Do you browse the web anonymously? I have been to a website that recorded my IP address and even knows my internet service provider. I do not know how they will handle my information but sometimes I tend to wonder if my computer is getting hacked or anything like that. For some reason, people do want to surf in the internet anonymously. I have heard of using proxy servers and free softwares. How do they work and are they any good?

You'll find few major websites who don't record your IP adress. TNT for example, does this for each of your posts (You last post was from xxx orignating from xxx.net). Keep in mind that just because someone has your IP, it dosen't mean they can hack you or comprimise your security.

Using anonymous proxies are always an option, but these tend to be slow, unreliable and for most pepople, completely unnecessary.

There are several different types of anonymous proxies, including web based cgi proxies and true proxies (which involve changing your interenet settings).

If you want to see what using one is like, try using the web based cgi proxy at: https://picatta.homeip.net/cgi-bin/nph-proxy.cgi

Another (free) option is to use the tor software, provided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation. It's not too bad to set up. It's OK for surfing and email and such, but slow for anything bandwidth intensive.

hmm, I've never heard of this one. Is it new?

Originally Posted by capitalist_junkie

hmm, I've never heard of this one. Is it new?

It's been around for a little while. I used it some last year. I am not sure of the actual release date, though.

I'd say 99% of websites record traffic information. Things like your browser, operating system and IP address. It's not a bad thing since an IP by itself doesn't really mean much. To actually track down a person using an IP address is very difficult and requires the ISP to release usage details (which most ISP's have a privacy policy against anyway). So for all intents and purposes, this information is almost anonymous.

If you want to use a proxy, go for it But be prepared to suffer a loss in speed. There's usually not a good compelling reason to hide behind a proxy. That'd be like going to the supermarket wearing a wig -- why?

There might be some specific situations where it might be useful. The Tor network is a very good service for anonymous 'net usage (not for filesharing, though, too slow). Basically it tumbles you around multiple Tor servers (all of which make a point to store absolutely no usage information) before finally sending you to your destination.

If you're reason for wanting to remain anonymous is to keep your IP address hidden from hackers, then your efforts are better spent securing your environment. Something as simple as a NAT firewall (every router you buy these days will have a NAT firewall) will go a long way to securing your computer.

Oh well, Nick just posted my IP address. It's not like I am scared of my information being recorded, I just didn't feel comfortable when it is being displayed for other people to see. But thanks, Chroder, for as long as I remain anonymous, I feel better. I have recently installed the free version of ZoneAlarm firewall and I have set it to High Internet Zone Security. I suppose that should do it.

Originally Posted by beatrix

Oh well, Nick just posted my IP address.

Not anymore, apparently someone (An admin, starting with the letter C, who shall remain unnamed) has decided to edit that out

Originally Posted by beatrix

It's not like I am scared of my information being recorded, I just didn't feel comfortable when it is being displayed for other people to see. But thanks, Chroder, for as long as I remain anonymous, I feel better. I have recently installed the free version of ZoneAlarm firewall and I have set it to High Internet Zone Security. I suppose that should do it.

Yes that should suffice. Zone Alarm will more or less protect you from unexpected connections originating from the internet. A NAT Firewall/Router is also a very efficient way to block yourself off from the outside.

Originally Posted by nick89

Not anymore, apparently someone (An admin, starting with the letter C, who shall remain unnamed) has decided to edit that out

Well you made your point

I'm honestly not too concerned about anonymous surfing. Of all the risks out there for my computer, some company being able to log my IP address is low on the list.