With a name like ’HideMyAss’, it is especially difficult to
make an objective review (Hide
My Ass Software Review). However, one cannot deny that the title is catchy,
and depicts the precise use of the software, to keep your priced PC and
identity well hidden from the world. This software offers the user anonymity
and security, especially when accessing the internet through any protocol or
application.
The software offers a Virtue Private Network, the ultimate
answer to protection against hackers, spies. It also effectively hides one’s
data flows from government monitoring. HMA offers privacy and security in all
online networks, including Wi-Fi connections.
How much does
HideMyAss software cost?
The Hide My Ass software
Review package has three subscription options;
monthly, biannual and annual. Each of these options guarantees users access to
22,500 IP addresses. The software does not interfere with switches, bandwidth
limits or protocol.
The monthly fee for using this software is $11.52. However,
the user gets discounts by paying in advance. If you purchase a six month plan,
you will be charged $50.66, that is $8.44 every month, and save 27%. If you
want security and anonymity for one year, you can purchase the annual plan and
make 43% saving. The plan will cost you $78.66, which translates to %6.55
monthly.
HMA also comes with an attractive feature; a 30 day money
back guarantee. While this guarantee is the standard at which service providers
should operate, it is rarely used in the VPN industry. This is an excellent
offer since most VPN hosting companies allow a grace period of only up to a
week. To a new user, the 30 days, though unofficial, make for a huge,
unconditional trial period.
Who can access the
services offered by HMA?
HideMyAss
software is gaining popularity, and has successfully made its services
accessible to people in 36 countries. With over 22,500 IP addresses, all users
are given access to 200 servers when using only one account.
The 200+ servers are located in several countries namely;
Austria, Australia, Czech Republic, Canada, Estonia, Egypt, Germany, France,
China, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Japan, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Holland,
Poland, Romania, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, The
US, Turkey, the UK and Ukraine.
HMA’s Protocols
HMA provides the users with open Virtual Private Network
which uses User Datagram Protocol, L2TP and Point-Point Tunneling Protocol.
These are substantial protocols that are not available in several countries.
Since this VPN allows the user to switch from one server to
another without much hassle, this service becomes a huge advantage. If you get
such services from the numerous companies offering VPNs, you will be sure to
part with a large sum. To access point to point traffic, ensure that you are on
sites whose servers are free of DMCA. This allows you to surf freely without
fear of hacking.
How to contact HMA’s
Customer Support
Though HMA lacks live telephone support programs, it offers
the option of live chat support, in addition to the remote PC feature. Users
can also contact the software providers via email or the support ticket
program.
According to a majority of the users, the responses by the
support system are quick, even when an email enquiry is sent. For more on HMA,
one can join the forum discussions, which are interactive communications
between HMA staff and users.
HMA’s Speed
HMA uses more than
200 international servers that run at gigabit speed. This boosts the speed,
reliability and the uptime. Therefore, if you are close a server; your
connection will improve tremendously.
The software bears a speed guide through which the user can
tell the fastest server they can use for their connection. Making switches
between the servers are not charged, making it easy to always use the fastest
server connection.
According to independent testing results, the average
download speed is 15Mbs, and it can go up to 40.68Mbps. Though this is not the
industry standard, users have reported it as extremely fast.
Which devices and OS
does HMA support?
HMA services are accessible by virtually all conventional
mobile devices. These include the iPhone, iPad and the Android, in addition to
DDWRT router and Windows Mobile. This software works with IPv4, making it
incompatible with IPv6.
The workings of this software may appear complex. However,
it is very easy to install and use. HMA comes with easy to use customer
software, which allows the user to choose either manual or automatic
installation. For manual installation, the user is provided with a step by step
guide.
HMA supports major operating systems, which include Windows
7 and Vista, Linux Fedora and Ubuntu and Mac. It can also work on such browsers
as Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer and Opera.
Payment Methods
accepted by HMA
When purchasing the software, one can pay through Google
Checkout, Plimus, Liberty Reserve, Alertpay, and Paypal. Credit cards are also
acceptable.
Though the website is not available in several countries,
the software can function anywhere, especially if a city server is in the
vicinity. Some users also say that the lack of a static IP is a disadvantage, a
concern that most of the users believe is a minor issue. With the price at its
rock bottom for this kind of service, HMA is recommendable to all users who do
not require dedicated network hosting.
