If upgrading, from versions before 2.9.16, please back up any configuration files. See the Note to Upgraders Section.
Install Privoxy. See the Installation Section below for platform specific information.
Advanced users and those who want to offer Privoxy service to more than just their local machine should check the main config file, especially the security-relevant options. These are off by default.
Start Privoxy, if the installation program has not done this already (may vary according to platform). See the section Starting Privoxy.
Set your browser to use Privoxy as HTTP and HTTPS proxy by setting the proxy configuration for address of 127.0.0.1 and port 8118. (Junkbuster and earlier versions of Privoxy used port 8000.) See the section Starting Privoxy below for more details on this.
Flush your browser's disk and memory caches, to remove any cached ad images.
A default installation should provide a reasonable starting point for most. There will undoubtedly be occasions where you will want to adjust the configuration, but that can be dealt with as the need arises. Little to no initial configuration is required in most cases.
See the Configuration section for more configuration options, and how to customize your installation.
If you experience ads that slipped through, innocent images that are blocked, or otherwise feel the need to fine-tune Privoxy's behaviour, take a look at the actions files. As a quick start, you might find the richly commented examples helpful. You can also view and edit the actions files through the web-based user interface. The Appendix "Anatomy of an Action" has hints how to debug actions that "misbehave".
Please see the section Contacting the Developers on how to report bugs or problems with websites or to get help.
Now enjoy surfing with enhanced comfort and privacy!