Since we're getting a bit deeper into
How Not To Be Seen, some quick definitions are needed so we don't confuse the good folks out there in InternetLand.
There are three basic methods of anonymously surfing the Internet, ordered by
ease-of-use:
1)
Web-based proxy services2)
client software3)
direct proxy configurationThe first method is really easy, you just bookmark a site and then surf using one of the web sites they link to. No software to install and maintain, it's all click-and-go. That's what I'd recommended with
Rosinstrument and other fine sites like them. If you don't want to mess with Yet Another Piece of balky software or Internet problems, that's the way to go. However, it may not work for you if you're trying to surf from work or school, as a lot of places have started blocking access to the web-based proxies. Gee, some employers or schools don't want you surfing MySpace or porn! How annoying!

If you're at home, that's not an issue.
The second method requires you to install a piece of software that handles all of the ugly network settings for you, somewhat automatically. There are pros and cons to this method. Some of the software only works with the most popular applications like Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, and may not work with more obscure browsers and mail clients. Some tools are free, some are shareware, some are commercial products (buy it before you try it <puke>). Here's a handful of different client packages:
Privoxy
http://www.privoxy.org/ (free)
Tor
http://www.torproject.org/ (free)
UltraSurf
http://www.ultrareach.com/ (free)
FreeProxy
http://www.handcraftedsoftware.org/ (free)
Elite Proxy Switcher
http://www.eliteproxyswitcher.com/ (free and Pro versions)
Proxy Switcher
http://www.proxyswitcher.com/ (free and Pro versions)
Ninja Surfing
http://www.ninjasurfing.com/ (free registration required)
(there's literally hundreds of different clients, some are toolbars for IE or Firefox)
Cons to the client software - nearly all of these are using a list of different proxy servers that people have found or identified. Proxies come and go all the time, so one day your surfing may run REALLY slowly or it may just die with the dreaded UNABLE TO RESOLVE HOST or TIMEOUT error messages, and you have to go hunting a new proxy server. Also, since you don't know
anything about the proxies you're using, you don't know whether they're monitoring what you're doing. Do you trust an unknown server with the login to your bank? I certainly don't! In cases like that, you need a quick and easy switch to turn the proxies off so that you can securely login to banks / PayPal, etc. That's easy with some clients, harder with others.
The third method is only for geeks. You can MANUALLY change the network settings for your browser / email / IRC client / etc and use whatever proxy server address and port you choose. Port?? Isn't that a wine? Wait, I screwed up and can't get to ANYTHING now! Oops.
Yeah, I don't recommend the third method for normal people. < propeller beanie hats ONLY >
----------------------
If you start playing with the second or third option, you'll come across the ANONYMOUS PROXY LEVEL. That's a measure of how anonymous the proxy is. There are 5 levels, with Level 1 being the most anonymous and Level 5 being the least anonymous. For the most part, you don't need to worry at all as long as it's ANY of the 5 levels. All of them hide your IP address, the more 'secure' ones just hide additional info like your browser type or operating system. Then there are transparent proxies, which do NOT hide your IP address. Obviously, these are a complete waste of time. With
any of the manual or client solutions, you need to periodically check your anonymity to make sure that your IP address is still hidden.