates, in Australia, infrastructure that enables the provision of any of its relevant services;

    but does not apply to a broadcasting service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992).

    *It gets a bit silly here but to define what an internet service provider is you need to follow the trail

    first; Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992' says

    "internet service provider " has the meaning given by clause 8.

    in clause 8 it says
    Internet service providers
    Basic definition
    (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, if a person supplies, or proposes to supply, an internet carriage service [My Emphasis] to the public, the person is an internet service provider .
    Declared internet service providers
    (2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified person who supplies, or proposes to supply, a specified internet carriage service is an internet service provider for the purposes of this Schedule. A declaration under this subclause has effect accordingly.

    If you then go back to the definitions it says;
    "internet carriage service" means a listed carriage service that enables end-users to access the internet.
    "carrier " means the holder of a carrier licence. (unless the VPN also holds and Australian carriers licence it is exempt)

    I think anyone using any of these mainstream public VPN services are kidding themselves if they think they are out of the reach of authorities.

    This is true to an extent, if your are using OpenVPN client provided by a quality VPN like PIA then your web browsing activity is highly encrypted and not viewable by your ISP (DPI will distinguish types of data streams but not the data itself) You can see more on PIA VPN Encryption settings here
    A VPN will not cover metadata that is recorded from your mobile phone, smart phone or landline � if you have a VPN on your smart phone it is only covering your web activity not your calls and texts etc.

  • 2015-Sep-12, 9:21 pm
    tlearyus

    Thanks for your excellent reply. I just read this post as well.

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2013/11/do-vpns-fall-under-the-data-retention-requirements-of-the-stored-communications-act/

    So it all depends of whether VPN's are considered a carriage service under the law. I would bet good money that Brandis & Co are busy trying to find a way to include them or propose a change to the legislation.

    This is worth reading as well
    https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/5653/data-retention-vpn-logging-and-internet-surveillance-in-europe/

    "The position of VPN providers depends on how each country has transposed the directive into national legislation (where they have). While many countries do include VPN providers in the legislation and require them to keep logs (see list), a number of counties (discussed below) either do not require VPN providers to keep logs, or have rejected the legislation outright.

    Counties in full compliance with the EU DRD (including VPN services in the legislation) include:

    Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the UK."

    PS: Any thoughts about Gov't agencies using Malware to get around use of VPN's?

  • 2015-Sep-12, 9:21 pm
    Pikey18

    tlearyus writes...

    Any thoughts about Gov't agencies using Malware to get around use of VPN's?

    Possibly as a targetted attack � wouldn't be viable to try to do it to everyone.

  • tlearyus

    It could be via router firmware pushed out by major Telcos like Telstra and Optus.

  • Pikey18

    tlearyus writes...

    It could be via router firmware pushed out by major Telcos like Telstra and Optus.

    Wouldn't work � if the VPN is on the PC then the router cannot intercept it.

    Also a lot of people use non ISP routers (myself included).

  • 2015-Sep-13, 10:58 am
    sween64

    Has anyone paid for their subscription via the android app? Is it possible to use Telstra Billing via Google Play?

    Thanks for any answers.

    Edit: Google Wallet is listed as a payment option so I like my chances.

  • 2015-Sep-13, 10:58 am
    sdf

    sween64 writes...

    Has anyone paid for their subscription via the android app? Is it possible to use Telstra Billing via Google Play?

    Yes but i did when Telstra had the $20 limit so i was paying month to month but they have changed there limit to $100 now

  • TruthOutThere

    1. Is it better to have PIA at the PC level or the router level?

    2. Does PIA significantly affect gaming pings � eg LOL?

    3. I have 2 computers on my home network and a work computer at work. Can they all be protected by the one PIA VPN account?

  • Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    1. Is it better to have PIA at the PC level or the router level?

    Depends on your requirements.

    2. Does PIA significantly affect gaming pings � eg LOL?

    Depends on the server you choose to connect to.

    3. I have 2 computers on my home network and a work computer at work. Can they all be protected by the one PIA VPN account?

    Yes, up to 5 simultaneous logins allowed on the one account.

  • 2015-Sep-13, 11:50 am
    TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    Yes, up to 5 simultaneous logins allowed on the one account.

    So one for mum and dad, one for work and 3 for my home network?

    Does it matter that they're not all at one physical location?

  • 2015-Sep-13, 11:50 am
    Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    Does it matter that they're not all at one physical location?

    Pretty sure it doesn't matter.

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:07 pm
    Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    Does it matter that they're not all at one physical location?

    No they are linked to the device and not the location � you could put the client on 10 devices (laptops , phones, PC's, tablets) and as long as only 5 were online and any one time that would be OK

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:07 pm
    deceit
    this post was edited

    anyone having issues authenticating tonight?

    - nevermind, turns out my password magically changed in the last 24hrs..... odd

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:13 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    Under the new Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015 that comes into force on Octobere 13th, a VPN is not considered an "internet carriage service"

    Bro you don't understand how A vpn can be blocked. It can be blocked under the new legislation as it will allow the downloading of pirated material. In the same way as piratebay will be blocked.

    If a vpn is warned by the goverenment that they must block piratebay as they are facilitating the downloading of pirate material, and that if they do not block piratebay then your ISP will block the servers or infringing server so you won't be able to connect. So a vpn can be blocked but not directly the way you thought There's nothiing in the legislation stopping that from happening. I don't care what politicians say, if they tell me NO VPN will be blocked I would onlybelieve if it says that iin the llegislation

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:13 pm
    Jace

    There's a lot wrong with your post.

  • 2015-Sep-16, 11:50 pm
    austoak

    Your home network is one IP so that counts as 1 device. You can have a 100 devices at home running via the VPN and they will count as 1.

  • 2015-Sep-16, 11:50 pm
    TruthOutThere

    austoak writes...

    Your home network is one IP so that counts as 1 device. You can have a 100 devices at home running via the VPN and they will count as 1.

    Is this the case if the VPN is at the PC level rather than at the router level?

    As in does each PC behind a router have a different IP?

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Bro you don't understand how A vpn can be blocked. It can be blocked under the new legislation as it will allow the downloading of pirated material.

    What you say is not entirely correct but not impossible. There are three separate things happening to internet access at a similar time and people are getting them confused

    First, this legislation is already in place � The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 and this makes it possible for a media company to apply to a court to obtain and injunction to have a web site that facilitates the illegal downloading of copyright material � i.e kickass or the pirate bay etc � blocked by an ISP (a carriage service provider)

    Thus far no media company has attempted to obtain an injunction but some are in the process and the likelihood of them attempting to obtain and injunction against a VPN provider is low. If they were to succeed you can circumvent it by doing this: If VPN Sites Are Blocked In Australia, You Can Always Build Your Own If they just block websites you can get around that by changing your DNS on the router PIA is DNS server 1: 209.222.18.222 DNS server 2: 209.222.18.218 or google is 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4 (if you have PIA installed on your router go with the PIA DNS)

    The second piece of legislation that will log internet, mobile and landline metadata is the � Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015 and that comes into force on the 13th of October. That does not require a VPN to log your data because as I previously mentioned a VPN is not a carriage service provider.

    The third piece of internet control is the "three strikes" anti-piracy regime which, if all the service providers manage to reach an agreement, will become and industry code of conduct (not a piece of legislation / law) which will be a ratified and binding agreement to send users three notices before they shop you to the companies like Sony and Fox etc i.e. after you get caught three time your details will be handed over and you could be prosecuted a la Dallas Buyers Club.

    Blocking VPN access would cause a big stink because they are a perfectly legitimate tool that business use every day. The media companies use them as a matter of course so they would be saying that they should be allowed to have a service that the general public should not have.

  • Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    As in does each PC behind a router have a different IP?

    I thought it worked like this (but I might be wrong)
    The DCHP on the router gives each device a different IP and that is what the VPN provide would look at not the IP address given out by your ISP. If the VPN is on the router then the VPN provider only sees one device IP (the router) and everything behind that is actually protected by the VPN.

  • Jace

    austoak writes...

    Your home network is one IP so that counts as 1 device. You can have a 100 devices at home running via the VPN and they will count as

    No, only if you used vpn via the router.

    If you had 10 computers all using the pia app, only 5 would work simultaneously.

  • TruthOutThere

    I just installed the PIA client on my Windows 10 PC.

    Initially my internet was very slow but its getting better now. Is this normal?

    My new IP is 168.1.6.xx.

    Does that mean I'm all protected now?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:04 am
    Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    Does that mean I'm all protected now

    No, not really. A little bit maybe

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:04 am
    TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    No, not really. A little bit maybe

    1. Can I P2P safely?

    2. Do you say this because PIA is no good or all VPNs are no good?

    3. What do you suggest I do?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:30 am
    Trim Tab

    Check what results this site shows with your PIA connected � https://ipleak.net/

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:30 am
    austoak

    Yeah, sorry should have stated behind router level VPN all devices count as 1.

    I ran some speed tests yesterday and the results were interesting

    Telstra adsl2 connection

    No VPN � 15.8 Mbit
    VPN via PIA APP � 3.4 Mbit
    VPN via PTPP via PC � 3.4 Mbit
    VPN via Router � 12.13 Mbit

    All tests done one after another via speedtest.net

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:31 am
    Mr Gimlet

    If VPN is enabled at the router level, does internal LAN traffic (eg between PCs or a NAS) bypass the VPN? This would seem to be sensible but I'm not sure.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:31 am
    austoak

    Mr Gimlet writes...

    If VPN is enabled at the router level, does internal LAN traffic (eg between PCs or a NAS) bypass the VPN? This would seem to be sensible but I'm not sure.

    Yes. VPN is not used on LAN traffic.

  • Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    1. Can I P2P safely?
    Test your connection, as Trin Tab said check your connection at https://ipleak.net/

    2. Do you say this because PIA is no good or all VPNs are no good?

    PIA has a good reputation and they take their customers privacy seriously

    3. What do you suggest I do?

    There is probably more but this is a good start

    If you want to thoroughly protect your IP from disclosure learn about how to stop a DNS leak There is a box to tick on the PIA app under the advanced tab and also a link to some PIA info.

    Follow the instructions on ipleak on stopping your web browser from leaking WebRTC.

    Install the PIA proxy on your torrenteng software (some people think it sux others don't, make up your own mind) see here How to use uTorrent Anonymously

    Window 10 is a privacy nightmare so adjust the privacy settings Privacy settings you need to change

    Periodicity check ipleak or other IP test site to what is showing up.

  • austoak

    So what is the verdict in regards to torrents? VPN is enough on it's own or do you really need to enable SOCKS5 in the client?

    Seems like everyone has a different opinion.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:38 am
    Dreyfus27

    austoak writes...

    or do you really need to enable SOCKS5 in the client?

    My assumption is that SOCKS5 in the client gives an added level of security, so if the VPN client on the PC drops the the VPN connection you are not exposed (but you can always use the kill switch on the app). Some people reckon it slows things down too much but if you configure it properly it is not too bad.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:38 am
    sween64

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    My assumption is that SOCKS5 in the client gives an added level of security

    I'm sure it isn't advised, but out of curiosity, can you use just SOCKS5 and no VPN and have some level of protection?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:41 am
    batfink0767

    austoak writes...

    Seems like everyone has a different opinio

    I just use the VPN and have Vuze torrent client bind all torrent traffic to the VPN Tap adapter.
    Has worked flawlessly for months.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:41 am
    Dreyfus27

    sween64 writes...

    I'm sure it isn't advised, but out of curiosity, can you use just SOCKS5 and no VPN and have some level of protection?

    I think you can but I wouldn't believe me check � ask PIA live chat

  • batfink0767

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    can you use just SOCKS5 and no VPN and have some level of protection?

    check this video for the info on vpn vs socks5
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

  • Dreyfus27

    batfink0767 writes...

    check this video for the info on vpn vs socks5

    Very informative

  • 2015-Sep-17, 1:32 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    First, this legislation is already in place � The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 and this makes it possible for a media company to apply to a court to obtain and injunction to have a web site that facilitates the illegal downloading of copyright material � i.e kickass or the pirate bay etc � blocked by an ISP (a carriage service provider)

    I'll make this prediction here. The block list is implemented, piratebay and the like is added. Village roadshow or the like make a complaint about being able to access block list content via PIA, claiming within the legislation PIA is just the same as piratebay and must be blocked.

    Governmennt won't want to do this obviously as there are legal activities carried out with PIA, then comes an amendment whereby VPN's that connect to gelocated Austraians must implement the Australian government block list for those customers or the VPN it'self will be added to the block it'self.

    You heard it here first. I called it on 17th Sep 2015

  • 2015-Sep-17, 1:32 pm
    sween64

    batfink0767 writes...

    check this video for the info on vpn vs socks5
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

    Thanks!

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:08 pm
    TruthOutThere

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    then comes an amendment whereby VPN's that connect to gelocated Austraians must implement the Australian government block list for those customers or the VPN it'self will be added to the block it'self.

    That'll be massive.

    The Government has too much power if it comes to that.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:08 pm
    Vyviel

    TruthOutThere writes...

    That'll be massive.

    The Government has too much power if it comes to that.

    Why would that impact Australian users when the company is US based? They dont need to worry about our laws. Its not like the pirate bay is possible to be blocked anyway now they have upgraded their site.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:20 pm
    Jace
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    You heard it here first. I called it on 17th Sep 2015

    Yeah cool story but no, government has no control over US based company. They don't need to comply with shit from our ridiculous government... And if the government blocks the VPN ip? Good, I'll buy another vpn to access my vpn. Or are they going to ask all other vpns to block every other vpn? Doubt it.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:20 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Jace writes...

    government has no control over US based company. They don't need to comply with shit from our ridiculous government... And if the government blocks the VPN ip? Good, I'll buy another vpn to access my vpn.

    They would have to comply with Australian law if they wanted to do business with gelocated Australians.

    So there would be 2 situations. Non compliance = vpn blocked by all Australian ISP's. Compliance = business as usual except impossible to connect via the vpn to any site on the block list, including vpn's not in compliance.

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Jace writes...

    Yeah cool story but no, government has no control over US based company.

    I doubt they would bother trying to get a VPN to block IP addresses as you say no government has no control over US based company. PIA's DNS servers are not located in Australia, and are used by people from all over the world so they are beyond the reach of Australian law. The would have to actually block the access to to all the VPN providers and then it is just a matter of Build your own personal cloud VPN and tunnelling out and buy another VPN . Bypassing the IP blocking in Australia is as simple as 8.8.8.8

  • Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    I doubt they would bother trying to get a VPN to block IP addresses as you say no government has no control over US based company.

    Their capitulation has nothing to do with jurisdiction of Australian law overseas, It's just one of what makes the best business sense. If PIA's servers are blocked by Australian ISPs it will cripple them in this country, especially PIA, which is maybe the vpn with the highest amount of dumb people aka non technicaly computer literate plebs. Them and ProXpn

    So what makes the best business sense, to be blocked in Australia or to implement The rules of the Great Australian firewall [for Australian people]

    I need you peopole to realise what could happen based on current legislation. You deniers need to be ready

  • TruthOutThere

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    https://ipleak.net/

    I got asked to install WebRTC Network Limiter to Chrome.

    Is this safe or a scam?

    https://ipleak.net/#webrtcleak

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Their capitulation has nothing to do with jurisdiction of Australian law overseas

    Their capitulation is necessary if they are to block IP's on their DNS servers, to block PIA outright is a different matter

    If PIA's servers are blocked by Australian ISPs it will cripple them in this country, especially PIA, which is maybe the vpn with the highest amount of dumb people aka non technicaly computer literate plebs.

    How will that happen and what is your solution? At this point in time a good VPN is the best show in town for protecting your privacy. If you are not one of us "dumb people aka non technically computer literate plebs" what about sharing some of your knowledge to enlighten the less fortunate.

    Personally I get the fact that an RAS 2048 handshake and Blowfish (128 bit) encryption in CBD mode is not a 100% guarantee against the NSA cracking open your data log. But for most of us it means that what comes down the line or over the air waves is not just exposed and raw data that your ISP is going to be easily able to see and our IP address is for all intents and purposes is obscured. Personally I like the fact that if an online crime gang look at my data stream and an unencrypted one they will take the unencrypted. The more people who use VPN's the harder it is to ban them.

    If the government of the day decide to introduce a Great Firewall approach as they have in China then we can assume that we are now living under a totalitarian regime and we will best be organising our selves to take up the fight against such a oppressive system. Putting on a tin hat (or even a heavy-duty copper helmet) and trying to frighten people is not the answer. If you have evidence or information about PIA or if you know of better VPN providers then let us in on the secret, if you have other information to offer then help us understand what to do better, I am sure your input would be welcome.

    I need you peopole to realise what could happen based on current legislation. You deniers need to be ready

    I refer you to my posts on the thread I started here Heads-up, digital privacy ends on October 13 and in particular the post I put up tonight to assure you that personally, I for one am no denier of what is going on.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 6:13 pm
    Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    I got asked to install WebRTC Network Limiter to Chrome.

    Is this safe or a scam?

    It doesn't work properly. Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 6:13 pm
    Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    I got asked to install WebRTC Network Limiter to Chrome.

    It is a fairly recent addition to attempt to resolve the problem. The fix for Firefox works.

  • Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    If you are not one of us "dumb people aka non technically computer literate plebs" what about sharing some of your knowledge to enlighten the less fortunate.

    I just meant you gave possible solutions to connecting to a VPN after it's been blocked by Australian ISP's, but as PIA likely has the most mainstream non technical users the government block would be very effective but I can't imagine that happening more likely PIA mirrors our isp block lists & in doing so stays out of the list itself
    I agree a VPN is still effective at securing your connection except against the 5 eyes countries which includes NSA , Australiia & others. They are in the VPN's so encryption won't protect you.

  • TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

    What browser should I use then?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 7:43 pm
    batfink0767

    TruthOutThere writes...

    What browser should I use then?

    firefox or chrome based browser Slimjet ( has disable webrtc option built in) http://www.slimjet.com/en/
    also has lots of options that chrome doesn't have.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 7:43 pm
    austoak

    Jace writes...

    It doesn't work properly. Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

    Does the same go for router based VPN? Or is it only the PIA Program that has this vulnerability while using chrome?

    I am surprised Google has not resolved this in a chrome update.

  • TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

    My understanding is that WebRTC reveals your IP to the website you are visiting.

    Is it important to hide your IP to the website you are visiting?

    Anyway, I installed the WebRTC Network Limiter and https://ipleak.net/ suggests that I am now safe.

  • Vyviel

    You guys could just use Tor if your really worried.

  • B-Man
    this post was edited

    before i buy a new router im wondering how i should setup my vpn connections...

    i want to have my own private vpn so i can connect my phone/ laptop to my home network so its as if i was connected via wifi if i want to print remotely access stored items off my NAS etc (i currently have an old DD-WRT router doing it through PPtP but it doesnt work half the time) and then get PIA for my home network.

    would it be best to run this on a router to do all the traffic?
    or is it better to run on each device i want?

    is there any sites i would have issues with? i have seen whirlpool has a captcha is this going to affect online banking etc?

    if running it on the router is there a way to turn it off if needed? would i ever need to?
    can i have traffic not run through the vpn on the router if required?

    can i run certain sites through a different vpn IP. eg normal traffic use the australian IP but any sites that are blocked can i use a different one ie US netflix, hulu etc

    what would the best router to do this be? is the asus rt-ac68u good?

  • 2tyres

    B-Man writes...

    and then get PIA for my home network. would it be best to run this on a router to do all the traffic?

    Yes. I use the netgear r7000 flashed with tomato.

    f running it on the router is there a way to turn it off if needed? would i ever need to?

    Yes it takes only a few seconds to activate/deactivate. By setting up good firewall rules there are probably no real reasons to need to deactivate.

    can i run certain sites through a different vpn IP. eg normal traffic use the australian IP but any sites that are blocked can i use a different one ie US netflix, hulu etc

    By creating firewall rules using iptables you can achieve this.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:17 pm
    JoffaR

    To those who are running OpenVPN using the PIA provided configs on windows (7).

    Im getting an error which pops up after 2hrs of being connected saying that the vpn has been disconnected. The disconnect button disappears but in reality the vpn is still connected, just the gui thinks its not.

    Anyone know whats going on with that and how to fix it?

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:17 pm
    Tig

    Windows 10 issue, I have a new PC and PIA does not load when PC starts up I have to click icon ever time to connect. Is this normal and is there a fix for it.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:25 pm
    batfink0767

    are you using the latest client V47 ? its been out for a couple of weeks.
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/18386/new-windows-client-v-47-released

    1) Released an updated startup task setup, to correct the automatic startup of the application on Windows 10

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:25 pm
    Tig

    batfink0767 writes...

    are you using the latest client V47 ? its been out for a couple of weeks.

    Thanks i must of just missed this release by a few days all good now. Cheers

  • Dreyfus27

    WhoCares writes...

    Windows 10 issue, I have a new PC and PIA does not load when PC starts up I have to click icon ever time to connect. Is this normal and is there a fix for it.

    Have you ticked the box under settings that says "start application a logon" and "auto connect when app starts"

  • B-Man

    is it better to setup via the router or on each pc?

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    austoak

    B-Man writes...

    is it better to setup via the router or on each pc?

    I would go with router if wanting to get everything behind the VPN Plus in my small test I saw much better speeds with VPN on router.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    Jace

    B-Man writes...

    is it better to setup via the router or on each pc?

    It really depends.

    If you do it at router level, and then login to things like social media, or google mail etc with your VPN IP Address, technically you're no longer anonymous. Whereas doing it at client / pc level, you can turn on / off as you please.

    There's arguments either way depending on your level of anonymity required

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    iSoul

    austoak writes...

    I would go with router if wanting to get everything behind the VPN Plus in my small test I saw much better speeds with VPN on router.

    Does anybody else have problem finding VPN section on Billion 7800NXL? I think it may not support this feature having looked on OzCableguy (http://www.ozcableguy.com/review.asp?router=7800NXL).

    So far I installed v.47 PIA client and using at its default settings (enabled VPN kill switch/DNS leak protection/IPv6 protection).

    Do I need to do anything else? I use qBittorrent and Chrome/Firefox/Operah to browse torrent sites.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    austoak

    I seem to be finding a few websites that I come across are blocking access while I am on VPN. Are people finding this? For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 10:00 pm
    2tyres

    austoak writes...

    For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

    It worked for me through pia.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 10:00 pm
    batfink0767
    this post was edited

    austoak writes...

    For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

    working fine here, even tried u.s .france and aussie servers. All let me onto the site no problem.
    If your accessing using a bookmark try access thru google search.
    edit, i haven't come across any sites blocking access, but i do primarily use the Aussie servers.
    Maybe try clearing your cookies,cache and site preferences on your browser.

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    austoak writes...

    I seem to be finding a few websites that I come across are blocking access while I am on VPN. Are people finding this? For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

    You get that, for instance you can't post an ad on gumtree or you can't view content on iview etc. because they're region specific Sometimes changing to the PIA Aus servers will do it other times you just need to disconnect the VPN. Also sometimes Whirlpool will block you and make you fill in a capcha box.

  • austoak

    I am using the Melb servers so geo locking should not be an issue. Will try the suggestions posted, thanks boys.

  • austoak

    batfink0767 writes...

    working fine here, even tried u.s .france and aussie servers. All let me onto the site no problem.
    If your accessing using a bookmark try access thru google search.
    edit, i haven't come across any sites blocking access, but i do primarily use the Aussie servers.
    Maybe try clearing your cookies,cache and site preferences on your brows

    Tried all that and still no go. I could get onto carsales a couple days ago today nothing. I'll see if this persists.

  • batfink0767

    i'm guessing you have tried / tested more than one browser ?

  • 2015-Sep-19, 3:47 pm
    austoak

    batfink0767 writes...

    i'm guessing you have tried / tested more than one browser ?

    yeah I have and tried mobile devices. no go might change the melb server to another melb server as I think there are 2.

  • 2015-Sep-19, 3:47 pm
    austoak

    Well changing the server to the other melb one fixed the issue. But it is no good that it happens at all.

  • 2015-Sep-19, 8:03 pm
    Dreyfus27

    austoak writes...

    But it is no good that it happens at all.

    Welcome to the wonderful world of geo blocking

  • 2015-Sep-19, 8:03 pm
    Haarvey

    Where did you find the 2nd Melbourne server? I only see one on the PIA server list.

  • 2015-Sep-20, 5:38 pm
    austoak

    The other one is listed in the PIA APP.

  • 2015-Sep-20, 5:38 pm
    Dreyfus27

    PIA only list two AU servers, on the website they appear as
    Australia (AU VPN)
    aus.privateinternetaccess.com
    aus-melbourne.privateinternetaccess.com

    But it the app version I have they are listed as one in Sydney and the other in Melbourne

  • 2015-Sep-20, 6:17 pm
    Utelcoguy
    this post was edited

    PIA doesn't have a Server in China. Is it true that no VPN providers have reliable and usable VPN servers to China these days, given the upgraded Great Wall?

    Edit: add comment FROM EXPRESS VPN CONSULTANT WITH PERMISSION: I think there are other VPN providers who have servers in China � as for their usability � we do not have accurate information about the other VPN providers.
    We do know that China does not allow VPN services in China and frequently try to block VPN services. So it would make sense that they would not allow any VPN service to actually setup a VPN server in their country.

  • 2015-Sep-20, 6:17 pm
    Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Utelcoguy writes...

    FROM EXPRESS VPN

    Watch out for the Terms of servercs at Express VPN

    "In addition, we may collect the following information: times when connected to our service, choice of server location, and the total amount of data transferred per day. We store this to be able to deliver the best possible network experience to you. We analyze this information generically and keep the data secure."

    PIA dont do that.

  • seriously

    austoak writes...

    I seem to be finding a few websites that I come across are blocking access while I am on VPN.

    i must have logged onto whirlpool forum initially when i was on sydney's server. now when i use melbourne server whirlpool blocks me saying dued to suspicious acitivities on this server!!!??? it still let me in with sydney server however.

  • theinternetpark

    I have a FritzBox 7490 and want to configure PIA at the router level.

    Have read mixed reviews that it is and isn't possible.

    Has anyone been successful is using this router and PIA?

    I'd prefer to not buy another device just to get a VPN.

  • iSoul

    Auto connect always connects me to Sydney and it's so slowww. To the point that Facebook and Youtube home page will take nearly a minute to load.

    No problems when I'm not on the VPN.

  • Dreyfus27

    iSoul writes...

    Auto connect always connects me to Sydney and it's so slowww.

    right click on the app icon and choose another server as your default rather than auto connect, try Melbourne or Singapore, if a server is slow try swapping around till you find a faster connection. If that doesn't help it might be in your setup so contact the live help.

  • 2015-Sep-21, 10:13 am
    Kurgan

    Been meaning to ask for a while but keep forgetting so here goes: How do you get PIA to auto start with Windows 10?

    The box is ticked in PIA, it's in the windows startup section but it doesn't start until I manually click the icon.

    Whilst not a big issue, is there a simple fix to this?

  • 2015-Sep-21, 10:13 am
    J.C.

    Kurgan writes...

    The box is ticked in PIA, it's in the windows startup section but it doesn't start until I manually click the icon.

    Whilst not a big issue, is there a simple fix to this?

    There's been a few posts saying that you need the latest PIA client to re enable the auto feature. This post here links to the software you probably need. /forum-replies.cfm?t=2340617&p=98#r1943

  • 2015-Sep-21, 9:58 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    The box is ticked in PIA, it's in the windows startup section but it doesn't start until I manually click the icon.

    It might be a glitch in the app but I know that some people miss the fact that you need to have both boxes in the setting ticked i.e. < start Application at Logon > AND < Auto-Connect When App is Started>

  • 2015-Sep-21, 9:58 pm
    Kurgan

    Thanks for the above, both of those are ticked so no luck there.

    There are reports of others having the same issue but there doesn't appear to be a definite fix as yet.

  • 2015-Sep-21, 11:05 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    both of those are ticked so no luck there.

    Have a talk with PIA the 'live chat' is pretty good.

  • 2015-Sep-21, 11:05 pm
    Pikey18

    I fixed it creating a "At Login" task in Task Scheduler. Loads fine every time using that method.

  • 2015-Sep-22, 7:47 am
    batfink0767

    Pikey18 writes...

    I fixed it creating a "At Login" task in Task Scheduler. Loads fine every time using that method.

    are you using the latest client V47 ? its been out for a couple of weeks.
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/18386/new-windows-client-v-47-released

    1) Released an updated startup task setup, to correct the automatic startup of the application on Windows 10

  • 2015-Sep-22, 7:47 am
    Kurgan
    this post was edited

    batfink0767 writes...

    are you using the latest client V47 ?

    Didn't realise this was out, have downloaded and will see if that makes a difference.

    EDIT: Oh hell yeah, now we're cooking. The update worked perfectly upon a restart of the Laptop.

    Thanks Batfink and Dreyfus.

  • drd71

    What version is the Mac Client up to?

  • gilby

    drd71 writes...

    What version is the Mac Client up to?

    I find it very hard to work out the version because the install and the application itself are so convoluted (by Mac standards). But I download the latest version today and it is different. My old version had a grey PIA figure in the menu bar � now I have a padlock. So all I can say is that the Mac client is now the 'padlock' version.

  • 2015-Sep-23, 7:21 am
    Waz
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