Tor

What is Tor?

Tor is an anonymizing network. While using Tor you appear as though you're connecting from a completely different location than you are at. It is useful for those concerned about their network traffic being analyzed.

How to install

The best way to go about installing Tor is to install the Vidalia software suite. Vidalia includes the Tor client, Privoxy proxy software, and the Firefox Torbutton extension.

What each piece does

Vidalia

A graphical user interface to make using the Tor network much simpler.

Without this you'd need to manually edit the configuration files associated with the Tor client and Privoxy to set up.

Tor client

It connects you to the Tor network.

Privoxy

A proxying system that filters your connection.

Filters out advertising and anything else you like to erase any evidence of your activity.

Torbutton

Simplifies the activation and deactivation of Tor in Firefox.

Without this you'd have to manually change the proxy settings in Firefox

How to use

After installing the Vidalia suite you'll be ready to go. Start Firefox and take a look at the bottom-right corner. You should see Tor Disabled in red. Click on that and it turns into Tor Enabled in green. Tor is now functioning and you'll be passing through the Tor network. To disable Tor just click on the green Tor Enabled. It will read Tor Disabled and you'll be back to standard browsing.

Why is it so slow?

Instead of taking the path of least resistance or most strightforward trip, Tor sends your connection in a twisted route. Your path will take random turns along the way through encrypted connections.

EXAMPLE

Normally takes you five minutes to drive from your home to your workplace . If someone is tailing you and you don't want them to find where you work, you won't take the stright-forward path to work. You'll start taking lefts and rights to lose them. The trip will take much longer, but you'll lose the tailing car along the way.