7) Online Web Surfing Tools

Readers have provided a few sites that allow you to surf anonymously using a Web-based tool rather than downloading software. To use them, enter the URL of where you want to go into the box. At the top of every Web page, you'll see a box for entering the URL along with other boxes of things you want blocked such as scripts, cookies and forms.

The irony is that some of these tools come with pop up ads. So you have to decide which is more important to you: privacy or no pop-ups. The following tools have been tested and confirmed that the IP address didn't match our location.

Proxy Ninja
http://proxyninja.com/

RazorThought surfSafe
http://razorthought.com/surfsafe.html

ProjectByPass
http://projectbypass.com/

VTunnel.com
http://www.vtunnel.com/

ShySurfer
http://www.shysurfer.com/

Sneakysurf
http://www.sneakysurf.com/

Many readers have left helpful comments, so check them out.

6) Tor

http://tor.eff.org/

Software Tool (Win, Mac, Linux)

Using Tor can help you anonymize web browsing and publishing, instant messaging, IRC, SSH, and other applications that use the TCP protocol. Tor also provides a platform on which software developers can build new applications with built-in anonymity, safety, and privacy features.

Tor's relies on its users and volunteers' time and bandwidth to improve its security. Beware this is development code, therefore it's not a good idea to rely on the current Tor network if you really need strong anonymity.

Tor system requirements:
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

Download Tor and read the documentation.

Price: Freeware. Relies on volunteer help.

5) Proxifier

http://www.proxifier.com/

Software Tool (Win)

With Proxifier you can work with any Internet client (browsers, FTP, ICQ, IRC, Kazaa, messengers, telnet, SSH, video/audio, games and others) through a network that is separated from Internet by a firewall (only one open port is required).

Two editions are available: Standard and portable. See the comparison chart.

It provides added privacy in all your Internet activities. For example, when sending and receiving email through a proxy server or by chaining multiple proxy servers together, Proxifier supports all mail clients while allowing you to remain anonymous.

Proxifier system requirements:
Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP

Download Proxifier

Price for both editions: USD $39.95 (volume pricing available) and free to try