How to Hide IP Addresses
You may have legitimate reasons for wanting to hide your IP address, a unique number that identifies your computer. An IP address is required to establish an Internet connection, but it also acts as an irrefutable fingerprint that identifies you. By performing a simple IP trace, other Internet users can find as much information about you as they are willing to track down. Hiding your IP address gives you the ability to surf online with a greater degree of anonymity.
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Instructions
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Choose your proxy type. The easiest way to hide an IP address is to use a proxy server -- a remote server that assigns you a temporary IP address. This address is discarded as soon as your Internet session ends. There are different kinds of proxy servers. Choosing the right one is germane to ensuring the level of privacy you desire. Some proxy servers may still reveal limited information about you, while others hide so much information that they're denied access to many popular websites.
Transparent Proxy - Hides IP addresses from automated processes. This is a good proxy if you don't want your IP address viewed by websites with IP-banning capacity. Simple programs will still be able to detect your real IP address.
Anonymous Proxy - Provides anonymity. Your IP address is completely masked from other users and websites. The fact that you are using a proxy server will be obvious to others. Some websites prohibit the use of proxy servers, which may prevent you from accessing those sites.
Warp or Distortion Proxy -- Websites and other users can see that you are using a proxy server, but this is still an excellent way to hide your IP address. When a person or website attempts to find your IP address, a distortion proxy provides an incorrect address.
Total or High Anonymity Proxy - It will be impossible for websites or users to know that you are using a proxy. They will see an address that is not your true IP address and there's no indication that you are using a proxy server.
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Search for a proxy server. A quick search on Google will provide you with a lengthy list of proxy servers. If you want a transparent proxy, enter the term 'transparent proxy' as your search query. Be sure to check the pricing of each proxy server. Some hide IP addresses free of charge; others, especially Total Anonymity proxy servers, are likely to charge. Check the technical requirements, too. Not all computers and Internet service providers are compatible with all proxies.
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Register for service. No matter which proxy you choose to use, you'll need to follow some simple instructions to register to use that proxy. Follow the instructions provided.
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Test your anonymity. Before you try your proxy-masked IP address out on your favorite website, perform an IP address trace to make sure your IP is, in fact, hidden.
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References
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