Easy Installation - The software installs in minutes and is easy to use.
Unlimited Usage - There are no data limits or restrictions for active subscribers.
All-around Protection - Protect up to three devices on any public Wi-Fi connection. Activate NetZero DataShield manually and you can even encrypt data while on your home network.
Q:
How does NetZero DataShield work?
A:
When you activate your NetZero DataShield protection, it quickly builds an encrypted tunnel through your Internet connection from wherever you are to one of our secure Internet gateways. All Internet data between you and NetZero DataShield is encrypted from that point on.
Q:
Where are the DataShield servers located?
A:
We use many servers located throughout the world that are properly managed to effectively and efficiently handle traffic. Our sophisticated server selection algorithm takes both current load and distance into account and automatically assigns you to the best server choice available. However, you can override the automatic server selection if you wish to connect to any other server location in our network.
Q:
Does NetZero DataShield work everywhere?
A:
NetZero DataShield should work almost everywhere. However, if you have any problems, please contact Customer Support. Customer Support via Email: datashield@support.netzero.com Customer Support via Phone: 1-800-638-9376.
Q:
Where and when should I use NetZero DataShield?
A:
Wi-Fi hotspots are incredibly insecure. You are literally broadcasting your data and possibly exposing private information. This includes your email, instant messages, web searches, and any other data sent or received by you over that wireless network. Keep in mind that even though you have to put in a password to use a facility's public Wi-Fi your data is still visible to other users that were given that same password. By using NetZero DataShield your data becomes invisible to others using that same password protected public Wi-Fi connection. You should use NetZero DataShield whenever you are connected to a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
Q:
Do I need to download and install any software in order to use NetZero DataShield?
A:
Yes. To download and install NetZero DataShield, do the following:
1. Once you've purchased NetZero DataShield, we will email your order confirmation and PIN, along with a link to the installation software.
2. Install NetZero DataShield.
3. Once you have installed NetZero DataShield, open the program and from the Welcome screen, enter your email address and click "Continue."
4. On the next screen enter your device name and PIN and click "Continue." Your device is now registered.
Once you activate NetZero DataShield, your Internet connection will be secure. All Internet data between you and NetZero DataShield is encrypted from that point on.
Q:
Is NetZero DataShield a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
A:
Yes - the technical term for NetZero DataShield is a VPN - a Virtual Private Network. A VPN secures and privatizes data across a network, usually the Internet, by building an "encrypted tunnel." NetZero DataShield uses 128-bit encryption, the same technology used by banks and credit card companies. Data passes through this tunnel, which protects it from others sharing the public hotspot who try to view it. Even if the data is intercepted, it is hopelessly scrambled and useless to anyone without the key to decrypt it. NetZero DataShield's VPN service encrypts all your Internet data to and from our VPN gateways, including instant messaging, streaming, VoIP, and email.
Q:
Are all VPNs the same?
A:
There are many personal VPNs available today, from the very expensive to "free." You should be cautious about choosing a VPN service since some services require you to agree to let them look at your data for marketing purposes. Basically, you may be giving the VPN provider license to look at your personal data.
Q:
How does NetZero DataShield compare to other products?
A:
NetZero DataShield is simple to use, uses proven technology, has live customer support, and provides excellent user documentation. We offer NetZero DataShield because we wanted to provide a low-cost, high-quality VPN solution.
Q:
Do I need to use NetZero DataShield on my home wireless network?
A:
It can't hurt for you to use NetZero DataShield on your home wireless network. To assure you are protected, you must download the NetZero DataShield software on each of the devices connected to your network. While it is rare, it is still feasible for a hacker to gain access to your home wireless network especially if you are using the older WEP security. We recommend that you use the WPA2 encryption scheme on your home wireless network.
Q:
Do I need an Internet connection to use NetZero DataShield?
A:
Yes, you need an Internet connection to use NetZero DataShield. NetZero DataShield does NOT provide you access to the Internet, it makes a secure "encrypted tunnel" through an existing Internet connection. Using our software, you still connect to the Internet and then connect to our VPN, which then secures and encrypts any data transmitted from your computer back to our server.
Q:
Some of the websites I visit use HTTPS. Do I still need NetZero DataShield?
A:
HTTPS stands for "HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure" and is used by certain sites (such as eBay and Amazon) to ensure safe Internet transactions. While HTTPS is the best technology currently available to ensure safe web transactions, it's far from perfect. HTTPS is dependent on what are called "Certificates of Authority." Unfortunately, the haphazard way these certificates are issued makes the process untrustworthy. In addition, HTTPS is very vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, and there are no good solutions in sight. In contrast, NetZero DataShield adds an additional layer of security to protect you from attacks. NetZero DataShield also protects your instant messaging, streaming, VoIP, email and web browsing as well.
Q:
Why has my IP address changed?
A:
Just like the post office uses mailing addresses to make sure our mail gets to the right place, computers on the Internet use numbers known as "IP addresses" to make sure packets of data go where they are supposed to go. When you use NetZero DataShield, other computers on the Internet no longer communicate directly with yours. Instead, your Internet traffic passes through a NetZero DataShield server host and the rest of the Internet will see the IP address of that machine instead of your actual IP address.
Q:
Is NetZero DataShield as fast as my regular Internet?
A:
There is a modest delay that is generally not noticeable if you are browsing the Web or reading or sending emails.
However, you may see a significant delay if you are downloading a very large file, such as a movie. If you are going to download a large amount of data, you might want to briefly deactivate NetZero DataShield while you do so.
Q:
What is the uptime for NetZero DataShield?
A:
The uptime for NetZero DataShield is virtually 100%. We have multiple servers in different locations with automatic failover.
Q:
What kind of support do you offer?
A:
Customer Support is available for all users at no additional charge. If you are not yet a NetZero DataShield user, you are also welcome to contact Customer Support with any questions regarding our products or services.
Customer Support via Email: datashield@support.netzero.com
Customer Support via Phone: 1-800-638-9376
Q:
Is my Internet browsing really anonymous?
A:
When you use NetZero DataShield, we change your IP address, which is your identity on the Internet. Your IP address tells everyone where you are located and can be used for ad targeting. Instead, you can have your IP address appear to be hundreds of miles away - or even halfway around the world.
Q:
Does NetZero DataShield maintain any logs of my Internet activity?
A:
We maintain a set of logs necessary to manage our servers. However, the only information that is traceable to individual users is the time on and off our network and the number of the total bytes transmitted when connected to NetZero DataShield.
Q:
Can I enter sensitive information (such as my credit card number) while browsing the Internet?
A:
You should always make sure that sites where you could possibly enter sensitive data are using HTTPS. NetZero DataShield offers an additional layer of security to protect your personal information.
Q:
Does NetZero DataShield delete my web cookies and browser history?
A:
No. NetZero DataShield secures your Internet connection, not your computer hard drive.
Q:
Do I get free NetZero DataShield software upgrades and new releases?
A:
Yes, you will receive free upgrades if you have a valid NetZero DataShield subscription. Your NetZero DataShield software suggests updating when a new release is available.
Q:
How do I cancel my subscription to NetZero DataShield?
A:
You can cancel your NetZero DataShield subscription at any time. When you cancel your subscription, you will still have access to NetZero DataShield through the end of your subscription period.
Q:
I can't connect to NetZero DataShield's VPN server. What should I do?
A:
If you are experiencing problems connecting to NetZero DataShield's VPN server, contact Customer Support.
Customer Support via Email: datashield@support.netzero.com
Customer Support via Phone: 1-800-638-9376
Q:
How do I change the NetZero DataShield server I'm connected to?
A:
To change the server you are accessing:
1. Right-click on the NetZero DataShield icon in your system tray, and then select "Settings." The Settings window appears.
2. Click the "Advanced" tab to view the Advanced settings. The Advanced settings screen appears.
3. The "Change Location" and "Change Server" drop-down menus allow you to change the NetZero DataShield Internet server location and specific server you are accessing, which changes your apparent location other websites think you are coming from. It also changes your IP address.
4. Click "Apply" after selecting a new location and/or server to access that server.
Q:
I can't download NetZero DataShield. What should I do?
A:
You may experience trouble downloading NetZero DataShield. There are a number of possible reasons for this.
• If you have a PC, you may get a message during installation that asks you to install the TAP 32 driver. This enables the installation of NetZero DataShield, and must be enabled in order for NetZero DataShield to connect to the Internet. Click "Install" to install this driver.
• Some antivirus software or even operating systems actually prevents NetZero DataShield from being downloaded. This is usually for any .exe or .msi file types, and is not limited to NetZero DataShield. This happens to PC users who have their security settings set to block downloads of executable files. There are two ways to fix this:
1. Reset your security settings to the default level. Go to Control Panel > Internet Options, then click the "Security" tab, select the Internet zone and click "Default" level.
2. Set a custom level for security in the Internet zone. Go to Control Panel > Internet Options, then click the "Security" tab, and select the "Internet" zone. If security is set to High, or if you have customized the Internet zone settings, select "Custom" level and change the "Launching Applications" and "Unsafe Files" option from Disable to Prompt (recommended).
If you are still experiencing problems downloading NetZero DataShield, contact Customer Support.
Customer Support via Email: datashield@support.netzero.com
Customer Support via Phone: 1-800-638-9376
Q:
How do I verify that my IP address has changed?
A:
After connecting to NetZero DataShield, go to one of these websites: http://www.showip.com or http://www.whatismyip.com. From these sites, you will be able to view your IP address.
Q:
Why are websites displaying in a foreign language?
A:
This is most likely occurring because you are connected to one of our foreign servers. NetZero DataShield may automatically change the default language of websites to the language of the NetZero DataShield server you are accessing.
To change the server you are accessing:
1. Right-click on the NetZero DataShield icon in your system tray, and then select "Settings." The Settings window appears.
2. Click the "Advanced" tab to view the Advanced settings. The Advanced settings screen appears.
3. The "Change Location" and "Change Server" drop-down menus allow you to change the NetZero DataShield Internet server location and specific server you are accessing, which changes your apparent location other websites think you are coming from. It also changes your IP address.
4. Click "Apply" after selecting a new location and/or server to access that server.
Q:
How do I resolve IP address issues on my computer?
A:
If you are having IP Address issues on your computer please contact your ISP for troubleshooting and help resolving these types of issues.
Your system must have the following minimum specifications to use NetZero DataShield:
For PC users:
• Windows® 7/8/XP/Vista operating systems
• 20MB of available hard disk space
• Internet access
For Mac users:
Intel-based Mac
OS X® Leopard (10.5x), OS X Snow Leopard (10.6x), OS X Lion (10.7x) & OS X Mountain Lion (10.8x)
For mobile device users:
Apple
iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® devices running iOS 4.0+.
Android™ Devices
Handsets and tablets running ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) 4.0+.
NetZero DataShield supports the following operating systems:
Windows
• Windows 8
• Windows 7
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP
Apple iOS Devices
iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® devices running iOS 4.0+.
Mac
• OS X Leopard
• OS X Snow Leopard
• OS X Lion
• OS X Mountain Lion
Android™ Devices
Handsets and tablets running ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) 4.0+.
NetZero DataShield supports all browsers. Additionally, we cover all Internet traffic, including web browsing, instant messaging, VoIP, and email.