First things first... Browsing the net in a safer, more private manner.

Here are the tools I use to browse the Internet everyday in a safer, more private manner and why. There are many avenues for you to choose from, I chose this one because it enhances my privacy without really hindering my browsing. Alternatives will follow in my next post.

Mozilla Firefox 3:
Firefox is arguably the most secure and customizable cross-platform browser - I recommend it to everyone.

Portable Mozilla Firefox 3:
I suggest installing the Portable Edition of Firefox on a USB key so you have your own customized browser along with your bookmarks everywhere you go, without leaving any traces on the computer you are using. Also, this allows you to use Firefox on computers where you may be restricted to using Internet Explorer.

My Firefox tweaks and add-ons for greater privacy, but keeping ease of use:

1 - tools/options/privacy tab: under private data, turn on "Always clear my private data when I close firefox", and click "settings" and select everything except what could hinder your browsing. I keep passwords, and saved forms & search history.

Why? This deletes all browsing history and cookies when Firefox is closed, hindering websites usage tracking systems - making my browsing more private. Although the deletion is not permanent, it is sufficient to protect one's privacy while browsing (data retrieval using specialized programs could still be possible if someone had physical access to your hard disk).

2 - tools/options/privacy tab: under cookies, keep on "Accept cookies from sites", unclick "Accept third-party cookies", and set "Keep until:" to "I close Firefox". Click "exceptions" and add in any sites that you would like to always be always logged in (e.g. I am a member and read the New York Times daily, thus I enter "nytimes.com" and click "Allow").

Why? Cookies are required for many sites to function properly, so it may be problematic not to accept entirely, but third party cookies are usually only used for tracking and thus should be disallowed. To learn more about cookies, I suggest visiting http://www.cookiecentral.com/faq/ .

3 - AdBlockPlus (http://adblockplus.org/): Blocks Internet ads based on filter subscription, and allows you to manually block ads and/or cluttering images as you wish. Once installed, choose filters to subscribe to from http://adblockplus.org/en/subscriptions . I subscribe to the following: Easy Element, Easy List, and ABP Tracking filter.

Why? It prevents ads from tracking your browsing or causing unwanted pop ups. It streamlines your browsing experience by allowing you to concentrate on the important content of the web.

4 - NoScript (http://noscript.net/): By default blocks all Java script. Easy site specific unblocking.

Why?
1. Malicious Javascripts can steal cookies which can contain some important information.
2. They can scan the files in the hard drive and even steal them.
3. They can give commands to router and in turn remove the security settings of the router and open the gates of the network completely.

*Ref.: http://www.reviewsaurus.com/blogging-tips/security-threats-of-using-grea...

NoScript enhances your browser security by disallowing Java scripts, which can be malicious (e.g. http://internetisseriousbusiness.com/) and pose security or privacy threats. If you feel it hinders your browsing, select "Allow scripts globally" in the NoScript Preferences and disallow sites or objects that use annoying or unwanted Java scripts. The Java script threat is real and if you would like to read more about it, I suggest CNET's article (http://news.cnet.com/JavaScript-opens-doors-to-browser-based-attacks/210...)

Tags: Internet, browsing, security, privacy, tips, firefox, tweaks.