A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a tool we use to extend a private network across a public network. What it does is that it allows users to send and receive data as if they were both connected to the same private network.
There is a whole lot of articles on the Internet about the Best VPNs for Terrenting; and of course, using a VPN for torrenting is one of the most extended uses of them. But in reality, they allow for much more.
A VPN secures your computer internet connection, and in doing so guarantees that every single piece of data you send away or you receive is encrypted, and thus secure.
Although many people relate VPNs with illegal downloads, that is a clear mistake. First of all, VPN is a tool to bring more security to a network connection when your computer is not physically connected. The user may do tons of stuff, as you can do on the Internet.
For instance you can have a VPN provider when you log into a public Wi-Fi network at a cafe, an airport or any other place without worrying someone is snooping around.
Of course, for those dowloading, any kind of downloads, wether it´s video, a torrent, or white papers, documents, or any toher thing, you need to establish a connection; and doing so via VPN your computer will be much safer. Of course, if you are indeed using Torrent, there is no good alternative than to have a VPN, and that is why many people associate directly Torrenting with VPNs.
The VPNs also are a good use to try and keep data prying if you are worried about privacy, and you want all of your communications to be encrypted and secure.
Then you have the international uses of VPNs. Sometimes you are away and cannot access some important data or information because it is limited to a specific country or area. Then the use of VPNs can help because they mask the connection and pose as if they are local from the country you need it to be.
As folks at Lifehacker put it, how you will decide which is the best VPN for you is by checking the balance of features, server location, connectivity protocols, and price.
And when you start thinking about the best VPNs for Torrenting, think of how much else they can provide you with, and weigh that into your decision.