NetShade for Mac

User Reviews

• Easy once connected. Frustrating connection issues.

  avaliejSeptember 5, 2014

  Pros

  - Simple interface and easy to use - Lightweight and compact - Aesthetically decent

  Cons

  - "Connection Failure" issues which has not been fixed since version 4. Version 3 was completely free of this issue. "Sync with server" to fix doesn't always work. Only multiple attempts at "Batch Test" for "Netshade Proxies" will work. Frustrating. - Paid proxy servers restricted to only European and US-Canada countries. No Eastern countries available. - Update prompts lack options and instructions. Developers should have added in the prompt like this: "New version is paid upgrade. To upgrade, please proceed to make payment. To continue using your current version, quit and uninstall this update and redownload your version from our website." There was completely no mention of keeping the current version by declining update, and there was no mention of redownload in the upgrade prompt unless they visit Rayner's website. Users were only given the options to quit completely, closing the application, or to make payment. This is in very poor form.

  Summary

  Developers should ensure users have a seamless experience in transitioning to the new version by giving more options (upgrading or continuing the current version). There should be more details of upgrade within the upgrade prompt without users having to visit the website to read the news. Because let's face it, users don't typically visit the developers' website unless they want to complain about something or want their money back. Ease of use and clarity are very important to most basic users who have little to no knowledge about comptech.

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• Not What It Seems

  MrKumquatAugust 11, 2013

  Pros

  Easy to use...

  Cons

  I downloaded the trial using a non-gmail email account for the trial registration code to be sent to and I tested one of the proxies and was sent a warning from gmail that NetShade's server, http://www.raynersw.com, had tried to suspiciously access one of my gmail email accounts. I've emailed NetShade's developers for a response to this, but at present it seems that this "security" software is actually being used to hack users' private information.

  Summary

  I would really not recommend that anyone download this.

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• Great support

  wmillik9April 25, 2013

  Pros

  Proxy & VPN setup on computer & iOS very easy. Much easier than trying to train doctors at work to use our corporate VPN. Support was very prompt to explain the interaction between the OS & Netshade. Based on ping time there is very little impact on response time

  Cons

  No issues.

  Summary

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• High Performance, Works Well.

  mreckhofJanuary 18, 2013

  Pros

  VPN Support Fast VPN and Proxy Nodes Flexible Pricing Structure Clear Privacy Statements

  Cons

  No VPN Support for iOS

  Summary

  In reading through some of the past posts, I can see a clear line between love it or hate it. I usually jump directly to the 'hate it' ones to see what issues I may have missed. A majority of them seem to support on either incompatibility or support. Re: Support, I have contacted the support team twice. Once to ask a question about the iOS version and the second regarding graphics switching. The iOS question was answered within an hour. The graphics switching question answered within 45 seconds. Obviously, this is far better than I would expect from any company, but I say it only because it's a drastic difference than what I see in the other posts. So either things have improved drastically, or the other posts aren't entirely accurate. As an enterprise level network security engineer, I can tell you that technologies like VPN and Proxy will act up. It doesn't matter if it's a $200,000 piece of hardware or a $29 piece of software. Not all applications will like every proxy server and VPN tunnels, due to additional encapsulation, can cause headaches with firewalls and large packets (hint: make sure you're allowing icmp type 3 code 4 messages in or turn off Path MTU discovery in your OS). When things do not work, most of the time, it does not tend to be the devices fault but something unique about the environment surrounding the device. If you're not ready to learn about the technology and how it works, then you might not be ready to dive into the world of trying to mask where you're coming from, what you're doing, or where you're doing it from. Essentially, what I'm saying is, this sort of software isn't really for the average joe. Even though, the company has done an excellent job of making it work seamlessly for what I suspect is a good 95% of average joe's. I'm looking forward to VPN support for iOS. That should round this solution out very nicely.

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• It works and works well

  MattL_12August 26, 2012

  Pros

  The program does what it is supposed to and is not difficult to figure out. The programmer did respond to a query I had. Sites I could only access with difficulty now work JUST FINE! I have no problems recommending it.

  Cons

  None to speak of.

  Summary

  Current version works flawlessly for me.

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• Buy beware, no support at all

  Kawaii_uguuAugust 21, 2012

  Pros

  Absolutely none

  Cons

  They literally steal your money, do NOT buy it. They are thieves.

  Summary

  Been emailing support, but to no avail. I've read the FAQ, I've tried everything I can to make it work. There is literally zero support, if something is wrong you are f*cked and short changed. Thumb down and report the glowing reviews, they are unsubtle reviews from company workers.

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• Don't take the protection for granted. Verify.

  opoponoxFebruary 26, 2012

  Pros

  It's a needed product. It has several proxy addresses all over the Western world. It works if you work with it by always verifying your proxy connection and switching browsers if necessary.

  Cons

  Seems pretty inconsistent in providing the proxy connection, although its graphic shows you are connected. Check your IP address every time you activate Netshade. I switch between browsers because it works on one but not the other at times.

  Summary

  Not at all seamless. Can be frustrating. You've got to make sure you are getting a proxy connection by testing. Switch your browser if it isn't working on one. Do not take the protection for granted. Make sure you are connected via a proxy. Reviews on sites by the "professionals" have been too positive. It works if you make sure it works.

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• Does not Work

  sanemanJune 10, 2011

  Pros

  There is no pro's.

  Cons

  The free trial does not work, it automatically says the trial period is over and asks you to buy it.

  Summary

  If a company is going to offer a free trial it should actually allow you to try it.

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• Seemed to work well during trial period.

  veldugoJanuary 17, 2011

  Pros

  Installed easily.

  Cons

  I did not find any during the trial period.

  Summary

  I would recommend this to anyone who felt they needed it.

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• excellent cover

  alexmartinelliOctober 25, 2010

  Pros

  provides exactly what it specifies and more! right now im streaming from hulu where i would otherwise be blocked from the site because of my location. it does not slow down connection or streaming speed!! excellent!

  Cons

  the price - $29 for first year, then $19 annual membership renewal. Despite this, it will be well worth the buy when my trial runs out!

  Summary

  excellent software, well worth the purchase and if not just try it out. very simple to use and self-explanatory, if necessary check the site which is more than helpful. in short, the best software of its kind i have found at a very reasonable price - compared to all other mac and pc products which i have tried.

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