How can I be anonymous on the Internet?

This document has been created for users who are concerned about others monitoring their Internet browsing or simply wish to remain anonymous while they browse the web. Keep in mind that there are different degrees of anonymity and even when following these steps you are not be 100% anonymous. If you're attempting to conceal your identity because you plan on doing illegal or inappropriate things while on the Internet this document is not for you.
Below is a list of different methods to help protect your identity while on the Internet.

Privacy basics

For most users simply following some basic rules can help with your anonymity on the Internet.

1. Do not disclose any private information unless absolutely required. In some cases when it is required such as your last name, only fill in partial information such as your last initial.
2. Don't fall into e-mail and web phishing traps. Become familiar with the signs of phishing and don't disclose private information in e-mail.
3. If you're running Microsoft Windows make sure you're familiar with Spyware and have at least one program installed on the computer to help protect you from it.

Public Anonymous Proxy

When browsing the Internet you're browsing from your computer IP address, this IP address can be used to track your general location and also be used to help identify your visit. To help keep your computer anonymous you can use a proxy to browse the web. A proxy allows you to use an alternate computer to load a website and then display the results on your computer. Below is a short list of some of the available anonymous proxies.

Public CGI (Web, PHP) anonymous proxy free list
Megaproxy
The Cloak
FreeProxy.ca

If you're in an area where you feel your connection may be compromised or sniffed, e.g. connecting to the Internet at a WI-FI hotspot. Using a HTTPS proxy is a great way to help encrypt data coming from the proxy to your computer that is not encrypted, helping to prevent any eavesdropping.

If you're using Mozilla Firefox as your browser and find yourself frequently needed a proxy, there is a great Add-on called SwitchProxy Tool that enables you to quickly and easily switch between proxies.

When using a proxy it is important to realize that the proxy you're using to browse the Internet could keep a log of visitors, which means if someone really wanted to find you it could still be possible. Finally, keep in mind that you will not know who is controlling the proxy so if you're entering sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, etc. or reading your e-mail that the person in control of the proxy could capture and read that information.

Boot from Anonym.OS LiveCD

Anonym.OS is a LiveCD that allows a user to boot from a CD and use a variant of OpenBSD that has been designed to help keep a user anonymous while browsing the Internet.

Click here for Anonym.OS site and download

Other software products

In addition to the above recommendations there are also software products that can help protect users who are seriously concerned about their IP address being distributed. A good example of such a product is: Anonymizer, which helps make their Internet surfing anonymous.

Alternate computer or connection

Finally, connecting to the Internet using someone else's connection, e.g. library, school, work, etc. can be a method of keeping anonymous. When using someone else's connection you're logging in as their IP address and not your own personal address.

Keep in mind however that if you had to use a login to get onto the computer or network that if someone wanted to locate you it could be traced to the login.