Hotspot Shield 1.22

Access the likes of Pandora and Hulu from outside the US

Hotspot Shield is a free software that allows you not only to secure your connection while surfing wifi hotspots, but also to access sites not normally available outside of the USA.

To secure your Internet connection, Hotspot Shield creates a Virtual Private Network (a secure connection, usually abbreviated to VPN) between your computer and the developer's website Anchorfree, based in the USA.

Everything is done in an extra tab open in your browser so there's no need to configure anything. A green and red shield in your menu bar indicates when and when it is not connected. The VPN is obviously encrypted (protected) - although it's not clear with what level of security is offered - so that you can surf safely without worrying about other intercepting your data.

The major reason why users are flocking to Hotspot Shield though is because it allows you to view sites in the USA that are usually restricted to outside users. This is particularly useful for video sites such as Hulu or restricted videos on YouTube. Well that's the theory anyway. The reality is that surfing with Hotspot Shield is: a) painfully slow, and b) does not always circumvent restrictions in the USA. I tried to access Hulu and although I didn't get the restricted access message (I got a message that the adverts had failed to load for some reason), the video never actually started. You could tell there was a significant slow down in surfing speed too. However, users report more success trying to access music site Pandora with Hotspot Shield.

Hotspot Shield is very easy to use and a great idea but don't expect it to perform miracles because it may not deliver the site access you hoped, and surfing with it can be very slow.

License:

Free

Added:

June 10, 2009

Updated:

August 28, 2009

Publisher:

Website

File size:

4.7 MB

Downloads:

37,399

• DownloadFree

Pros

• Secures your Internet connection
• May allow you to watch sites restricted in your region

Cons

• Inserts advertising banners into sites you visit
• Slows down connection
• 5GB transfer limit
• Tries to install a toolbar on installation