Proxy software offers anonymous Internet browsing.
An anonymizer or anonymous proxy is a software tool that makes user activity on the Internet untraceable. The application is a proxy for the user's computer that acts as a go between and privacy shield between a client or user's computer and the Internet. The software or service accesses the Internet for the user while protecting IP addresses or computer identifying information. GhostSurf is commercial software, but there are also free or less inexpensive applications.
Free VPN
Free VPN works on the iOS and Windows operating systems. The free software allows users to access blocked websites, watch shows online that originate from foreign countries such as the BBC, and protect the users from snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots. Free VPN also hides IP addresses for privacy online and permits users to access blocked VoIP to make telephone calls over the Internet. This software, like many anonymizers, creates a virtual private network or data route that is layered over the public Internet so information is not visible.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a free anonymity program that runs on Mac OS X and Windows. The software hides the IP addresses online, can bypass firewalls that limit access to content and protect the users from snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots. This application works with both wired and wireless configurations. Hotspot Shield makes it possible for the user to secure Web session and the resulting sensitive data with HTTPS encryption that gives a unique marker to each secure Internet transaction. The software works by creating a virtual private network VPN between the user computer and Internet gateways.
TOR
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory developed The Onion Routing project to protect government communications. The software is now used as an open source and free application for the public. People use this software to keep websites from tracking individual computers or to connect to sites, messaging services or other Internet functions that Internet providers block. Tor also allows users to publish websites in an anonymous manner and for socially sensitive situations like chat rooms and Web forums. The software funnels Internet traffic through a chain of computer systems to keep IP address, the address of a specific computer, and other information private. Tor works on Windows, Apple OS X, Linux/Unix and smart phones.
Ultrasurf
Ultrasurf was created by Ultrareach Internet Corporation in 2001 to help Internet users in China bypass government censorship of website access and to enable activists to communicate anonymously with like-minded citizens. The software allows users to protect their privacy online with anonymous surfing and browsing. Ultrasurf hides IP addresses, clears histories from browsers and deletes browser cookies so sites cannot trace where the user next visits. The application permits users to safely use Wi-Fi hotspots without fear of identity theft and allows users to bypass firewalls to gain access to censored Internet sites. Ultrasurf works on the Windows operating system.
Tags: open, source, ghostsurf, allows users, hides addresses, Hotspot Shield, user computer, Wi-Fi hotspots, works Windows, access blocked, bypass firewalls, computer Internet
