PrivateVPN, a Swedish-based provider, has been steadily gaining traction among privacy-focused users. But does its rising popularity actually match its performance? As someone who’s spent years testing a wide range of VPNs, I wanted to see how well PrivateVPN holds up against both industry giants and lesser-known competitors.
In this comprehensive PrivateVPN review review, I’ll break down its features, show you how it handles day-to-day tasks, and back up my findings with firsthand screenshots. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from this increasingly talked-about VPN.
Here's what you'll learn in this article:
- How well PrivateVPN performs in terms of speed and security
- If it can effectively bypass geo-restrictions for streaming
- How easy it is to install and use
- Whether it's going to slow down your internet connection
- If PrivateVPN is really as trustworthy as it claims to be
Let's jump right in and see what PrivateVPN can do!
In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary
If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of my findings for this PrivateVPN review:
What You'll Like:
- Easy-to-use apps for various platforms
- Effective at unblocking streaming services
- Supports P2P activities with dedicated servers
- Strong encryption and security features
- Affordable long-term subscription plans
What You May Not Like:
- Limited server network compared to some competitors
- Speeds can be unreliable
- Based in Sweden (part of 14 Eyes alliance)
- Lacks independent security audits
- Basic ad-blocking features
What Makes This PrivateVPN Review Different?
Many VPN reviews you'll find online are often just repetitions of information from the provider's website. They lack real, hands-on testing and personal insight. That's not what you'll get here.
For this PrivateVPN review, I purchased a subscription, installed the software on multiple devices, and used it extensively for two weeks. I tested its performance, security features, and ability to unblock geo-restricted content. I even reached out to their customer support to gauge their responsiveness.
I've captured numerous screenshots throughout my testing process to give you a visual representation of the PrivateVPN experience. You'll find these scattered throughout the review, offering you a firsthand look at the interface and features.
My goal is to provide you with an honest, impartial review based on real usage. I'll share both the strengths and weaknesses I encountered, helping you make an informed decision about whether PrivateVPN is the right choice for you.
Buying PrivateVPN
When it comes to purchasing PrivateVPN, the process is uncomplicated, but there are a few things you should know. First off, PrivateVPN offers a single version of their service with three different subscription durations: 1 month, 3 months, and 36 months.
While there's no free trial available, every subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is great because it allows you to test the service risk-free for a full month. If you're not satisfied, you can request a refund.
Now, let's talk about pricing. The 3-month plan comes with a 50% discount, while the 36-month plan offers a whopping 85% discount. If you're considering using PrivateVPN for an extended period, the 36-month plan offers the best value. However, given the money-back guarantee, you could opt for any plan and still have the opportunity to try it out without risk.
Here's how the buying process went for me:
- I visited the PrivateVPN website and selected my preferred plan (I went for the 12-month option).
- Next, I created an account by entering my email address and choosing a password.
- I then selected my country and chose my preferred payment method.
Speaking of payment methods, PrivateVPN offers several options. You can pay with credit/debit cards, PayPal, or even cryptocurrency if you prefer anonymity. I appreciated the inclusion of crypto payments, as not all VPN providers offer this option.
One thing I liked about the purchase process was the absence of additional offers. Some VPN providers try to push additional features or services during checkout, but PrivateVPN keeps it simple and direct.
After completing my purchase, I received a confirmation email with my receipt. The email was prompt and contained all the necessary information about my subscription.
Overall, buying PrivateVPN was a trouble-free experience. The pricing is competitive, especially for longer subscriptions, and the variety of payment options caters to different preferences.
Installation
After purchasing PrivateVPN, the next step was installation. I downloaded the installer directly from the download page that opened after completing my payment. PrivateVPN offers installers for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also provide setup guides for different protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP.
PrivateVPN offers various installation options for different platforms and protocols For my test, I focused on the Windows installer. The installation process was remarkably quick, taking less than a minute to complete. There were no complicated choices to make during installation, which is great for users who prefer a simple setup.
One thing to note is that you'll need to log into the app using the account you created during the purchase process. This extra step ensures that only authorized users can access the VPN service.
What impressed me was the app's user interface after installation. It offers a quick tour to familiarize you with the main features, which I found helpful for getting started.
In my experience, installing PrivateVPN was super easy and trouble-free. The simplicity of the process makes it accessible even for those who might not be very tech-savvy.
Interface
The PrivateVPN interface strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. When you first launch the application, you're greeted with a clean and tidy main screen.
PrivateVPN's main interface is clean and user-friendly The main screen includes these key elements:
- Connection Status: Clearly shows whether you're connected or disconnected.
- Server Selection: Allows you to choose your preferred server location.
- Connect Button: A large, prominent button to connect or disconnect from the VPN.
- Advanced View: An option to switch to a more detailed interface with additional settings.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the ability to switch between simple and advanced views of the UI. The simple view is indeed very straightforward, showing just the connect button, connection status, active time, and a shortcut to the server list.
PrivateVPN's simple view offers a minimalistic interface for quick connections For those who prefer more control, the advanced view provides access to additional settings and information. This dual-interface approach caters well to both novice and experienced VPN users.
PrivateVPN also offers multiple language options, which you can change from the Settings menu. During my PrivateVPN review testing, I found 16 different languages available, making the app accessible to a global audience.
PrivateVPN supports multiple languages for a global user base One potential drawback is the lack of themes or UI customization options. The app uses a light theme with purple accents, which looks clean but might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the window isn't adjustable, which could be inconvenient on smaller screens.
Overall, I found the PrivateVPN interface to be user-friendly and intuitive. While it may lack some advanced customization options, its simplicity and ease of use make it suitable for a wide range of users.
VPN Servers
PrivateVPN offers a network of over 200 server locations spread across 63 countries. While this isn't the largest server network I've seen among VPN providers, it provides decent global coverage.
The server selection window offers various options The server selection window is well-organized and easy to navigate. You can choose servers based on country or city, and there's a handy search function to quickly find specific locations. One interesting feature I noticed was the "Dedicated IP" tab, which includes servers specifically optimized for torrenting.
It's worth noting that PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. This might be a concern for users who prioritize privacy, as these countries are known to share intelligence information. However, PrivateVPN claims to maintain a strict no-logs policy, which should reduce some of these concerns.
During my testing for this PrivateVPN review, I found that PrivateVPN uses only physical servers, not virtual ones. This can be advantageous for performance and security, as physical servers are generally more reliable and secure than virtual ones.
PrivateVPN offers dedicated IP servers for specific uses like torrenting One standout feature is the availability of servers specially designed for torrenting. These can be found under the "Dedicated IP" tab in the server selection window. This is great news for users who frequently engage in P2P file sharing, as it provides optimized performance for these activities.
While testing various server locations, I found the connection times to be generally quick, and the connections remained stable throughout my usage. However, I did notice some variation in speeds depending on the server location, which is not uncommon for VPNs.
Overall, while PrivateVPN's server network might not be the largest, it offers a good balance of coverage and specialized servers. The inclusion of dedicated torrenting servers is a nice touch that sets it apart from some competitors.
Gaming
When it comes to gaming, PrivateVPN performs adequately, although it doesn't have servers specifically optimized for gaming. During my tests, I played popular online games like World of Warcraft and League of Legends to see how PrivateVPN handled the performance demands.
Connecting to servers closest to my location in Romania, I experienced ping rates of around 40ms, which is quite decent for online gaming. The connection remained stable throughout my gaming sessions, without any noticeable interruptions or disconnects.
However, it's important to note that your gaming experience may vary depending on your location and the server you're connecting to. While PrivateVPN doesn't offer special gaming servers like some other VPN providers (CyberGhost or ExpressVPN), its general performance should be sufficient for casual gamers.
For serious gamers or those participating in competitive play, you might want to test different server locations to find the one that gives you the best performance. The lack of dedicated gaming servers means that PrivateVPN might not be the top choice for hardcore gamers, but it can still provide a good experience for most users.
Torrenting
PrivateVPN takes a pro-torrenting stance, which is great news for users who frequently engage in P2P file sharing. They offer servers dedicated specifically to torrenting, which can be found under the "Dedicated IP" tab in the server selection window.
PrivateVPN's dedicated torrenting servers can be found under the Dedicated IP tab In my PrivateVPN review tests, I used PrivateVPN to download some open-source software, including Linux Ubuntu installers. The experience was smooth and effortless, with good download speeds and no interruptions.
PrivateVPN's support for torrenting goes beyond just allowing P2P traffic. Their dedicated torrenting servers are optimized for these activities, potentially offering better performance than general-purpose servers. This is a feature that sets PrivateVPN apart from some other VPN providers who either don't support torrenting or don't offer specialized servers for it.
It's worth noting that while PrivateVPN supports torrenting, they emphasize the importance of only downloading legal content. Always ensure you're not infringing on copyrights when using these services.
The combination of dedicated servers, good speeds, and a strict no-logs policy makes PrivateVPN a solid choice for torrent users. However, as always, it's important to use such services responsibly and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Streaming
One of PrivateVPN's standout features is its ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming content. During my tests, I focused on its performance with Netflix, one of the most popular streaming platforms.
I tested PrivateVPN with Netflix libraries from different countries, and here are my results:
- Netflix US: Worked successfully
- Netflix UK: Worked successfully
- Netflix Germany: Didn't work
- Netflix France: Didn't work
- Netflix Spain: Didn't work
As you can see, PrivateVPN was effective in unblocking US and UK Netflix libraries, which are often the most sought-after due to their extensive content. However, it struggled with some European libraries.
This performance is quite impressive, especially considering that Netflix and other streaming platforms are constantly working to block VPN access. The fact that PrivateVPN can consistently unblock US and UK Netflix is a strong point in its favor.
While I focused primarily on Netflix for this review, PrivateVPN claims to work with other streaming services as well. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of VPNs with streaming services can change frequently, so your experience may vary.
For those primarily interested in accessing US and UK content libraries, PrivateVPN proves to be a reliable option. However, if you're looking to access a wider range of regional libraries, you might find its performance somewhat limited.
Overall, PrivateVPN's streaming capabilities are good, especially for the most popular content libraries. While it may not unblock every regional library, its success with US and UK Netflix makes it a solid choice for many streaming enthusiasts.
To test PrivateVPN's speed and performance, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.
My general observations on speed and performance across different servers and during different times of day is that the VPN is stable and pretty consistent regarding speed.
To test the speed of the VPN servers, I used Ookla's Speedtest. Here are the results:
- No VPN (Romania): 454 Mbps download, 490 Mbps upload, and 14 ms delay
- New York: 139 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload, and 130 ms delay
- Chicago: 41 Mbps download, 30 Mbps upload, and 149 ms delay
- Seattle: 85 Mbps download, 198 Mbps upload, and 192 ms delay
- Germany: 159 Mbps download, 137 Mbps upload, and 42 ms delay
- France: 147 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload, and 52 ms delay
- Spain: 65 Mbps download, 95 Mbps upload, and 72 ms delay
- Italy: 97 Mbps download, 211 Mbps upload, and 45 ms delay
- UK: 75 Mbps download, 187 Mbps upload, and 55 ms delay
- Brazil: 14 Mbps download, 184 Mbps upload, and 246 ms delay
- India: 36 Mbps download, 65 Mbps upload, and 211 ms delay
Speed test results for PrivateVPN's UK server Based on these results, we can draw some conclusions about PrivateVPN's performance:
- Local Connections: When connected to nearby servers (like Germany or France for me), the speeds were quite good, with only a moderate drop from my base speed.
- Long-Distance Connections: As expected, connecting to servers far away (like the US or Brazil) resulted in more significant speed drops. However, the speeds were still usable for most online activities.
- Consistency: The speeds were generally consistent across multiple tests, which is a good sign for reliability.
- Delay: Ping times increased with distance, which is normal for VPNs. However, they remained within acceptable ranges for most uses.
- Upload Speeds: Interestingly, upload speeds were often less affected than download speeds, and in some cases even improved.
Overall, while PrivateVPN's speeds aren't the fastest I've seen, they're generally sufficient for most online activities including streaming and browsing. However, users who require very high speeds, especially when connecting to distant servers, might find the performance a bit lacking.
VPN Privacy Features
As we move forward, we’ll examine the PrivateVPN’s approach to privacy—analyzing its encryption strength, the trustworthiness of its secure protocols, and its adherence to a zero-logs principle.
VPN Protocols and Encryption
PrivateVPN offers a range of VPN protocols to balance security and speed. The available protocols include:
- OpenVPN
- PPTP
- L2TP
- IKEv2
- IPSec
PrivateVPN offers various protocol options for different needs Each protocol has its advantages and disadvantages:
- OpenVPN: This is generally considered the most secure and adaptable protocol. It offers a good balance of speed and security.
- PPTP: While fast, it's considered less secure and is mainly used for streaming or when security isn't a primary concern.
- L2TP: More secure than PPTP but can be slower. It's a good middle-ground option.
- IKEv2: Known for its stability, especially when switching between networks. It's a good choice for mobile devices.
- IPSec: Often used in conjunction with other protocols to provide encryption. It's known for its security but can be slower than some alternatives.
One thing that sets PrivateVPN apart is the number of protocol configurations it supports. This gives users more flexibility to tailor their VPN experience to their specific needs.
You can change the protocol in the Advanced View > Dashboard > Connection type. The default setting is OpenVPN (TUN+UDP+1194 port), but you can choose other configurations.
As for encryption, PrivateVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard. You can change the encryption type in Advanced View > Dashboard > OpenVPN Encryption. The four choices include AES-256-CRC, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CRC, and AES-128-GCM.
Overall, PrivateVPN provides a good range of protocol options and strong encryption. It provdies the tools you need to balance security and performance according to their needs. For additional antimalware features, I strongly recommend using a reputed provider like Bitdefender or Norton.
No-Logs Policy and Transparency
PrivateVPN claims to adhere to a strict no-logs policy. According to their website:
"Swedish privacy laws mean there's no traffic logs kept to be seized by governments. Unlike many other VPN providers, we don't track, log, or know what you're doing online. Your anonymity and personal rights are protected with the best VPN service for P2P file sharing when you use PrivateVPN."
This is certainly reassuring for users concerned about privacy. However, it's important to note that PrivateVPN hasn't undergone any independent audits to verify these claims. This lack of third-party verification is a drawback compared to some other VPN providers who have had their no-logs policies audited.
PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. This could potentially be a concern for users who prioritize privacy, as these countries are known to share intelligence information. However, if PrivateVPN truly keeps no logs as they claim, this should mitigate some of these concerns.
While PrivateVPN's commitment to privacy is commendable, the lack of independent audits means users have to take the company at its word. For those who prioritize verified privacy policies, this might be a drawback.
Kill Switch
PrivateVPN includes a kill switch feature, which they call "Connection Guard". This is a crucial privacy feature that protects your data in case your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
The Connection Guard settings offer various protection options The kill switch in PrivateVPN is a system-level kill switch, meaning it shuts down the entire internet connection on your device if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that your real IP address is never exposed, even for a moment.
One unique feature of PrivateVPN's kill switch is the "Application Guard". This allows you to specify certain applications that will be automatically terminated if the VPN connection drops. This can be particularly useful for applications that you only want to run when your VPN is active.
You can configure the kill switch and Application Guard from the Connection Guard settings in the app. The interface is user-friendly, allowing you to easily enable or disable these features and add programs to the Application Guard list.
During my tests for this PrivateVPN review, the kill switch worked as expected, cutting off internet access when I deliberately interrupted the VPN connection. This gives me confidence in its ability to protect your privacy in real-world scenarios.
Overall, PrivateVPN's kill switch implementation is solid and the addition of the Application Guard feature sets it apart from many competitors.
DNS and IP Leak Protection
DNS and IP leaks can compromise your privacy by revealing your real location or browsing activity. PrivateVPN includes features to protect against these types of leaks.
PrivateVPN offers dedicated IPv6 leak protection and DNS leak protection. You can enable or disable these features from the Connection Guard settings. What sets PrivateVPN apart is that it offers separate settings for strengthening IPv6 and DNS leak protection, giving users more control over their security.
To test the effectiveness of these protections, I ran several leak tests:
- IP Leak Tests:
- ipleak.net: PrivateVPN passed this test
- perfect-privacy.com: PrivateVPN passed this test
- DNS Leak Test:
- dnsleaktest.com: PrivateVPN passed this test
These results are encouraging, indicating that PrivateVPN's leak protection features are working effectively. During my tests, my real IP address and DNS requests were not exposed, which is crucial for maintaining privacy while using a VPN.
It's worth noting that while these tests show positive results, the effectiveness of leak protection can vary depending on your specific network configuration and the websites you visit. Regular testing is recommended to ensure ongoing protection.
Overall, PrivateVPN's DNS and IP leak protection features seem robust and effective based on my tests. The ability to separately control IPv6 and DNS leak protection is a nice touch that gives users more flexibility in managing their privacy settings.
Wi-Fi Protection
PrivateVPN offers Wi-Fi protection to secure your connection when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently connect to hotspots in cafes, airports, or other public places.
The Wi-Fi protection feature works by automatically encrypting your internet traffic when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. This prevents potential eavesdroppers on the same network from intercepting your data.
While PrivateVPN doesn't have a specific "auto-connect" feature for Wi-Fi networks, you can achieve similar protection by setting the app to start automatically when your system boots up. This ensures that you're always protected, even if you forget to manually activate the VPN.
During my PrivateVPN review tests, I found that the VPN connected quickly when joining new Wi-Fi networks, providing immediate protection. However, the lack of a dedicated auto-connect feature for Wi-Fi networks is a minor drawback compared to some other VPN services.
Overall, while PrivateVPN's Wi-Fi protection is effective, it could be improved with more advanced features like network-specific auto-connect options.
Stealth VPN (Obfuscation)
PrivateVPN offers a Stealth VPN feature, which is their implementation of VPN obfuscation technology. This feature is designed to bypass VPN blocks and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) firewalls, making it useful in countries with strict internet censorship.
The Stealth VPN settings help bypass VPN detection The Stealth VPN feature works by disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for networks to detect and block VPN usage. This can be particularly useful in countries like China where VPN use is restricted, or on networks that block VPN connections.
To enable Stealth VPN, you can go to Settings > Stealth VPN in the PrivateVPN app. It's worth noting that while this feature can help bypass VPN blocks, it may also slow down your connection due to the additional encryption and concealment.
During my tests, I found that the Stealth VPN feature was indeed effective in accessing websites that normally block VPN connections. However, as expected, there was a noticeable decrease in speed when using this feature.
The inclusion of Stealth VPN is a significant advantage for PrivateVPN, as not all VPN providers offer this kind of concealment technology. It's particularly valuable for users in countries with strict internet censorship or those who need to use their VPN on networks that typically block VPN traffic.
Device Compatibility
PrivateVPN offers good device compatibility, supporting a wide range of platforms and allowing up to 10 simultaneous connections. Here's a breakdown of the supported devices:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS (iPhone and iPad)
- Android
- Linux
- Kodi
- Routers
The ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously is generous compared to many other VPN providers, making PrivateVPN a good option for households with multiple devices or small businesses.
One particularly useful feature is the ability to install PrivateVPN on a router. This allows you to protect all devices connected to your home network, including those that don't typically support VPN apps like smart TVs or gaming consoles.
During my tests, I installed PrivateVPN on Windows, Android, and iOS devices. The installation process was uncomplicated on all platforms, and the apps maintained a consistent look and feel across devices.
Browser Extensions
PrivateVPN offers a browser extension for Google Chrome. This extension provides a quick and easy way to connect to PrivateVPN servers directly from your browser.
PrivateVPN's Chrome extension offers quick access to VPN servers The Chrome extension is a lightweight alternative to the full desktop app. It's particularly useful if you only want to route your browser traffic through the VPN while leaving other applications on your system to use your regular internet connection.
Key features of the PrivateVPN Chrome extension include:
- Quick connect/disconnect functionality
- Server selection
- Lightweight and easy to use
During my PrivateVPN review tests, I found that the extension connected to servers very quickly, which is great for users who want to quickly switch their VPN on and off while browsing.
However, it's important to note that the extension is quite basic compared to some competitors' offerings. It doesn't include additional features like ad-blocking or tracker prevention that you might find in other VPN browser extensions.
Also, the lack of extensions for other popular browsers like Firefox or Edge might be disappointing for some users.
Overall, while the Chrome extension is a nice addition for those who prefer browser-based VPN control, PrivateVPN could improve in this area by offering more features and support for additional browsers.
PrivateVPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations
After spending a lot of time crafting this PrivateVPN review, I can say it's a solid VPN service with some strong features, but also a few areas that could use improvement.
Here's a summary of my experience:
- Server Network: With over 200 servers in 63 countries, PrivateVPN offers decent coverage, though it's not as extensive as some competitors.
- Performance: Speeds were generally good, especially on nearby servers, but could be inconsistent on long-distance connections.
- Security Features: Strong encryption, a reliable kill switch, and effective leak protection provide good security.
- Privacy: Claims a no-logs policy, but lacks independent audits to verify this.
- Streaming Capabilities: Successfully unblocked US and UK Netflix, making it a good choice for streaming enthusiasts.
- Torrenting Support: Dedicated P2P servers make it a solid option for torrent users.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple and easy-to-use app design, suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Recommendations for usage:
For Streaming: PrivateVPN is a good choice if you're primarily interested in accessing US and UK content. However, if you need access to a wider range of regional libraries, you might want to look at alternatives.
For Torrenting: The dedicated P2P servers make PrivateVPN a solid option for torrent users. Just remember to always use the kill switch feature for added protection.
For Security: Take advantage of the various protocol options to balance security and speed according to your needs. The Stealth VPN feature can be particularly useful if you're in a country with internet restrictions.
For Gaming: While PrivateVPN doesn't offer specialized gaming servers, it can still provide a decent experience. Try connecting to servers closest to your location for the best performance.
For General Use: The user-friendly interface and multi-device support make PrivateVPN a good option for everyday protection across your devices. However, be aware of its location in a 14 Eyes country if privacy is your top concern.
Overall, PrivateVPN offers a balanced package of features at a reasonable price point. It's particularly well-suited for users who value streaming and torrenting, and those who appreciate a simple, uncomplicated VPN experience.
However, users who need the largest server network or the absolute fastest speeds might want to consider other options, such as Private Internet Access and NordVPN. Also, take a look at our top VPN list for more reputed providers.
FAQs
Is PrivateVPN safe to use?
Yes, PrivateVPN is generally safe to use. It employs strong AES-256 encryption, offers various secure protocols, and includes features like a kill switch and leak protection. However, its location in Sweden (a 14 Eyes country) and lack of independent evaluations might be concerns for the most privacy-conscious users.
Can PrivateVPN unblock Netflix?
Based on my tests, PrivateVPN successfully unblocks US and UK Netflix libraries. However, it struggled with some European Netflix libraries. Keep in mind that VPN effectiveness with streaming services can change over time.
Does PrivateVPN allow torrenting?
Yes, PrivateVPN not only allows torrenting but also offers dedicated P2P servers optimized for these activities. This makes it a good choice for users who frequently engage in P2P file sharing.
How many devices can I use with PrivateVPN?
PrivateVPN allows up to 10 concurrent connections, which is quite ample compared to many other VPN providers. This makes it suitable for households with multiple devices or small businesses.
Is PrivateVPN good for gaming?
While PrivateVPN doesn't offer specialized gaming servers, it can provide a decent gaming experience, especially when connected to nearby servers. However, serious gamers might prefer VPNs with more gaming-specific features.
Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)
Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.