Ubuntu Tutorials

I have been using the Tor privacy network for quite some time now and I really appreciate the anonymity it allows me. It is very easy to setup on Ubuntu systems and basically offers you the freedom to surf and chat anonymously. No more tracking by marketers or wondering if someone can find you based on your IP. Of course always remember to use your powers of invisibility for good! Here you can find out more about the Tor Network.

1. sudo aptitude install tor
2. sudo vim /etc/tor/torrc
3. sudo vim /etc/privoxy/config
4. comment out: “logfile logfile” and “jarfile jarfile”
5. find: listen-address 127.0.0.1:8118
6. add (on next line): forward-socks4a / localhost:9050 . (including the period)
7. sudo /etc/init.d/tor restart && sudo /etc/init.d/privoxy restart
8. configure your network to now use Tor and Privoxy.

That is a pretty quick setup for getting the engine to work, now to actually use it. This can be used globally if set in your network proxy config (System > Preferences > Network Proxy) or individually by program that allows proxy configuration.

Firefox Setup / Global Network Proxy Settings:

1. Edit > Preferences > Advanced > “Connection”
2. HTTP and SSL Proxy: localhost: 8118
3. SOCKS Host: localhost 9050

Or for an even simpler method simply download the Tor Plugin for Firefox. It allows you to turn on / off the Tor proxy with a click of a button.

For gaim:

1. Edit any account (Jabber, MSN, etc)
2. “Advanced” Tab or “Proxy Settings” (depending on your version of gaim)
3. Proxy Type: SOCKS 5
4. Host: 127.0.0.1
5. Port: 9050
6. Done

For IRC (freenode) over gaim:

1. Edit your IRC account settings
2. change “irc.freenode.net” to: mejokbp2brhw4omd.onion
3. “Advanced” Tab or “Proxy Settings” (depending on your version of gaim)
4. Proxy Type: SOCKS 5
5. Host: 127.0.0.1
6. Port: 9050

Enjoy using the Tor Privacy network. If you enjoy it, consider hosting another private node on the network to expand its reach and bandwidth. It is very easy to setup (outside of the scope of this tutorial) and you can limit the bandwidth available. Those instructions (hopefully) coming soon.

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