There are loads of anonymous web browsing software programs on the market - unfortunately very few actually deliver really secure browsing,in fact some are actualy a liability.

So what's actually involved in anonymous browsing ?

Well in my mind it's maintaining the privacy of your browsing, it's stopping the huge internet trail you leave behind you when you surf the web. Let me explain a few of the areas your privacy is under real threat when you are browsing the web.

Here's the main areas where your web browsing is logged -

1) Your computer - which contains various files and a history of your web browsing.

2) Web sites you visit - every time you visit a web site your IP address is logged and recorded. 3) Your ISP - easily the most complete record of all your web browsing, every web site, every file, every email recorded - ouch!

There are others mainly due to the very open architecture of the internet but these are the main culprits.

Now if your main concern is number 1 perhaps you share a computer and want to keep your browsing private then you're in luck. You really don't need to spend much money - check out the privacy features in IE 8 and Firefox, or my favourite - Google Chrome Incognito mode. These can all allow you to surf without leaving files and a history on your local PC.

Now web servers you visit will usually record your visit to some extent, the server logs will record what you viewed and downloaded. The simple way to block this behaviour is to prevent the server knowing about your IP address.

This is normally achieved by browsing through an anonymous proxy, this is a server you surf through which prevents your IP address being passed and logged to the server you visit. Any software should allow you access to private anonymous proxies, don't use the cheap software that just looks for free proxies to route you through, they are not safe to use and are frequently run by identity thieves. Only use a private proxy network which is secure and well run.

Now the big one, your ISP logs - anonymous proxies do nothing to prevent the logging here as you have to pass through the ISP gateway before you reach there. The logs are most targeted and coveted by hackers, idenity thieves and I'm afraid our governments. The record here is complete and total - your ISP logs are a complete record of everything you do online.

There is only one real solution to this last invasion of privacy your anonymous browsing software must encrypt your connection. This will in turn encrypt your logs at your ISP and make all your browsing invisible.

Author:-NEIL BERRY