Snooper-proof software

[steve_m]

My system:
WIN98SE, IE 5.5; Quantum 10GB Ultra ATA 5400rpm HD, Intel 550MHz PIII Processor, 256KB L2 Cache, 128MB, 100MHz SDRAM, FAT 32.

Hello

Occasionally, I come across 'pop-up' adverts on the net that claim to protect against snoopers, hackers, etc.

'Anonimizer' say,'...makes your web use invisible and untrackable to others...'
They demonstrated to me how easy it was to see where I'd been by showing the 'traceroute,' i.e. the computers that your computer is going through to reach us; revealing my geographical position, and info about the network used by looking at the names associated with the IPs.

Should I be concerned about this? Do I need a package like Anonimizer ($49.96 pa), or someone else's? Is it better than a 'firewall?' Is it a 'con'...etc, etc?

Anyone got an opinion? Thanks.

[fink]

It is absolutely a con. Some of the issues they raise are valid but they use scare tactics and exaggerate the dangers to a great degree to try and get your money. Everything that it does can be done for free and better by other programs such as zonealarm and spyder and a few configuration tweeks on your system.

The traceroute... big deal!! they have to be able to traceroute (know where your are) you to give you their webpage. Everyone on the net can traceroute everyone else. They make it seem like it's a security hazard. They(?) and/or other con artist type security websites show you the files on your computer... it's an old trick because although the files show up in your browser only you can see them... it's the same as opening up windows explorer.

They anonymize you by routing your surfing through a proxy so they can be between you and the website you are looking at. They get all the data and then send it to you so the original website doesn't actually see your IP address. Unless you're dealing with state secrets or classified info or hanging around some questionable hacker type websites that's really not necessary. And again there are free ways to anonymize yourself anyway with free anonymous proxies such as these..

http://tools.rosinstrument.com/cgi-bin/fp.pl/showlog?

or these

http://www.multiproxy.org/anon_list.htm

Another consideration is that it's quite likely that using the anonymizer will slow you down while surfing as well since you have to go through their routers to get where you're going.

[steve_m]

Thanks Fink, I'll take your advice. I thought it was probably a 'con!'

By the way, I came across the pop-up via a search about dieting. The site was www.neohealth.co.uk. Apart from claiming that carbohydrates were to blame for everything (maybe they are???) the site went into a long argument about religion - strange connection! But they wouldn't say who they are!