Manage updates with the Download AppExpat Shield 2.06 User Reviews
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"Does what it claims to efficiently and without fuss."
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
- Useful also for downloading files from file-sharing sites that use your IP address to cap your usage.
- Usually uses a different IP address when you reconnect to the service.
- No technical glitches experienced with my set-up (Google Chrome with WIN XP 32, SP2).
- Straightforward installation.
- Simple interface and operation.
- Ads can be strangled at birth with a program like Ad Muncher.Cons
- Can be somewhat slow to set up a connection (up to circa 30 seconds), and to reestablish your normal connection when you quit.
- Sometimes low bandwidth leads to slow downloading of pages; probably not the best way for online gamers to be connected.
- Over-zealous simultaneous surfing can cause ongoing file downloads to time out and fail when you are connected via Expat Shield. (At such times it may be advisable not to run an email program or any other application that is liable to compete for bandwidth.)Summary
Overall, I found this to be a reliable and easy-to-use program with no significant minus points.
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"I have questions about its security."
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
Occasionally worked for watching UK tv.
Cons
I suspect that installing and using this program caused my email to send spam/spoofed messages to contacts and others, however I can't prove this. So, if I was right it would be ironic that this program supposedly allowing you to be more private online caused my email to be spoofed. I uninstalled this program.
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"Does what it says, and well"
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
-Allows streaming of BBC Iplayer (and live TV), as well as 4OD and other UK broadcasters.
-Simple setup
-With my cable internet, streams well enough for SDTV
-Image quality as good or better than regular TV
-Overall bandwidth nearly unaffected.Cons
-Inserts ads at top of browser (fine, since it's free)
- Some issues with bandwidth on HD streams. Still tweaking so I'm not sure if it's permanently an issue.
-Slightly dubious feeling on my part (probably unwarranted) for installing VPN from a third party.Summary
Tried some free VPN solutions but was a massive headache, so I installed ExpatShield. Small download, easy intall, small memory footprint. Allows me to watch all UK broadcasters I tried, including BBC, BBC Iplayer, and 4OD.
Inserts ads at the top of browser, but I watch full-screen the ads disappear and are no problem. Don't begrudge them ads since it's a free service.
Nifty solution, so far (after 4 days usage). Thanks, Expatshield! -
"Does what it says."
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
Using Chrome and ad-block I can keep up with all my shows without a problem. Anyone having issues should try using a browser other than IE.
Cons
Does slow your connection down. However, this latest version is much better and only slows it down 10-15%. Just fine for watching Sky in HD.
Summary
Get it.
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"Rubbish!! Too slow to watch live rugby."
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
Could listen to radio
Cons
Cons! Exactly!! Wasted my money
Summary
Upgraded from free to paid version because promised increased speeds - no change. Changed to Easy-Hide-Ip - IT WORKS!!! My connection speed is fine for watching normally but cannot access BBB hence the need for a VPN but this software slows my connection speed down so much that I could only listen to the radio commentary - until I installed a different VPN software recommended by CNET which worked just great.
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"Expat Shield does as it says."
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
You are able to watch show outside of the UK!
Cons
Watch out for the tool bar. I am not positive but I got this annoying advertising bar (like 5 lines tall at the top of each page) and my system would not let me use ebay properly at the same time. Could be a fluke. After uninstalling the tool bar all is fine.
Summary
Recommend Expat Shield. Know what you are agreeing to download additionally.
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"Works great with Mozilla Firefox & AddOn Ad Block Plus"
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
-complete identity protection
-view television programs in UK, YouTube ect.
-no hassle, just press icon to connect/disconnect
-the key to making the program work great is to use Mozilla Firefox with the AddOn- Ad Block PlusCons
-some webpages won't let you connect
-does not work well with Internet Explorer, constant pop up warnings (use Mozilla Firefox to avoid this)
-free version comes with ads (use Firefox AddOn- Ad Block Plus...with it, I have NO ads when using the program)
-I had a problem with the program, it locked up on me and wouldn't work anymore. I uninstalled and discovered I was using an older version. I reinstalled using the link here on CNET which is up to date.Summary
If you're looking for free Identity Protection, with the bonus of being able to view programs in the UK, this program works very well with the addition of two other programs to make it run smoothly. Give it a try.
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"Works but be aware of pop-under adverts when in use"
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
It works for Iplayer
It is quick
It does show a uk (London) I.PCons
Pop up adds were fine until it popped up a porno one (live sex chat cam) at night!!!
Does not work with 4OD
Cannot be installed with Hotspot shield
Redirects some searches.Summary
This is dubious software if you want to use it I would recommend using it within a virtual machine (works fine this way as does hotspot sield for the us vpn).
I wouldn't use it for anything like internet banking as it all goes through their servers.
Saying that, it's not spyware and can be easily removed. -
"Works well, little drop in bandwidth. Annoying adverts"
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
Works well with little or no loss of download speed.
Cons
Constant addition of advertising is very annoying, but as this is a free program it is usable!
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"What BS this was"
Version: Expat Shield 2.06
Pros
It changed the IP----BUT BUT
Cons
It would not change back to my "normal" IP....
Had to reset through Firewall and use old settings.Summary
I hate it when they do like this dos
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