Category Archives: Mac OS

How to Unblock Reddit at School or Work

Reddit is one of the most visited websites in the world. If offers vast and diverse communities (called subreddits) that cover everything from breaking news in your city to video games and career advice. In particular, it’s a top destination for sharing opinions and personal experiences related to niche interests.

Despite its usefulness, Reddit is frequently blocked at schools, workplaces, and even in some countries.

Luckily, it’s usually straightforward to find a workaround. If you’re looking to regain access, this guide explains why Reddit is often restricted and how to safely and effectively unblock it using a VPN.

A Brief History of Reddit And Why It’s Great for Research

Founded in 2005 by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, Reddit quickly became the “front page of the internet.” Its name is a play on the phrase “read it.” The alien featured in the logo is a genderless time-traveler named Snoo. Reddit hosts thousands of subreddits where users post content, ask questions, and share knowledge on virtually any topic.

For students, professionals, and researchers, Reddit is a valuable resource. Subreddits like r/AskScience, r/ExplainLikeImFive, and r/DataIsBeautiful offer insights that are often more digestible and practical than traditional academic sources. Reddit’s upvote system highlights the most useful and accurate responses, making it a powerful tool for learning and discovery.

Why Reddit Is Often Blocked at School or Work

Decision-makers often lump Reddit in with social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Despite its unique benefits, Reddit is commonly blocked in schools and offices.

The reasons for blocking it include:

Distraction: Reddit can be addictive, with endless content that can take focus away from work or study.
NSFW Content: Some subreddits include adult content or material that’s inappropriate in a public setting.
Bandwidth Usage: In some cases, high traffic from image and video-heavy subreddits can strain network resources.
Content Moderation Concerns: Because Reddit is community-driven, not all content is vetted or moderated uniformly.

Network administrators often block Reddit using firewalls or DNS restrictions to maintain productivity and a safe browsing environment.

Countries That Block Reddit

Reddit has also faced restrictions or complete bans in several countries, often due to political or cultural reasons.

Here are the countries that block Reddit or have blocked it in the past:

China: Reddit is fully blocked as part of the country’s broader internet censorship policies.
Indonesia: Temporarily banned Reddit in the past due to concerns over explicit content.
Russia: Has issued temporary blocks on certain Reddit pages over drug-related discussions.
India: Occasionally restricts access to specific subreddits considered offensive.

In these cases, users often turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass such restrictions.

How a VPN Helps You Unblock Reddit

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. When connected to a VPN server, your online activity appears to originate from a different location. You’re given an IP address allowing you to bypass content filters, firewalls, and regional restrictions.

This means that if Reddit is blocked on your network or in your country, a VPN can mask your traffic, making it look like you’re browsing from a location where Reddit is freely accessible.

How to Unblock Reddit with a VPN: Step-by-Step

Choose a Reputable VPN Provider
Look for a VPN with strong security, fast speeds, and a no-logs policy. Check out LetMeBy’s top VPN picks here.

Download and Install the VPN App
Most VPNs offer apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This allows for advanced functionality and makes configuring each piece of software you use unnecessary.

Launch the App and Sign In
Use your credentials to log into your VPN account.

Connect to a VPN Server
Choose a server in a country where Reddit is not blocked. Ideally, select one close to your actual location for the best download speed.

Open Reddit
Visit www.reddit.com or use the app as you normally would. The restrictions you noticed earlier should be removed!

Tips for Choosing the Best VPN to Access Reddit

There are tons of choices out there for VPN services, but not all of them are created equal.

Here are some qualities to look for to ensure you choose a VPN that provides an outstanding experience on Reddit:

Strong Encryption: Look for VPNs using AES-256 encryption for top-notch security.
No-Logs Policy: Ensures your activity isn’t tracked or stored.
Kill Switch Feature: Cuts internet access if the VPN drops, protecting your identity.
Fast Speeds: Essential for browsing image-heavy content and videos on Reddit.
Effectively Bypasses Restrictions: Choose VPNs known for getting past firewalls, like those used in schools or workplaces.
Good Customer Support: In case you run into issues unblocking Reddit or connecting to a server.

If you’re ready to look at specific VPN providers, I’ve got you.

These are LetMeBy’s recommended VPNs for unblocking Reddit:

Conclusion

Reddit is more than just another Facebook clone. It’s a hub of community-driven knowledge, advice, and entertainment.

While it’s often blocked at school, work, or in certain countries, these restrictions can be bypassed safely using a VPN. By choosing the right VPN and following a few simple steps, you can unlock Reddit’s full potential wherever you are.

Contrary to the belief of some, Reddit can be a productive tool. Just remember to use your newfound access responsibly, whether you’re diving into r/AskHistorians or checking out the latest memes in search of inspiration.

Netflix US vs. Canada: Which Wins on Content?

Does this story sound familiar? A Canadian Netflix subscriber hears about a hot new show on social media. The show is supposedly on Netflix, but it’s nowhere to be found.

Netflix is a global entertainment giant, but its content library varies significantly from country to country. In particular, Netflix US and Netflix Canada offer distinct collections of movies and TV shows, each with its strengths and weaknesses. While both regions share a vast number of popular titles, there are key differences that can make one library more appealing than the other.

Comparing Content Libraries

Netflix US once boasted a larger overall library compared to Netflix Canada. However, now Canada is on top.

According to recent data, Netflix US offers 6,389 titles in total, including about 2,438 TV shows and 3,951 movies. Meanwhile, Netflix Canada has approximately 6,734 titles, with about 2,376 TV shows and 4,358 movies.

This disparity in content is primarily due to regional licensing agreements and content acquisition strategies. It’s important to note that exclusives in the US and Canada change over time as Netflix’s libraries are constantly evolving.

US-Exclusive Titles

The main reason people want to use Netflix US outside of the US is to gain access to exclusives. Some movies and TV shows are only available to US subscribers.

Notable examples of these shows include Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS. Also, movies like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Joker, and May December are US exclusives.

US exclusives often include critically acclaimed series, blockbuster films, and niche genres that may not be accessible in other regions.

Canada-Exclusive Titles

Despite having a smaller library of TV shows, Netflix Canada offers unique content that can’t be found in the US. Additionally, Netflix Canada has more movies than Netflix US.

Movies like The Untouchables, The Hunt, and Blue Valentine are on Netflix Canada, but they currently can’t be streamed in the US. Some acclaimed movies like The Devil Wears Prada and The Shawshank Redemption aren’t on Netflix US either.

The exclusives on Netflix Canada often include Canadian-produced series, international films, and critically acclaimed indie content.

Why the Differences?

US and Canadian audiences enjoy much of the same content, so why does Netflix have different libraries for each country?

The differences in content libraries between Netflix US and Netflix Canada come down to licensing agreements. Netflix negotiates distribution rights with content creators and studios, and these agreements are often limited by country or region. As a result, Netflix may have the rights to stream a specific title in one country but not another.

Which Library Is Better?

Many Canadians wonder if the grass is greener in the US in terms of streaming content.

For most viewers, Netflix US is generally considered the superior library due to its larger selection of mainstream films and popular TV series. However, Netflix Canada is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of mainstream and international content, along with a curated selection of Canadian productions.

Netflix Canada’s library has been making big gains and it’s now larger than Netflix US. For sheer variety and quantity of movies, Canada has an edge.

Who Should Choose Netflix US?

Viewers looking for the latest blockbuster movies and trending TV shows
Fans of US-exclusive content, including classic shows like The Office (US), Charmed, and The Wonder Years
Those seeking the biggest movies and shows everyone is talking about

Who Should Choose Netflix Canada?

Fans of Canadian films and TV shows
Viewers interested in international and indie content
Those seeking a slightly more curated selection of titles

Using a VPN to Access Both Libraries

These days, the Netflix library you’re shown in your country is just the starting point.

For viewers who want the best of both worlds, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide access to both Netflix US and Netflix Canada libraries from anywhere in the world. However, Netflix actively works to detect and block VPN usage, so results may vary depending on the VPN provider.

Check out LetMeBy’s list of the top VPNs here.

Conclusion

So, which library is better? There’s no clear winner here. There are far more similarities than differences, but the differences stand out when you’re looking for a specific movie or show.

While Netflix US offers a broader selection of mainstream content, Netflix Canada stands out with its curated selection of Canadian and international titles. Ultimately, the better choice depends on individual viewing preferences. Though with a VPN, viewers can experience both libraries and enjoy all the content Netflix offers worldwide.

How to Unblock Facebook at School or Work

Facebook is the vanilla social media app, and everyone from your aunt to your grade school classmates is on it.

An incredible amount of useful content lives on the platform. Thus, it can be frustrating when your place of work or school decides to block access to it.

Before diving into how you can unblock Facebook, let’s look at the app’s astounding prominence and staying power (which commonly puts it at the top of the list of apps to block), why it could be blocked, and the countries that block Facebook right out of the gate.

The App that Keeps Going and Going

Facebook has remained one of the most popular social media platforms in the world since its launch in 2004.

Despite changing digital trends and the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Facebook continues to be a central hub for staying connected with friends, sharing updates, joining communities, and discovering news.

Yet, many schools and workplaces block access to Facebook, limiting how and when users can engage with the platform.

Why Is Facebook Blocked at School or Work?

Institutions often block Facebook to minimize distractions, improve productivity, and maintain control over network usage. Schools may restrict access to ensure students stay focused on academic content, while employers do so to keep employees on task during working hours.

Network administrators typically block Facebook using firewalls or DNS filtering. These tools detect and deny traffic to specific domains. In this case, facebook.com and its related services are added to a list of domains to block on the local network. More advanced systems may even inspect encrypted traffic to detect Facebook usage via HTTPS.

Countries That Block Facebook

While many people only encounter restrictions in institutional settings, there are countries where Facebook is blocked entirely due to government censorship. For example:

China: Facebook has been blocked since 2009.
North Korea: All social media platforms, including Facebook, are banned for most citizens.
Iran: Facebook is restricted due to content control and political reasons.

In such cases, a more robust workaround is necessary to access the platform. In short, VPNs are commonly used to unblock Facebook, but not all of them work reliably in China, North Korea, and Iran.

How to Use a VPN to Unblock Facebook

Regaining access to Facebook is primarily about using the right tool.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective tools to bypass restrictions. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your location and allowing you to access blocked content.

Follow these steps to use a VPN and unblock Facebook:

Choose a VPN Service: Look for a reputable VPN provider that values privacy, has strong encryption, and offers fast speeds. Recommendations are in the next subheading in this article.
Install the VPN App: Download the VPN app from the official website or app store for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS).
Log In to Your VPN Account: Open the app and sign in using your VPN credentials.
Choose a Server Location: Select a server in a country or region where Facebook is not blocked, such as the United States or Toronto, Canada.
Switch Locations by Switching Servers: If one server is slow or still blocked, try another until you find a smooth connection.
Launch Facebook: Open your browser or the Facebook app. You should now be able to access the platform without restrictions.

Tips for Choosing the Best VPN for Facebook

Thinking about getting a VPN, but don’t know what to look for? Just about any VPN can unblock Facebook in most countries. However, for the best experience, here are some things to look for:

No-logs Policy: Ensure the VPN doesn’t store data about your browsing activity.
Fast Speeds: Since social media involves images, videos, and live content, choose a VPN with minimal speed loss.
Strong Encryption: Look for 256-bit AES encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
Wide Server Network: More servers mean more options to bypass blocks.
Device Compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.

Now, if you’re ready to start looking at specific services, I’ve got you.

Here are LetMeBy’s recommended VPNs for unblocking Facebook:

Conclusion

Facebook’s global presence makes it a key platform for personal and professional communication, but it’s often restricted in schools, workplaces, or in certain countries. These blocks are typically implemented to reduce distractions or enforce regulations.

At times, content on Facebook can really save the day and help you complete your tasks. So, contrary to the belief of some, it isn’t just a productivity killer.

By using a VPN, you can safely and effectively bypass these restrictions. Simply choose a reliable service, use their VPN app, and you’re good to go. With the right tools and knowledge, regaining access to Facebook is straightforward and secure.

How to Hide Your IP in Transmission

There are two primary ways to hide your IP address in a BitTorrent client: with a proxy server or a VPN.

Many software developers have moved away from including proxy configuration options as the technology has been overshadowed by VPNs. Transmission is no exception.

The latest version of Transmission has no built-in proxy features. It was removed after version 2.11.

The software developer took it out citing the reason: “Proxy support was not very good – we only support tracker proxies, not peer ones.”

You can still easily hide your IP and identity in Transmission with a VPN such as NordVPN by using the VPN client software they bundle with the service.

Once the client software is connected to the VPN all your online activity will be made anonymous by the VPN service, whether you use Transmission to download torrents on your Mac or simply for browsing the web.

People who prefer to use a proxy server either have to stick with Transmission 2.11 despite its limitations or switch to alternative software like µTorrent.

VPNs Protect You but Aren’t a Substitute for Antivirus

VPNs get a lot of praise for their ability to boost one’s privacy online. Many wrongfully assume that because VPNs hide their IP address and offer a high level of encryption, they’re protected without antivirus software.

In actuality, VPNs and antivirus software serve completely different purposes.

Although using a VPN makes it nearly impossible to determine your identity through certain means, it won’t stop other methods to get hold of your private data such as phishing.

It’s estimated that one-fourth of PCs have no virus protection. That’s a camp you don’t want to be in. Unprotected machines are 5.5 times as likely to get infected.

Cybercriminals have gotten craftier and bolder than ever. On top of that, bad actors are taking more action than ever. Cyberattacks increased 125% in 2021 compared to the previous year. And there are no signs of it slowing down.

The bad guys have adapted and so will internet users. Those who use both antivirus and VPN are being proactive and are best prepared for threats now and in the future.

How Antivirus Software Protects You Online

One of the key components of antivirus software is its database. Online threats are always evolving so antivirus software downloads the latest threat database automatically before scanning your computer.

Security software either detects threats in real-time as soon as they appear or during a scheduled or manual scan of your hard drive. If malicious code is detected it’s either quarantined or deleted.

Malware is a generic term that includes many types of harmful software such as viruses, trojans, worms, and spyware. The next category everyone needs to be aware of is phishing. This is when bad actors pretend to be legitimate companies and services to extract personal data such as login details and credit card numbers.

Security software such as Norton 360 and Kaspersky Internet Security have a comprehensive approach so you’re defended from information security threats, network attacks, phishing attacks, and spam.

How VPNs Protect You Online

Data is incredibly valuable to businesses and institutions. There’s a whole industry dedicated to it, often referred to as big data. In 2022, the big data analytics market size was estimated to be worth USD 272 billion.

Private data is also valuable to shady third parties and cybercriminals which is the most immediate threat to the average internet user.

Thus, with each passing year, it’s more and more important to be mindful of how you protect your privacy online. There are plenty of improvements you can make by drilling down into the privacy settings of the online services you use. However, companies will never give you full control of your privacy. By using a VPN, you easily and effectively level up your privacy across all the apps and platforms of your choice.

VPN is short for Virtual Private Network. Essentially, you can think of a VPN as a tunnel that encrypts all data that moves between your internet connection and your device.

It replaces your true IP address with an IP associated with the location you select. This makes it nearly impossible for people and organizations to determine who you are and where you’re located by viewing your IP address.

To learn about the top 3 VPN services recommended on LetMeBy, visit this page.

Using Both Antivirus Software and a VPN is the Best Defence

Antivirus software and VPN apps complement each other perfectly. One if your best defense against malware and the other is your best defense against companies, third parties, and organizations compiling data about you based on your actions online.

VPNs have security benefits as well as it encrypts data during transit. This protects you from attackers that aim to intercept data going to your device or network. Once the data has reached your device, it’s up to antivirus software to deal with threats.

Antivirus software is essential. This is why Windows Defender is pre-installed on any current Windows machine. VPNs have seen an incredible boost in adoption in the past several years, but not every internet user needs a VPN. Everyone can benefit from using a VPN, but you need to value your online privacy to want it.

Wide-ranging security software is becoming more common. These solutions include both antivirus and VPN software.

Is Windows Defender Enough?

You might be old, but are you old enough to remember downloading McAfee on your new PC after installing Windows XP?

Windows has come a long way since then in terms of security features. Before the release of Vista, Windows users had to get third-party antivirus to protect their computers. Today, Windows Defender is preinstalled and Windows automatically downloads and applies the latest security updates.

Windows machines don’t really need third-party antivirus software since Windows Defender is perfectly capable.

The main reason to get third-party antivirus software is you find its features compelling. For example, gamers appreciate “gaming mode” which is found in software such as Kaspersky Internet Security. By enabling it, functions such as system scans and notifications won’t interrupt your gaming experience while the antivirus works in the background.

Full security suites provide the most added value. These software packages protect you from spam, unsafe websites, shady applications, webcam breaches, and more.

Conclusion

It’s easy for Windows users. Simply add a VPN to complement the antivirus software already preinstalled: Windows Defender. This gives you protection where it matters most. Still, when something is easy, we sometimes lose sight of what’s working for us in the background. Antivirus software is essential and VPNs are in no way a replacement for it.

Online privacy and protecting yourself from malware are related and more than ever there’s overlap between the two. However, for the best solution is to use both a VPN and antivirus.