Current OpenVPN vs PIA-Supplied Version

DeathStalker

What are the pros & cons of separately installing a potentially updated version of Open VPN?  I don't want to use OpenVPN's UI, just PIA's.

Thanks! 

(currently on the new v.80)

PIASteveG

We recommend using our application (which runs OpenVPN at it's core) wherever possible, as it is the most secure and stable method of connecting to the VPN. 

Our client also comes with these notable optional advanced features:

• The VPN Kill Switch will disable your normal Internet connection if the VPN connection drops or is disconnected, preventing your real IP address from being revealed

• DNS leak prevention prevents requests being made to your ISP's DNS servers

• Port forwarding, which can be used to help torrents with connectivity and speeds if there are issues with either

• IPv6 leak protection, which disables the IPv6 setting on your computer to prevent your real IP address and other sensitive information from leaking out over IPv6 connections

Max-P

There isn't really any security differences between the two, there is only really performance and features (that PIA doesn't use) to gain. However, we have an internal beta with 2.4, so it's coming soon

LittleJoe

Today, I downloaded OpenVPN files provided by PIA; I opted to download the ones labeled, "Strong IP."  I noticed there is a 4096 certificate in the config files folder.  I browse using the Handshake configured to 3072.  Should I change it to 4096 if I want to get any benefit from these "strong" OpenVPN files (they were last modified 6/4/2018, btw)?  I torrent, so...

Max-P

The handshake is only used at the beginning of the connection and twice every hour to renegotiate the data channels, so it doesn't really have that much of an effect. If you're worried, there isn't really any downside to using 4096 in the app.

LittleJoe

Thanks for the quick response; I have changed my Handshake to 4096 and I didn't see any reduction in speed, so I'm comfortable leaving it this way.  Cheers.

Ramburner

I was just testing for myself yesterday to see if there was any speed difference between OpenVPN and and the PIA software.

OpenVPN was slow, I have a 100Mbps ISP speed connection and OpenVPN was only getting 8Mbps on download, PIA software was getting 45Mbps on download speed. I used the same server on both tests. Both had gotten installed with their default settings.