X-Git-Url: http://www.privoxy.org/gitweb/?p=privoxy.git;a=blobdiff_plain;f=doc%2Fsource%2Ffaq.sgml;h=9e83033131505ed7629fd851cbc87fb8d07a6fa2;hp=6351b1a897feacd8137987303a057965413b1f4e;hb=ba215fa6bb4d5293cff0a7b9b399d075f990300d;hpb=0fa9717607b85393a793202c2b26074395678fe9 diff --git a/doc/source/faq.sgml b/doc/source/faq.sgml index 6351b1a8..9e830331 100644 --- a/doc/source/faq.sgml +++ b/doc/source/faq.sgml @@ -1,4 +1,20 @@ - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +]> -
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-Junkbuster Frequently Asked Questions +Privoxy Frequently Asked Questions -$Id: faq.sgml,v 1.18 2002/03/18 16:40:31 hal9 Exp $ +$Id: faq.sgml,v 1.44 2002/04/07 21:24:29 hal9 Exp $ - By: Junkbuster Developers + By: Privoxy Developers + + + This is here to keep vim syntax file from breaking :/ + If I knew enough to fix it, I would. + PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE! HB: hal@foobox.net + + +]]> -The FAQ document gives users and developers alike answers to frequently asked -questions about the Internet Junkbuster. Internet -Junkbuster is a web proxy with advanced filtering capabilities -for protecting privacy, filtering web page content, managing cookies, -controlling access, and removing ads, banners, pop-ups and other obnoxious -Internet Junk. Junkbuster has a very flexible configuration and can be -customized to suit individual needs and tastes. Internet -Junkbuster has application for both stand-alone systems and -multi-user networks. + This FAQ gives users and developers alike answers to frequently asked + questions about Privoxy + . + + + &p-intro; + + -You can find the latest version of the document at http://ijbswa.sourceforge.net/faq/. -Please see the Contact section in the -user-manual if you want to contact the developers. + You can find the latest version of the document at http://www.privoxy.org/faq/. + Please see the Contact section if you want to contact the developers. @@ -54,200 +102,180 @@ Please see the Contact section in the - - - + + ---> - - -Frequently Asked Questions -General Information +General Information -What is this new version of <application>Junkbuster</application>? +What is this new version of <application>Privoxy</application>? - The original Internet Junkbuster (tm) is a - coyrighted product of Junkbusters - Corporation. Development of this effort stopped some time ago as of - version 2.0.2. Stefan Walherr started the ijbswa project on Sourceforge to rekindle - development. Other developers subsequently joined with Stefan, and have - since added many new features, refinements and enhancements. + The original Internet + Junkbuster (tm) is a copyrighted product of Junkbusters Corporation. + Development of this effort stopped some time ago as of version 2.0.2. Stefan + Waldherr started the ijbswa project on Sourceforge to + rekindle development. Other developers subsequently joined with Stefan, and + have since added many new features, refinements and enhancements. The result + of this effort is Privoxy. - The new Junkbuster started with the same - code base, but has changed significantly at this point. + Privoxy has evolved from the + Junkbuster 2.0.2 code base, and has advanced + significantly at this point. - - - -How does it differ from the old <application>Junkbuster?</application> - - All the old features remain. The new Junkbuster - still blocks ads and banners, still manages cookies, and still helps protect - your privacy. But, these are all enhanced, and many new features have been - added, all in the same vein. + + Please see the History section for more + information on the history of Junkbuster and + Privoxy. - - The configuration has changed significantly as well. This is something that - users will notice right off the bat. The blocklist file does - not exist any more. This is replaced by actions files, such - as ijb.actions. This is where most of the per site - configuration is now. - - - - -What are some of the new features? - - - - - - - Integrated browser based configuration and control utility (http://i.j.b). Browser-based tracing of rule - and filter effects. - - - - - - Blocking of annoying pop-up browser windows. - - - - - - HTTP/1.1 compliant (most, but not all 1.1 features are supported). - - - - - Support for Perl Compatible Regular Expressions in the configuration files, and - generally a more sophisticated and flexible configuration syntax over - previous versions. - - - - - - GIF de-animation. - - - - - - Web page content filtering (removes banners based on size, - invisible web-bugs, JavaScript, pop-ups, status bar abuse, - etc.) - - - - - - Bypass many click-tracking scripts (avoids script redirection). - - - - - - - Multi-threaded (POSIX and native threads). - - + - - - Auto-detection and re-reading of config file changes. - - - - - User-customizable HTML templates (e.g. 404 error page). - - + +Why <quote>Privoxy</quote>? Why a name change at all? + + Privoxy is the + Privacy Enhancing Proxy. + + + There are potential legal complications from the continued use of the + Junkbuster name, which is a registered trademark of + Junkbusters Corporation. + And thus they own the rights to the name. + (There are, however, no objections from Junkbusters Corporation to the + Privoxy project itself, and they, in fact, still + share our ideals and goals.) + - - - Improved cookie management features (e.g. session based cookies). - - + + The developers also believed that there are so many changes from the original + code, that it was time to make a clean break from the past and make + a name in their own right. + + - - - Builds from source on most UNIX-like systems. Packages available for: Linux - (RedHat, SuSE, or Debian), Windows, Sun Solaris, Mac OSX, OS/2, HP-UX 11 and AmigaOS. - - - - - - In addition, the configuration is much more powerful and versatile over-all. - - +How does <application>Privoxy</application> differ +from the old <application>Junkbuster?</application> + + Privoxy picks up where + Junkbuster left off. All the old features remain. + The new Privoxy still blocks ads and banners, + still manages cookies, and still helps protect your privacy. But, these are + all enhanced, and many new features have been added, all in the same vein. + + + The configuration has changed significantly as well. This is something that + users will notice right off the bat if you are upgrading from + Junkbuster 2.0.x. The blocklist + file does not exist any more. This is replaced by actions + files, such as default.actions. This is where most of + the per site configuration is now. + + - - +What are some of the new features? + + &newfeatures; + - + -What is a <quote>proxy</quote>? How does -<application>Junkbuster</application> work? +What is a <quote>proxy</quote>? How does +<application>Privoxy</application> work? - When you connect to a web site with Junkbuster, + When you connect to a web site with Privoxy, you are really connecting to your locally running version of - Junkbuster. Junkbuster + Privoxy. Privoxy intercepts your requests for the web page, and relays that to the real web site. The web site sends the HTTP data stream - back to Junkbuster, where - Junkbuster can work its magic before it + back to Privoxy, where + Privoxy can work its magic before it relays this data back to your web browser. - Since Junkbuster sits between you and the + Since Privoxy sits between you and the WWW, it is in a position to intercept and completely manage all web traffic and HTTP content before it gets to your browser. - Junkbuster uses various programming methods to do + Privoxy uses various programming methods to do this, all of which is under your control via the various configuration files and options. - There are many kinds of proxies. Junkbuster best + There are many kinds of proxies. Privoxy best fits the filtering proxy category. - + + + + +How does <application>Privoxy</application> know what is +an ad, and what is not? + + Privoxy processes all the raw content of every + web page. So it reads everything on each page. It then compares this to the + rules as set up in the configuration files, and looks for any matches to + these rules. Privoxy makes heavy use of + regular expressions. (If you are not familiar with regular + expressions, it is explained briefly in the user manual.) Regular + expressions facilitate matching of one text string against another, using + wildcards to build complex patterns. So Privoxy + will typically look for URLs and other content that match certain key words + and expressions as defined in the configuration files. For instance a URL + that contains /banners, has a high probability of containing + ad banners, and thus would be a prime candidate to have a matching rule. + + + So Privoxy will look for these kinds of obvious + looking culprits. And also, will use lists of known organizations that + specialize in ads. Again, using complex patterns to match as many potential + combinations as possible since there tend to be many, many variations used by + advertisers, and new ones are being introduced all the time. + + -My browser does the same things as -Junkbuster. Why should I use Junkbuster at all? + +Can <application>Privoxy</application> make mistakes? +This does not sound very scientific. + + Actually, it's a black art ;-) And yes, it is always possible to have a broad rule + accidentally block something by mistake. There is a good chance you may run + into such a situation at some point. It is tricky writing rules to cover + every conceivable possibility, and not occasionally get false positives. + + + + But this should not be a big concern since the + Privoxy configuration is very flexible, and + includes tools to help identify these types of situations so they can be + addressed as needed, allowing you to customize your installation. + (See the Troubleshooting section below.) + + + + + +My browser does the same things as +<application>Privoxy</application>. Why should I use +<application>Privoxy</application> at all? Modern browsers do indeed have some of the same - functionality as Junkbuster. Maybe this is - adequate for you. But Junkbuster is much more - verstatile and powerful, and can do a number of things that browsers just can't. + functionality as Privoxy. Maybe this is + adequate for you. But Privoxy is much more + versatile and powerful, and can do a number of things that browsers just can't. In addition, a proxy is good choice if you use multiple browsers, or @@ -256,75 +284,124 @@ Junkbuster. Why should I use Junkbuster at all? for possibly many browsers. - + -Is there is a license or fee? What about a +<sect2 renderas="sect3" id="license"><title>Is there is a license or fee? What about a warranty? Registration? - Junkbuster is licensed under the - GNU General Public License (GPL). It is free to use, copy, - modify or distribute as you wish under the terms of this license. - See http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html - for specifics. + Privoxy is licensed under the GNU General Public + License (GPL). It is free to use, copy, modify or distribute as you wish + under the terms of this license. Please see the Copyright section for more + information on the license and copyright. + There is no warranty of any kind, expressed, implied or otherwise. That is something that would cost real money ;-) There is no registration either. - Junkbuster really is free + Privoxy really is free in every respect! + + + +I would like to help you, what do I do? + +Money Money Money + + We, of course, welcome donations and use the money for domain registering, + regular world-wide get-togethers (hahaha). Anyway, we'll soon describe the + process how to donate money to the team. + + + +You want to work with us? + + Well, helping the team is always a good idea. We welcome new developers, + RPM gurus or documentation makers. Simply get an account on sourceforge.net + and mail your id to the developer mailing list. Then read the + section Quickstart in the + Developer's Manual. + + + Once we have added you to the team, you'll have write access to the CVS + repository, and together we'll find a suitable task for you. + + + -Installation +Installation -Can I install the new - <application>Junkbuster</application> over the old one? + +Which browsers are supported by <application>Privoxy</application>? + + Any browser that can be configured to use a proxy, which + should be virtually all browsers. Direct browser support is not necessary + since Privoxy runs as a separate application and + just exchanges standard HTML data with your browser, just like a web server + does. + + + + +Which operating systems are supported? + +&supported; + + +Can I install + <application>Privoxy</application> over <application>Junkbuster</application>? - We recommend you uninstall the old Junkbuster + We recommend you uninstall Junkbuster first to minimize conflicts and confusion. You may want to save your old configuration files for future reference. The configuration is substantially changed. See the user-manual for - platform specific installation instructions. [FIXME: This is meant for after - the name change for 3.0!] + url="../user-manual/index.html">user-manual for + platform specific installation instructions. + + + Note: Some installers may automatically uninstall + Junkbuster, if present! - - - -I just installed Junkbuster. Is there anything +</sect2> + +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="firststep">I just installed <application>Privoxy</application>. Is there anything special I have to do now? - All browsers must be told to use Junkbuster + All browsers must be told to use Privoxy as a proxy by specifying the correct proxy address and port number in the appropriate configuration area for the browser. See below. + Also, you should flush your browser's memory and disk cache to get rid of any + cached items. - + -What is the proxy address of Junkbuster? +What is the proxy address of <application>Privoxy</application>? - If you set up the Junkbuster to run on + If you set up the Privoxy to run on the computer you browse from (rather than your ISP's server or some networked computer on a LAN), the proxy will be on localhost (which is the special name used by every computer on the Internet to refer - to itself) and the port will be 8118 (unless you have told the Internet - Junkbuster to run on a different port with the + to itself) and the port will be 8118 (unless you have Privoxy to run on a different port with the listen-address config option). @@ -332,67 +409,68 @@ special I have to do now? the word localhost in the boxes next to HTTP and Secure (HTTPS) and then the number 8118 for port. This tells your browser to send all web - requests to Junkbuster instead of directly to the - Interenet. + requests to Privoxy instead of directly to the + Internet. - Junkbuster can also be used to proxy for + Privoxy can also be used to proxy for a Local Area Network. In this case, your would enter either the IP - address of the LAN host where Junkbuster + address of the LAN host where Privoxy is running, or the equivalent hostname. Port assignment would be same as above. - Junkbuster does not currently handle + Privoxy does not currently handle protocols such as FTP, SMTP, IM, IRC, ICQ, or other Internet protocols. - + - -I just installed Junkbuster, and nothing is happening. +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="nothing">I just installed <application>Privoxy</application>, and nothing is happening. All the ads are there. What's wrong? - Did you configure your browser to use Junkbuster + Did you configure your browser to use Privoxy as a proxy? It does not sound like it. See above. You might also try flushing the browser's caches to force a full re-reading of pages. You can verify - that Junkbuster is running, and your browser + that Privoxy is running, and your browser is correctly configured by entering the special URL: - http://i.j.b/. This should give you - a banner that says This is the Internet JUNKBUSTER and - access to Junkbuster's internal configuration. + http://p.p/. This should give you + a banner that says This is Privoxy and + access to Privoxy's internal configuration. If you see this, then you are good to go. If not, the browser or - Junkbuster are not set up correctly. + Privoxy are not set up correctly. - - + + -Configuration +Configuration -Can I use my old config files? +Can I use my old config files? - There are major changes to Junkbuster - configuration from version 2.0.x to 2.9.x and later. The older files will - not work at all. If this is the case, you will need to re-enter your old - data into the new configuration structure. This is probably also a good - recommendation even if upgrading from 2.9.x to 3.x since there were - many minor changes along the way. + There are major changes to Junkbuster/ + Privoxy configuration from version 2.0.x to + 2.9.x and later. Most of the older files will not work at all. This is + especially true of blocklist. If this is the case, you + will need to re-enter your old data into the new configuration structure. + This is probably also a good recommendation even if upgrading from 2.9.x to + 3.x since there were many minor changes along the way. - + - + What is an <quote>actions</quote> file? actions files are where various actions that - Junkbuster might take, are configured. + Privoxy might take, are configured. Typically, you would define a set of default actions that apply to all URLs, then add exceptions to these defaults. @@ -408,34 +486,34 @@ All the ads are there. What's wrong? - Junkbuster comes with several default + Privoxy comes with several default actions files, with varying degrees of filtering and blocking, as starting points for your own configuration (see below). - + - -The <quote>actions</quote>concept confuses me. Please list +<sect2 renderas="sect3" id="actionss"> +<title>The <quote>actions</quote> concept confuses me. Please list some of these <quote>actions</quote>. These are all explained in the - user-manual. + user-manual. Please refer to that. - + - + How are actions files configured? What is the easiest way to do this? - The easiest way to do this, is to access Junkbuster - with your web browser at http://i.j.b/, + The easiest way to do this, is to access Privoxy + with your web browser at http://p.p/, and then select - "Edit the actions list" + "Edit the actions list" from the selection list. You can also do this by editing the appropriate file with a text editor. @@ -443,41 +521,41 @@ way to do this? Please see the user-manual for a + url="../user-manual/configuration.html#ACTIONSFILE">user-manual for a detailed explanation of these and other configuration files, and their various options and syntax. - + - What are the differences between -ijb-intermediate.action, ijb-basic.action, etc.? + What are the differences between +intermediate.action, basic.action, etc.? -Configuring the Internet Junkbuster is not easy. To help you get started, we -provide you with three different default configurations. The following table -shows you, which features are enabled in each configuration. +Configuring Privoxy is not easy. To help you get +started, we provide you with three different default configurations. The +following table shows you, which features are enabled in each configuration. Default Configurations @@ -490,10 +568,10 @@ shows you, which features are enabled in each configuration. Feature - ijb.action - ijb-basic.action - ijb-intermediate.action - ijb-advanced.action + default.action + basic.action + intermediate.action + advanced.action @@ -617,39 +695,67 @@ shows you, which features are enabled in each configuration.
- + - Why can I change the configuration with a +<sect2 renderas="sect3" id="browseconfig"> <title>Why can I change the configuration with a browser? Does that not raise security issues? What I don't understand, is how I can browser edit the config file as a -regular user, while the whole /etc/junkbuster hierarchy belongs to the user -"junkbuster", with only 644 perms. +regular user, while the whole /etc/privoxy hierarchy +belongs to the user privoxy, with only 644 permissions. -When you use the browser-based editor, JunkBuster itself is writing to the -config files. Because JunkBuster is running as the user "junkbuster", it can +When you use the browser-based editor, Privoxy +itself is writing to the config files. Because +Privoxy is running as the user privoxy, it can update the config files. -If you don't like this, setting "enable-edit-actions 0" in the config file -will disable the browser-based editor. If you're that paranoid, you should -also consider setting "enable-remote-toggle 0" to prevent browser-based -enabling/disabling of JunkBuster. +If you don't like this, setting enable-edit-actions 0 in the +config file will disable the browser-based editor. If you're that paranoid, +you should also consider setting enable-remote-toggle 0 to prevent +browser-based enabling/disabling of Privoxy. -Note that normally only local users can connect to JunkBuster, so this is not -(normally) a security problem. +Note that normally only local users can connect to +Privoxy, so this is not (normally) a security +problem. - + + + + +What is <quote>default.filter</quote>? + + The default.filter file is used to filter any + web page content. By filtering we mean it can modify, remove, + or change anything on the page, including HTML tags, and + JavaScript. Regular expressions are used to accomplish this, and operate + on a line by line basis. This is potentially a very powerful feature, but + requires some expertise. + + + + If you are familiar with regular expressions, and HTML, you can look at + the provided default.filter with a text editor and see + some of things it can be used for. + + + + Presently, there is no GUI editor option for this part of the configuration, + but you can disable/enable various sections of the included default + file with the Actions List Editor from your browser. + - -How can I set up Junkbuster to act as a proxy for my +</sect2> + +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="lanconfig">How can I set up <application>Privoxy</application> to act as a proxy for my LAN? - By default, Junkbuster only responds to requests + By default, Privoxy only responds to requests from localhost. To have it act as a server for a network, this needs to be - changed in the main config file where the Junkbuster + changed in the main config file where the Privoxy configuration is located. In that file is a listen-address option. It may be commented out with a # symbol. Make sure it is uncommented, and assign it the address of the LAN gateway interface, @@ -663,100 +769,178 @@ Note that normally only local users can connect to JunkBuster, so this is not - Save the file, and restart Junkbuster. Configure + Save the file, and restart Privoxy. Configure all browsers on the network then to use this address and port number. - + - -Instead of ads, now I get a Junkbuster logo [or -checkerboard]. I don't want to see anything. + +Instead of ads, now I get a checkerboard pattern. I don't want to see anything. This is a configuration option for images that - Junkbuster is stopping. You have the choice of the - Junkbuster logo, a checkerboard pattern (this - scales better), a transparent 1x1 GIF image, or a custom URL or your choice. + Privoxy is stopping. You have the choice of a checkerboard + pattern, a transparent 1x1 GIF image (aka blank), or a custom + URL of your choice. Note that to fit this category, the URL must match both + the +image and +block actions. If you want to see nothing, then change the +image-blocker action to +image-blocker{blank}. This can be done from the Edit Actions List selection at http://i.j.b/. Or by hand editing the appropriate + url="http://p.p/">http://p.p/. Or by hand editing the appropriate actions file. This will only effect what is defined as images - though. - + though. Also, some URLs that generate the bright red Blocked + banner, can be moved to the +image-blocker section for the + same reason, but there are some limits and risks to this (see below). - + - -Why would anybody want to see the logo or checkerboard? + +Why would anybody want to see a checkerboard pattern? This can be helpful for troubleshooting problems. It might also be good - for anyone new to Junkbuster so that they can + for anyone new to Privoxy so that they can see if their favorite pages are displaying correctly, and - Junkbuster is not inadvertantly removing something + Privoxy is not inadvertently removing something important. - + - + I see large red banners on some pages that say -<quote>Blocked</quote>. How do I get rid of this? +Blocked. Why and how do I get rid of this? These are URLs that match something in one of - Junkbuster's block actions (+block). It is meant + Privoxy's block actions (+block). It is meant to be a warning so that you know something has been blocked and an easy way for you to see why. These are handled differently than what has been defined - as images (e.g. ad banners). If you want them to be treated - as if they were images, so that they can be invisible, then move the - offending URL from the +block section to the - +imageblock section of your actions file. Alternately, you - could modify the block HTML template that - is used by Junkbuster to display this, and make it - something more to your liking. + explicitly as images (e.g. ad banners). Depending on the + URL itself, it is sometimes hard for Privoxy to + really know whether there is indeed an ad image there or not. And there are + limitations as to what Privoxy can do to + fool the browser. - + + For instance, if the ad is in a frame, then it is embedded in the separate + HTML page used for the frame. In this case, you cannot just substitute an + aribitray image (like we would for a blank image), for an HTML + page. The browser is expecting an HTML page, and that is what it must have + for frames. So this situation can be a little trickier to deal with, and + Privoxy will use the Blocked page. + + + + If you want these to be treated as if they were images, so that they can be + made invisible, you can try moving the offending URL from the + +block section to the +imageblock section of + your actions file. Just be forewarned, if any URL is made + invisible, you may not have any inkling that something has + been removed from that page, or why. If this approach does not work, then you are + probably dealing with a frame (or ilayer), and the only thing + that can go there is an HTML page of some sort. + + + To deal with this situation, you could modify the + block HTML template that is used by + Privoxy to display this, and make it something + more to your liking. Currently, there is no configuration option for this. + You will have to modify, or create your own page, and use this to replace + templates/blocked, which is what + Privoxy uses to display the Blocked + page. + + + Another way to deal with this is find why and where + Privoxy is blocking the frame, and + diable this. Then let the +image-blocker action + handle the ad that is embedded in the frame's HTML page. + + + + + +I cannot see all of the <quote>Blocked</quote> page banner. All I +see is a bright red square. + + There is not enough space to fit the entire page. Try right clicking on the + visible, red portion, and select Show Frame, or equivalent. + This will usually allow you to see the entire Privoxy Blocked + page, and from there you can see just what is being blocked, and why. + + + + +Can <application>Privoxy</application> run as a service +on Win2K/NT? + + Yes, it can run as a system service using srvany.exe. + The only catch is that this will effectively disable the + Privoxy icon in the taskbar. You can have + one or the other, but not both at this time :( + + + There is a pending feature request for this functionality. See + thread: http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&atid=361118&aid=485617&group_id=11118, + for details, and a sample configuration. + + + + + + +How can I make <application>Privoxy</application> work with other +proxies like <application>Squid</application>? + + This can be done. See the user manual, + which describes how to do this. + + + + -Misc +Miscellaneous - -How much does Junkbuster slow my browsing down? This +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="slowsme">How much does <application>Privoxy</application> slow my browsing down? This has to add extra time to browsing. It should not slow you down any in real terms, and may actually help speed things up since ads, banners and other junk are not being displayed. - The actual processing time required by Junkbuster + The actual processing time required by Privoxy itself for each page, is relatively small in the overall scheme of things, and happens very quickly. This is typically more than offset by time saved not downloading and rendering ad images. - Filtering via the re_filterfile + Filtering via the filterfile mechanism may cause a perceived slowdown, since the entire page is buffered before displaying. See below. - + -I noticed considerable -delays in page requests compared to the old IJB. What's wrong? +I noticed considerable +delays in page requests compared to the old Junkbuster. What's wrong? Using the default filtering configuration, I noticed considerable delays in -page requests compared to the old IJB. Loading pages with large contents +page requests compared to the old Junkbuster. Loading pages with large contents seemed to take forever, then suddenly delivering all the content at once. @@ -768,90 +952,85 @@ user a feeling of "it works". To modify the content of a page (i.e. make frames resizeable again, etc.) and -not just replace ads, the Internet Junkbuster needs to download the entire -page first, do its content magic and then send the page to the browser. +not just replace ads, Privoxy needs to download the +entire page first, do its content magic and then send the page to the browser. - + -What is the "http://i.j.b/"? +What is the "http://p.p/"? -Since JunkBuster sits between your web browser and the Internet, it can be +Since Privoxy sits between your web browser and the Internet, it can be programmed to handle certain pages specially. -With recent versions of JunkBuster (version 2.9.x), you can get some -information about JunkBuster and change some settings by going to -http://i.j.b/ or, equivalently, http://ijbswa.sourceforge.net/config/ -(Note that i.j.b is far easier to type but may not work in some -configurations). +With recent versions of Privoxy (version 2.9.x), you can get some +information about Privoxy and change some settings by going to +http://p.p/ or, equivalently, http://config.privoxy.org/ +(Note that p.p is far easier to type but may not work in some +configurations. With the name change to Privoxy, +this is changed from the previous http://i.j.b/ or earlier 2.9.x versions). -These pages are *not* forwarded to a server on the internet - instead they are -handled by a special web server which is built in to JunkBuster. +These pages are not forwarded to a server on the Internet +- instead they are handled by a special web server which is built in to +Privoxy. -If you are not running JunkBuster, then http://i.j.b/ will fail, and -http://ijbswa.sourceforge.net/config/ will return a web page telling you -you're not running JunkBuster. +If you are not running Privoxy, then http://p.p/ will fail, and http://config.privoxy.org/ will +return a web page telling you you're not running +Privoxy. If you have version 2.0.2, then the equivalent is http://example.com/show-proxy-args (but you get far less information, and you -should really consider upgrading to 2.9.x). +should really consider upgrading to &p-version;). - + -I would like to help you, what do I do? +Do you still maintain the blocklists? - Well, helping the team is always a good idea. We welcome new developers, - RPM gurus or documentation makers. Simply get an account on sourceforge.net - and mail your id to the developer mailing list. Once we have added you to - the team, you'll have write access to the CVS repository, and together - we'll find a suitable task for you. + No. The format of the blocklists has changed significantly in versions + 2.9.x and later. - - -Do you still maintain the blocklists? - - No. The format of the blocklists has changed significantly in the versions - 2.9.x. Once we have released the new version, there will again be - blocklists that you can update automatically. - - + -How can I submit new ads? +How can I submit new ads? As of now, please discontinue to submit new ad blocking infos. Once we have released the new version, there will again be a form on the website, which you can use to contribute new ads. - + -How can I hide my IP address? +How can I hide my IP address? - You cannot hide your IP address with Junkbuster or any other software, since + You cannot hide your IP address with Privoxy or any other software, since the server needs to know your IP address to send the answer to you. @@ -871,32 +1050,32 @@ You can find a list of anonymous public proxies at multiproxy.org and many more through Google. - + - + - + - + - + - -Can Junkbuster guarantee I am anonymous? + +Can <application>Privoxy</application> guarantee I am anonymous? No. Your chances of remaining anonymous are greatly improved, but unless you are an expert on Internet security it would be safest to assume that everything you do on the Web can be traced back to you. - Junkbuster can remove various information about you, + Privoxy can remove various information about you, and allows you more freedom to decide which sites - you can trust. But it's still possible that web sites can find out who you - are. Here's one way this can happen. + you can trust, and what details you want to reveal. But it's still possible + that web sites can find out who you are. Here's one way this can happen. A few browsers disclose the user's email address in certain situations, such - as when transferring a file by FTP. Junkbuster + as when transferring a file by FTP. Privoxy does not filter FTP. If you need this feature, or are concerned about the mail handler of your browser disclosing your email address, you might consider products such as NSClean. @@ -910,9 +1089,9 @@ more through Google. Luke! - + - + Might some things break because header information is being altered? @@ -946,52 +1125,55 @@ being altered? If you have problems with a site, you will have to adjust your configuration accordingly. Cookies are probably the most likely adjustment that may be required, but by no means the only one. - - + - -Can Junkbuster act as a <quote>caching</quote> proxy to +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="caching">Can <application>Privoxy</application> act as a <quote>caching</quote> proxy to speed up web browsing? No, it does not have this ability at all. You want something like Squid for this. And, yes, - before you ask, Junkbuster can co-exist - with other kinds of proxies like Squid. + before you ask, Privoxy can co-exist + with other kinds of proxies like Squid. - + - -What about as a firewall? Can Junkbuster protect me? + +What about as a firewall? Can <application>Privoxy</application> protect me? Not in the way you mean, or in the way a true firewall can, or a proxy that - has this specific capability. Junkbuster can help + has this specific capability. Privoxy can help protect your privacy, but not really protect you from intrusion attempts. - + - - This is not a font problem. The logo is an image that is created by - Junkbuster on the fly. So as to not waste + Privoxy on the fly. So as to not waste memory, the image is rather small. The blockiness comes when the image is scaled to fill a largish area. There is not much to be done about this, other than to use one of the other imageblock directives: pattern, - blank, or a URL of your chosing. + blank, or a URL of your choosing. - + +Given the above problem, we have decided to remove the logo option entirely +[as of v2.9.13]. + + - + I have large empty spaces now where ads used to be. -Why does Junkbuster leave these large gaps? +Why? It would be easy enough to just eliminate this space altogether, rather than fill it with blank space. But, this would create problems with many pages @@ -1000,141 +1182,152 @@ Why does Junkbuster leave these large gaps? It is best left this way. - + - -How can Junkbuster filter Secure (HTTPS) URLs? + +How can <application>Privoxy</application> filter Secure (HTTPS) URLs? This is a limitation since HTTPS transactions are encrypted SSL sessions between your browser and the secure site, and are meant to be reliably secure and private. This means that all cookies and HTTP header information are also encrypted from the time they leave your browser, - to the site, and vice versa. Junkbuster does not + to the site, and vice versa. Privoxy does not try to unencrypt this information, so it just passes through as is. - Junkbuster can still catch images and ads that + Privoxy can still catch images and ads that are embedded in the SSL stream though. - + - -Junkbuster runs as a <quote>server</quote>. How +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="secure"><application>Privoxy</application> runs as a <quote>server</quote>. How secure is it? Do I need to take any special precautions? There are no known exploits that might effect - Junkbuster. On Unix-like systems, - Junkbuster can run as a non-privileged + Privoxy. On Unix-like systems, + Privoxy can run as a non-privileged user, which is how we recommend it be run. Also, by default - Junkbuster only listens to requests - from localhost. It is not itself directly exposed to the + Privoxy only listens to requests + from localhost. The server aspect of + Privoxy is not itself directly exposed to the Internet in this configuration. If you want to have - Junkbuster serve as a LAN proxy, this will have to + Privoxy serve as a LAN proxy, this will have to be opened up to allow for LAN requests. In this case, we'd recommend - you specify only the LAN gateway address, e.g. 192.168.1.1 in the main - Junkbuster config file. All LAN hosts can then use + you specify only the LAN gateway address, e.g. 192.168.1.1, in the main + Privoxy config file. All LAN hosts can then use this as their proxy address in the browser proxy configuration. In this way, - Junkbuster will not listen on any external ports. + Privoxy will not listen on any external ports. Of course, a firewall is always good too. Better safe than sorry. - + - -What is a <quote>re_filterfile</quote>? + +How can I temporarily disable <application>Privoxy</application>? - The re_filterfile is used to filter any - page content. By filtering we mean it can modify, remove, - or change anything on the page, including HTML tags, and - JavaScript. Regular expressions are used to accomplish this. This is - potentially a very powerful feature, but requires some expertise. - + The easiest way is to access Privoxy with your + browser by using the special URL: http://p.p/ + and select "Toggle Privoxy on or off" from that page. - - If you are familiar with regular expressions, and HTML, you can look at - the provided re_filterfile with a text editor and see - some of things it can be used for. + + + +Where can I find more information about <application>Privoxy</application> +and related issues? + + &seealso; + + + + - -Troubleshooting + +Troubleshooting - + I just upgraded and am getting <quote>connection refused</quote> with every web page? - Either Junkbuster is not running, or your + Either Privoxy is not running, or your browser is configured for a different port than what - Junkbuster is using. + Privoxy is using. - The old Junkbuster used port 8000 by + The old Privoxy (and also + Junkbuster) used port 8000 by default. This has been changed to port 8118 now, due to a conflict with NAS (Network Audio Service), which uses port 8000. If you haven't, you need to change your browser to the new port number, or alternately - change Junkbuster's listen-address + change Privoxy's listen-address setting in the config file used to start - Junkbuster. + Privoxy. - + - + I just added a new rule, but the steenkin ad is still getting through. How? If the ad had been displayed before you added its URL, it will probably be held in the browser's cache for some time, so it will be displayed without - the need for any request to the server, and Junkbuster - will not be in the picture. The best thing to do is try flusing the browser's + the need for any request to the server, and Privoxy + will not be in the picture. The best thing to do is try flushing the browser's caches. And then try again. If this doesn't help, you probably have an error in the rule you applied. Try pasting the full URL of the offending ad into http://ijbswa.sourceforge.net/config/show-url-info + url="http://config.privoxy.org/show-url-info">http://config.privoxy.org/show-url-info and see if any actions match your new rule. - + - -One of my favorite sites does not work with Junkbuster. +<sect2 renderas="sect3"> +<title id="badsite">One of my favorite sites does not work with <application>Privoxy</application>. What can I do? - First verify that it is indeed a Junkbuster problem, - by disabling Junkbuster filtering and blocking. - Go to http://i.j.b/ and click on - Toggle Junkbuster On or Off, then disable it. Now try that - page again. + First verify that it is indeed a Privoxy problem, + by disabling Privoxy filtering and blocking. + Go to http://p.p/ and click on + Toggle Privoxy On or Off, then disable it. Now try that + page again. It's probably a good idea to flush the browser cache as well. If still a problem, go to Show which actions apply to a URL and - why from http://i.j.b/ and - paste the full URL of the page in question into the prompt. See which - actions are being applied to the URL. Now, armed with this information, - go to Edit the actions list. Here you should see various - sections that have various Junkbuster features disabled - for specific sites. Disabled actions will have a - - (minus sign) in front of them. Add your problem page + why from http://p.p/ and paste + the full URL of the page in question into the prompt. See which actions are + being applied to the URL. Now, armed with this information, go to Edit + the actions list. Here you should see various sections that have + various Privoxy features disabled for specific + sites. Most disabled actions will have a - (minus + sign) in front of them. Some aliases are used just to disable other actions, + e.g. shop and fragile, and won't necessarily + use a + or - sign. Add your problem page URL to one of these sections that looks like it is disabling the feature that - is causing the problem. Re-try the page. There might be some trial and error - involved. This is discussed in a little more detail in - the user-manual appendix. + is causing the problem. Rember to flush your browser's caches when making + such changes! As a last resort, try fragile which + disables most actions. Now re-try the page. There might be some trial and + error involved. This is discussed in a little more detail in the user-manual appendix. @@ -1143,19 +1336,30 @@ What can I do? the same thing by editing the appropriate actions file. - + + + +Where can I get help? Report bugs? Feature Requests? Etc? + + Feedback is encouraged, whether good, bad or ugly. Please see the contact + page in the user-manual for + details. - + + + + + What time is it? Time for you to go! - - - + - -Contact the developers -Please see the user manual for information on how to contact the developers. - - - -Copyright and History -Please see the user manual for information on Copyright and History. - - + + Contacting the developers, Bug Reporting and Feature Requests + + &contacting; + + + + + Copyright and History + +Copyright + + ©right; + + +History + + &history; + + + + + + + + + +