Lately, I have been using proxy servers to surf anonymously into controversial websites. Most of them are NSFW(Not Safe For Work) websites. Below are 4 main reasons why surfing anonymously is good.

Added Security:

Many Proxy Servers have filters that provide added security to the person that accesses websites through the server. As a consequence, malicious spyware and adware is stopped at the server and does not reach your PC. This provides additional security to firewalls and adware blocking software that may be installed on the PC, reducing to almost zero the possibility of unwanted attacks on your computer.

Hiding your IP address:

The first piece of information that is retrieved from any computer that accesses a website is its IP address. An IP address is assigned to you by your ISP(Internet Service Provider) whenever you are surfing the web and this information, along with other data, can be retrieved from any website that has intentions of following a surfer’s habits. Additionally, websites can also know which websites you are surfing frequently and many internet organizations use this information for targeted marketing purposes. If, however, this information is retrieved by ill-intended persons, this information can even be used for direct attacks on your PC. By using an anonymous proxy server to access websites, none of this information is available to the website you are visiting. Even the fact that you are using a proxy server is in many cases hidden. This way, you can surf the internet without the risk of compromising your personal information.

Access websites when a router is down

Sometimes, equipment used on the internet may fail and you cannot access certain websites, or sometimes a whole IP range has trouble accessing the internet. In order to verify if the problem accessing a website is due to the fact that the website itself is down or if it is a problem with equipment, like a router, you can try accessing the site through an anonymous proxy server. By using one of these servers, the route you take to access the website is different than the one you would normally take by accessing it directly. This way, if internet equipment is failing, you will still be able to access the website through the proxy server.

Faster access speeds to websites

When you want to access a website through the proxy server, what the Proxy does is retrieve the website and downloads it to its cache, which is then delivered to you. However, when you finish browsing the site, the page will remain in the proxy’s cache. Thus, the next time you, or another web surfer, wants to access the website, the proxy will only have to check if there has been any changes to the site. Only the changes will then be downloaded to its cache and the rest of the site will be delivered to you directly from the proxy itself. This allows for faster access to sites that are regularly visited by either yourself or other persons, due to the fact that the proxy Server has this site stored in its cache and delivers it to you directly.

Anonymous Surfing
Benefits & issues of anonymity

TorPark is a special portable version of Firefox that incorporates the free Tor anonymizing service that allows you to surf anonymously by relaying your connection through a chain of special Tor servers. It created quite a sensation when it was released last year as it provided users with an easy way to surf anonymously without going through the hassle of configuring complex network settings. It could also be run from a USB flash drive which made it ideal for use on public terminals. A new version has just been released based on Firefox V2.0.0.2 rather than V1.5 used in the original.

Here are pictures for a better understanding.

Torpark Free Edition
Download the latest installer

Torrify : Torpark
Privacy Services

The term ‘credit card’ simply means ‘issuer lending money to the consumer’. A credit card company allows the consumer to ‘revolve’ their balance, at the cost of having interest charged. I had 2 credit cards before but threw them away because I realized that it has no value to me. To me, is more con than pro. Anyways, I’ve listed the pros and cons of a credit card and how it affects the general public.

Pros

Extremely Convenient

It is small and easy to use. All you need to do is just hand it over to the cashier, check the amount credited and sign.

Safer than carrying around a lot of cash.

If you ever get robbed, all you need to do is just dial your credit card company and block your credit card. That’s it!

An extra source of money in emergency situations.

Since I stopped using my credit cards, I had difficulties during days when I forgot that I had little cash in my wallet. It happened once when I went out on a date and had to ask her to pay for me first. It was super embarrassing!

A means of building up your credit record which may eventually help you in purchasing a home, car. etc.

Some credit cards do help you in purchasing assets.

Accepted at most businesses in many countries worldwide.

Generally, every consumer oriented business will surely use credit cards. Example ; Hotels, Restaurants, Shopping Malls, Gas Stations, Supermarkets and etc.

Benefits and Points.

Enjoy privileges and rewards such as frequent flier mileage, cash rebates which are provided depending on specific credit card companies.

Cons

Extremely Convenient

This point is also a con as you may charge too much and may not afford to pay up in time.

May be stolen and used fraudulently.

If you do not cancel quick enough, they robber may have already use it to stock up on tons of Chivas at the local wine house.

Scams

A favorite target for scam artists. So be careful about who you release your credit card info to.

Very, very high interest

Penalties for late payments may go up as high as 20% or more! It’s 2 in 1. Not having enough money to pay up and increase in debts. More problems instead.

No self discipline

Personal misuse may lead to debt and/or a poor credit history.

Benefits and Points.

Some credit card companies have absurd requirement points to meet to be able to exchange for rewards.

Here’s a team of people in UK who have taken the time to explain the differences and benefits on available credit cards deals. They categorized their findings into 3 categories which are :

• Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Know the best and latest balance transfer credit cards to choose from. They will explain on how used correctly 0% balance transfers credit cards can save you money on interest payments.

• Reward Credit Cards

The more you spend the more you get back.

• 0% on Purchases Credit Cards

Making many large purchases by using a 0% credit card with 0% APR on purchases saves you interest and could be cheaper than taking out a personal loan.

credit cards
To get or not to get