Depending on latency, GNome would be a good idea if you want a desktop environment, but only if you have low latency otherwise there will be some lag.
If you just want to 'hide your ip address' then VPN would probably be the best. Something like OpenVPN.
I would say its recommended that you use it where you can and certainly essential to use SSL where there is a transmission of sensitive/personal data (EG: login details).
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