trouble with internet connection - slow to open web pages if they open at all until I put VPN on and then they open ok

Question

I am having problems with my internet connection. At the moment I am on a mac and connected through a netgear wireless router. The internet connection either won't open a webpage at all or if it does it takes ages. However if I turn my VPN on the pages open at a normal speed. Also skype functions OK and I seem to be able to download files ok. I have tried connecting with a wire between the router and the computer and it makes no difference.

Answer 1

It sounds like your web browser has it's proxy set to a server behind your VPN. If you're using Safari, see here for info on accessing that setting.