Searching for ways to get an anonymous IP address on the Internet can be tiring. There are endless brands of software, types of programs, acronyms, Internet jargon, technology specifications, various recommendations, and of course lots of overexcited advertising to get through before you can get what you’re looking for. As the owner of a website that discusses these kinds of anonymous surfing programs, I’ve made this short guide to getting started. Check it out.
I want an anonymous IP for browsing
Proxies are going to be good enough, and probably some sort of paid proxy. You can get software that’s a one time fee, or a monthly fee setup that will get you access to a companies proxy servers. Services that charge a monthly fee are probably going to have better support, faster servers, and an all around better service, but one-time-fee proxy software isn’t that bad either. When you land on their site however, it’s obvious which sites are professional, and which ones are. Remember that part of using proxy servers is to get fresh IPs and have them fetch your requested data fast – so saving money now, may cost you time in the future.
I want an anonymous IP for downloading
If you’re into P2P and torrents, you know that you will sometimes run into bandwidth caps or you may be in a “gray area” of the laws in your country. Many users use open proxies or proxy service for this, but remember, that not all proxies are anonymous enough to hide your real IP data. Because download speed is important, and sometimes country location can get you better/more content, I’d suggest a VPN. You can switch servers at will, and download faster that with proxies. However, both proxies and virtual private networks will work.
I want an anonymous IP address for privacy and security
Virtual private networks take the cake, hands down for this one. Proxies just can’t compare when it comes to the security features and steps taken to keep your identity online private. Tunneling, encryption, and all that technical jargon isn’t used just to make it sound useful – they actually do work. A VPN should be your first choice if you’re in an area of the world that censors the Internet as well.
Conclusion
With these three needs, and different types of anonymous surfing tools in mind, I think you know enough to get a good start. Remember you don’t have to know everything – many of these online tools come with a money back guarantee, so if you buy the wrong thing, you can give it back!