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Chrome has not been the only browser to be the subject of a visual review this week, as the privacy-focused Tor browser has also received a new brushstroke, as well as numerous updates. underlying levels and improvements to make it easier. to use for newcomers. There is now more reason than ever to make Tor your favorite browser of choice.
Specifically, the Tor Browser has been updated to include the features deployed in Quantum Firefox, which include an updated interface called Photon UI and a faster page rendering engine. The Tor browser has always been based on Firefox, but it is now up to date with the modern look and code.
For the uninitiated, the Tor Browser is the key software developed by the Tor project, which manages a network of nodes providing anonymity on the Web. In a similar way to a VPN, Tor does not connect you directly to websites, but through a series of other servers and encrypted connections.
The difference is that it is decentralized and managed by volunteers – you do not trust a VPN company with your connection and data. The Tor browser program not only gives you easy access to these anonymous connections, but also closely monitors cookies, scripts, ads, and anything else that might be tempted to follow you.
The new browser Tor
This latest update has been around for a long time: Firefox Quantum (Firefox 57) arrived in November 2017, with a new look, an improved page rendering engine and better APIs for browser add-ons. Implementing these substantial changes in the Tor Browser took time for the small development team behind it.
Now, the wait is over with Tor Browser 8, which you can download now.
The Tor team has also added specific updates to this browser, including a new welcome screen for new users, which aims to make easier the use of the software in the past. Despite its excellent privacy features, the Tor Browser has not been the easiest browser to understand for casual users.
Another major change concerns the addition of a Circuit Tor button, which randomly changes the server used to connect to the Web. Previously, users had to handle some confusing options. now it's just a two-click process.
Together with the updated Quantum Firefox interface and new user settings, the update means there's never been a better time for the Tor browser to try.
Tor Browser 8 also simplifies the bridge recovery process, which is necessary when the Internet is blocked, no matter where you are in the world. Rather than sending an email or visiting a separate website, you can now connect with one click and a captcha form.
The new integration process explains all this very well. You get a description of what Tor Network is, how it helps to preserve your anonymity and technical terms such as circuits in the browser.
Daily navigation with Tor
Is the Tor Browser now a viable option for anyone? In a word, yes. Most of what you do on the web works exactly like any other browser, with icons and toolbar icons and the ability to search the web from the address bar. search functions).
New circuits can be established in seconds and if you want to explore Tor's security settings, there are only three options to consider: Standard, Safe and Safest. Explanations of what each one includes are listed next, and you do not need a computer security qualification to understand them.
There are trade-offs: Due to additional rerouting, load times are slower, especially at larger and more complex sites. It's not enough to make you want to throw your laptop out the window, but it's noticeable. And because Tor disables many interactive Web elements to limit the knowledge that the browser (and the sites you visit) may have on you, parts of some sites will appear broken.
That said, we did a tour with Tor today, through Twitter, Gmail, Google Docs and the BBC, and everything works perfectly. Much of the heavy burden that Tor has to make to keep your secure and private browsing is in the background.
Two browsers are provided with the Tor browser: HTTPS Everywhere (to force HTTPS connections when available) and NoScript (restricting interactive elements on pages to limit the risk of browser attacks). As a result, the pages can often appear clearer and simpler than they would otherwise be.
It is also interesting to note that, in many ways, the Tor browser works like a private browser window in Chrome: Cookies and browsing history are deleted at the end of each session. By jumping through your web story, this could scare you.
To be honest, the Tor browser has always been easy enough to use, being based on Firefox, but updating the Quantum code, as well as the few settings to simplify navigation for new users, is certainly useful. If you've had a chance in the past and have not been impressed, take another look.
Privacy and security with Tor
The main reason why the Tor browser is installed is to limit the amount of data that marketing companies, technology companies, government agencies, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can collect about you.
It's perfect if you want to browse the web while leaving a digital test as small as possible. If you log in to Gmail, Google obviously knows it, but it will not be able to identify you from which you connect or follow you on several other sites at the same time through the tracking of cookies.
The Tor Browser also gives you deep (or dark) Web access, providing additional layers of anonymity and protection from censorship. Navigating the deep Web is not as easy as going to regular URLs (you need to look for a hidden wiki to know where to go), and the latest Tor update does not really change that. Recent research suggests that the number of obscure websites is declining.
Even with all these extra tools and protections built into the Tor Browser, you're never 100% sure that you're online safely and anonymously. The Tor network has been exploited before and could well be – government agencies know as well as anyone that people use Tor to stay hidden, and they are always looking for ways to keep an eye on users.
Although it is much more difficult to follow a person using the Tor Browser, it is not impossible. Take this into account when you travel daily. Remember that the only really safe way to keep track of your web activities is to not connect to the Internet.
However, for occasional users who want to add substantial protection to the privacy and security of their day-to-day navigation, without giving up much in return, the new updates deployed this week make the Tor browser more appealing than ever before.
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