Tor Browser is the perfect tool to protect your online privacy while using a PC. Sometimes simply installing and launching the browser is not enough to ensure that the program protects your identity and activities. How do I set up Tor to run smoothly while maintaining your security?
Tor Browser uses a series of repeaters to encrypt and transmit information in an almost unmonitored chain. It can be used to bypass Internet control, conduct private correspondence, and access private online markets. Tor Browser, often touted as software for hackers and criminals, is actually a powerful tool for anyone who wants to increase personal privacy on the Internet. How to configure Tor to take full advantage of its capabilities? Detailed instructions are provided below.
For Windows 10
This walkthrough is a quick and easy way to update the privacy of your browser in Windows 10. Tor is based on Firefox. Therefore, in its interface and functionality, it may seem familiar to many. Configured Tor Browser will be easy to use and at the same time will guarantee you security on the Web.
Beginning of work
To get started, go to the Tor Project public page and download the latest stable version of the browser for Windows 10. The organization constantly releases new versions and updates them to fix errors and user problems. Tor developers always rely on user feedback to assist in the development process. The latest browser version - 7.04 - is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP. The setup process is almost the same for all operating systems, so do not be afraid to use an older distribution.
There is a quick download link on the main page. Go through it and use the leftmost table to follow the links for Windows 10 and select the desired language. The installer download starts. Go to the download directory and double-click the torbrowser-install.exe file. This will start the installation process. Having completed it, you can begin to follow the instructions on how to configure Tor.
Installation
When the Tor Browser installation prompt appears, select the directory to store the program. It can be easily installed on the disk of your choice (for example, desktop, program files). Experts recommend installing it on a 2 GB USB drive, which provides greater mobility and anonymity on any computer.
If your primary goal is privacy, spend some money on a cheap flash drive. A small boot file (just 165 MB) fits easily on most types of portable storage. In this case, when used on a computer or laptop on local disks, there is no data on the presence of Tor.
First launch of Tor
To open Tor, just click on the shortcut on your desktop or open the Tor Browser folder and click the Start Tor Browser icon. The browser will start and offer a choice between automatic connection to the system or manual configuration. How to set up Tor for a newbie?
In most cases, automatic tuning will be sufficient. But some ISPs and public networks have their own security system configured to prevent users from accessing Tor servers. In this case, alternative bridges can be used to bypass this setting. Preset bridges will work on most public and private networks.
Even when everything is going well, connecting your Tor browser to the web may take several minutes. Once this is completed, the browser will bring you to the target site of the project. All traffic that is currently coming into and out of your computer is routed through the Tor network. For almost all prying eyes, your activity is now encrypted and hidden.
Proxy bridges
How to configure Tor if the connection fails? If you still cannot connect, it is likely that your Internet service provider is blocking you. This is not uncommon, especially on social and corporate networks. The best way around this is to use a bridge. This will allow the user to navigate through locks and gain access to Tor servers through lesser-known channels.
The project has a catalog of alternative bridges on its official public website. It can be accessed from a standard web browser or via email using a Gmail, Riseup !, or Yahoo! account and writing to developers. Expect an almost instant answer with a list of bridge addresses to help get around the more important Internet providers. This will help you set up your Tor browser very quickly.
Click on the bow-shaped icon to the left of the address bar (it's called Torbutton) and select Tor Network Options from the drop-down menu. Check the box "My ISP is blocking connections to the Tor network." Here you can copy and paste the bridge address into the appropriate fields.
View and configure advanced features
If your network settings work correctly, then the default Tor landing page should load normally. How to set Tor Browser to a specific country?
The Tor button, located to the left of the address bar, also allows you to quickly configure which plugins and applications the browser will launch without your confirmation. You will also find the option to switch to a new identifier or IP address and generate a new Tor channel for the currently active tab. In addition, there are privacy controls that you can configure with the slider to quickly set permissions for the plug-in.
Tor also comes with many different useful plugins that only enhance existing privacy protection.
NoScript
How to set up Tor Browser for Darknet? The browser comes with an integrated version of the popular NoScript add-on. This extension is available using the button on the browser’s main toolbar. It can be used either to block all scripts running in the browser, or only for certain websites.
Activate the option “Prohibit scripts globally” and be careful what you want to allow. This may open your actual IP address for unwanted discovery. You can find a detailed list of exceptions for sites in the options menu, thereby narrowing your surfing the Internet only to those scenarios that you have approved as safe.
HTTPS in all cases
This extension encrypts activity on most large sites that try to track and record your online traffic. Like most Tor plugins, it works without crashing. As a rule, the user does not even notice this.
How to do it for Android?
How to set up Tor on Android? To do this, you need to install the Orbot proxy application, which will connect Tor Browser for Android to the Tor network. You can download it from Google Play or from the developer's site.
Orbot is easy to install on your Android device thanks to an intuitive installation wizard. During the installation process, you will need to select specific applications to which you want to arrange confidential access. However, if your device does not have root privileges, you can skip this stage of the process by selecting the option that allows you to proxy all programs on the device via TOR.
If your gadget has root privileges, you need to enable access for the installation process using superuser privileges. This ensures that you can use Orbot when you open any application on your Android device at any time.
At this stage of the installation process, you will need to reboot the device so that Orbot gets access to all the programs on it. If you try to open your mobile browser at this stage, it is likely that it may not work as it should. Therefore, you may need to reboot the device.
Final thoughts
When the public found out about the Tor product line, the browser became more convenient and comfortable. Now it is easier than ever to keep your identity and information safe when accessing the Internet. Tor continues to lead the way, and therefore remains one of the most significant tools in online privacy.