VPN subscriptions cost money, and theyoften require a bit of research just to figure out if theyre legit.

A VPN is a group of computers networked together over a public data pipe, usually the internet.

Youll be able to do all this using a $20 bit of software that works onanyMac.

Plus, its dead simple.

Then, grab a copy ofOS X Serverfrom the App Store.

Basically, your mileage may vary.

You could use your homes IP address (e.g.

We recommendFreeDNSbecause its free,but you have other options.

Sign up foran account on FreeDNSand validate your email address.

Make a note of your domain name (itll be something like jimssecretVPN.crabdance.com).

To do this, youll enableport forwarding.

This is the most complicated part, because the process varies from router to router.

This is usually something like192.168.1.1.

Find the DHCP or Static Leases section.

This process varies from router to router, butwe outline how to do it here.

If your router doesnt have this option, you cangive your Mac a static IP address instead.

Make note of the Macs new IP address, since youll need it below.

Now, find the port forwarding section.

This is where youll enable port forwarding.

Add those four ports, as shown in the example screenshot above.

secure your tweaks when finished.

Lets get the rest working.

Step Four: Set Up Your Server

Remember that Dynamic DNS account we set up earlier?

smack the your computers name from the left menu.

Click Edit Host Name… and click Next when prompted.

Click Internet and click Next.

Under Host Name, jot down in the domain name you registered it step two, then click Finish.

When prompted, click Set Up DNS and let it automatically start and configure DNS.

You shouldnt need to change any of these controls.

Thats it for the server portion.

OS X Servers automatic configurations should work for most people.

Step Five: Start Your VPN

Now its time to finally get that VPN up and running.

This parts pretty simple:

smack the VPN section on the sidebar in OS X Server.

Create a Shared Secret password.

Find the Client Addresses section and click Edit Addresses.

These are the IP addresses your server will dole out to computers that connect to the VPN.

By default, it should already have your networks IP address entered in (something like192.168.1.xx).

This will prevent any issues with VPN connections interfering with other connections on your online grid.

Switch the VPN to On.

After about 10-20 seconds, the status should switch to Available at [Your Host Name].

That means youre all set and ready to go.

you oughta set up each of your devices separately.

Regardless of where youre connecting from, your account information is always the same.

You also have the Shared Secret, which is a second password you set up in step five.

Open web link & Internet.

Click Add a VPN Connection.

Click Save when youre done.

pick the VPN you created and click Connect.

Mac

Open System Preferences > web link.

smack the + sign.

Select VPN, then pick L2TP.

Enter in your server address and account name, then click Authentication configs.

Enter in your password and shared secret, then click Ok.

Click Connect.

iOS

Tap controls > General > VPN.

Tap Add VPN Configuration.

Set the status to On.

Android

Tap configs > Wireless and online grid configs > VPN configs.

Select Basic VPN and then Add VPN.

Select Add L2TP/IPSec PSK VPN.

Enter in your server address, account information, shared secret, and password.

Your VPN is up and running, and all your devices are securely routing their traffic through it.

Animation by Nick Criscuolo.