X-Git-Url: http://www.privoxy.org/gitweb/?p=privoxy.git;a=blobdiff_plain;f=doc%2Fsource%2Ffaq.sgml;h=d3f8e7b06bc7868c5b1ef33b6d95050f30122aa9;hp=af9d6d64083feaadf7c8cf8fd46b4d3e075dbf20;hb=afb1fc74a84fb4c218b18f77becddd5ae9fef6d8;hpb=c2e30b7a07abca8e08a73b110a524af23cb1c7b0 diff --git a/doc/source/faq.sgml b/doc/source/faq.sgml index af9d6d64..d3f8e7b0 100644 --- a/doc/source/faq.sgml +++ b/doc/source/faq.sgml @@ -8,9 +8,9 @@ - - - + + + @@ -24,9 +24,9 @@ This file belongs into ijbswa.sourceforge.net:/home/groups/i/ij/ijbswa/htdocs/ - $Id: faq.sgml,v 2.9 2002/10/29 03:22:22 hal9 Exp $ + $Id: faq.sgml,v 2.15 2006/09/08 23:05:07 hal9 Exp $ - Copyright (C) 2001, 2002 Privoxy Developers + Copyright (C) 2001-2006 Privoxy Developers See LICENSE. Based partially on the Internet Junkbuster FAQ originally written by and @@ -50,9 +50,12 @@ ======================================================================== NOTE: Please read developer-manual/documentation.html before touching - anything in this, or other Privoxy documentation. You have been warned! - Failure to abide by this rule will result in the revocation of your license - to live a peaceful existence! + this file! + + Please we keep the info in this file as version independent as possible + so we only have to maintain one FAQ. Where significant changes are + made to Privoxy configuration, please note the change in such a way that + it makes sense to both users of older and newer versions. ======================================================================== @@ -67,12 +70,12 @@ - Copyright &my-copy; 2001, 2002 by + Copyright &my-copy; 2001-2006 by Privoxy Developers -$Id: faq.sgml,v 2.9 2002/10/29 03:22:22 hal9 Exp $ +$Id: faq.sgml,v 2.15 2006/09/08 23:05:07 hal9 Exp $ - + Please note that this document is a work in progress. This copy represents + the state at the release of version &p-version;. You can find the latest version of the document at http://www.privoxy.org/faq/. Please see the Contact section if you want to @@ -146,7 +148,8 @@ Hal. General Information -What is this new version of <application>Privoxy</application>? +What is this new version of +<emphasis>Junkbuster</emphasis>? &history; @@ -156,13 +159,8 @@ Hal. -Why <quote>Privoxy</quote>? Why a name change at all? - - Privoxy is the - Privacy Enhancing Proxy. Also, its content - modification and junk suppression allow you to browse your - private edition of the web. - +Why <quote>Privoxy</quote>? Why change the name from +Junkbuster at all? Junkbusters Corporation continues to offer their original version of the Internet @@ -179,22 +177,28 @@ Hal. share our ideals and goals. - The developers also believed that there are so many changes from the original + The developers also believed that there are so many improvements over the original code, that it was time to make a clean break from the past and make - a name in their own right. + a name in their own right. + + + Privoxy is the + Privacy Enhancing Proxy. Also, its content + modification and junk suppression gives you, the user, more + control, more freedom, and allows you to browse your personal and + private edition of the web. -How does <application>Privoxy</application> differ -from the old <application>Junkbuster?</application> +How does Privoxy differ +from the old Junkbuster? 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. + all greatly enhanced, and many, many new features have been added, all in the same vein. The configuration has changed significantly as well. This is something that @@ -202,8 +206,8 @@ from the old Junkbuster? Junkbuster 2.0.x. The blocklist cookielist, imagelist and much more has been combined into the actions files, with a completely different - syntax. See the note to - upgraders for details. + syntax. See the What's New + page for the latest updates. Privoxy's new features include: @@ -216,7 +220,7 @@ from the old Junkbuster? What is a <quote>proxy</quote>? How does -<application>Privoxy</application> work? +Privoxy work? A web proxy is a service, based on a software such as Privoxy, that clients (i.e. browsers) can use instead of connecting directly to the web @@ -230,8 +234,9 @@ from the old Junkbuster? to accommodate those needs. - Privoxy is a proxy that is solely focused on privacy - protection and junk elimination. Sitting between your browser(s) and the Internet, + Privoxy is a proxy that is primarily focused on privacy + protection, junk elimination and freeing the user from restrictions placed on his + activities. Sitting between your browser(s) and the Internet, it is in a perfect position to filter outbound personal information that your browser is leaking, as well as inbound junk. It uses a variety of techniques to do this, all of which are under your control via the various configuration @@ -241,7 +246,7 @@ from the old Junkbuster? -How does <application>Privoxy</application> know what is +<title id="knows">How does Privoxy know what is an ad, and what is not? Privoxy's approach to blocking ads is twofold: @@ -270,12 +275,12 @@ an ad, and what is not? -Can <application>Privoxy</application> make mistakes? +<title id="mistakes">Can Privoxy 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 or change something by mistake. There is a good chance - you may run into such a situation at some point. It is tricky writing rules to + rule accidentally block or change something by mistake. You will almost surely + run into such situations at some point. It is tricky writing rules to cover every conceivable possibility, and not occasionally get false positives. @@ -290,9 +295,27 @@ This does not sound very scientific. + +Will I have to configure Privoxy + before I can use it? + + No, not really. The default installation should give you a good starting + point, and block most unwanted content. + + + But you will certainly run into situations where there are false positives, + or ads not being blocked that you may not want to see. In these cases, you + would certainly benefit by customizing Privoxy's + configuration to more closely match your individual situation. And we would + encourage you to do this. This is where the real power of + Privoxy lies! + + + + My browser does the same things as -<application>Privoxy</application>. Why should I use -<application>Privoxy</application> at all? +Privoxy. Why should I use +Privoxy at all? Modern browsers do indeed have some of the same functionality as Privoxy. Maybe this is @@ -328,15 +351,41 @@ warranty? Registration? -I would like to help you, what do I do? +I would like to help you, what can I do? -Money Money Money +Would you like to participate? + + Well, we always need help. There is something for + everybody who wants to help us. We welcome new developers, packagers, + testers, documentation writers or really anyone with a desire to help in + any way. You DO NOT need to be a + programmer. There are many other tasks available. In fact, + the programmers often can't spend as much time programming because of some + of the other, more mundane things that need to be done, like checking the + Tracker feedback sections. + + + So first thing, get an account on SourceForge.net + and mail your id to the developers + mailing list. Then, please read the Developer's Manual, at least + the pertinent sections. + + + Once we have added you to the team, you'll have access to the CVS repository, and + together we'll find a suitable task for you. + + + +Contribute! We, of course, welcome donations and could use money for domain registering, buying software to test Privoxy with, and, of course, for regular world-wide get-togethers (hahaha). If you enjoy the software and feel like helping us with a donation, just drop us a note. + url="mailto: ijbswa-developers@lists.sourceforge.net">drop us a note. @@ -350,21 +399,6 @@ warranty? Registration? -You want to work with us? - - Well, helping the team is always a good idea. We welcome new developers, - packaging gurus or documentation writers. Simply get an account on SourceForge.net - and mail your id to the developers - mailing list. Then read 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. - - @@ -376,12 +410,15 @@ warranty? Registration? Installation -Which browsers are supported by <application>Privoxy</application>? +Which browsers are supported by Privoxy? 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 - talks to the browser in the standardized HTTP protocol, just like a web server + should be virtually all browsers, including + Firefox, Internet + Explorer, and Opera among others. + Direct browser support is not an absolute requirement since + Privoxy runs as a separate application and talks + to the browser in the standardized HTTP protocol, just like a web server does. @@ -395,14 +432,15 @@ Include supported.sgml here: -Can I use <application>Privoxy</application> with my email client? +Can I use Privoxy with my email client? - As long as there is some way to set a HTTP proxy for the client, then yes, + As long as there is some way to set a HTTP proxy for the client, then yes, any application can be used, whether it is strictly speaking a browser or not. Though this may not be the best approach for dealing with some of the common abuses of HTML in email. See How can I configure Privoxy with - Outlook Express? below for more on this. + linkend="outlook">How can I configure Privoxy + with Outlook Express? below for more on + this. Be aware that HTML email presents a number of unique security and privacy @@ -413,7 +451,7 @@ Include supported.sgml here: Can I install - <application>Privoxy</application> over <application>Junkbuster</application>? + Privoxy over Junkbuster? We recommend you un-install Junkbuster first to minimize conflicts and confusion. You may want to @@ -432,7 +470,7 @@ Include supported.sgml here: -I just installed <application>Privoxy</application>. Is there anything +<title id="firststep">I just installed Privoxy. Is there anything special I have to do now? @@ -440,14 +478,14 @@ special I have to do now? as a proxy by specifying the correct proxy address and port number in the appropriate configuration area for the browser. See below. You should also flush your browser's memory and disk cache to get rid of any - cached junk items, and any stored cookies. + cached junk items, and remove any stored cookies. -What is the proxy address of <application>Privoxy</application>? +What is the proxy address of Privoxy? If you set up the Privoxy to run on the computer you browse from (rather than your ISP's server or some @@ -476,13 +514,13 @@ special I have to do now? Privoxy does not currently handle - protocols such as FTP, SMTP, IM, IRC, ICQ, or other Internet - protocols. + any other protocols such as FTP, SMTP, IM, IRC, ICQ, etc. Be sure that + proxying any of these other protocols is not activated. -I just installed <application>Privoxy</application>, and nothing is happening. +<title>I just installed Privoxy, and nothing is happening. All the ads are there. What's wrong? @@ -491,7 +529,9 @@ All the ads are there. What's wrong? the browser's caches to force a full re-reading of pages. You can verify that Privoxy is running, and your browser is correctly configured by entering the special URL: - http://config.privoxy.org/. + http://p.p/. + This should take you to a page titled This is Privoxy.. with access to Privoxy's internal configuration. If you see this, then you are good to go. If you receive a page saying @@ -500,11 +540,52 @@ All the ads are there. What's wrong? If you receive anything else (probably nothing at all), it could either be that the browser is not set up correctly, or that Privoxy is not running at all. Check the log file. + url="../user-manual/config.html#LOGFILE">log file. For instructions + on starting Privoxy and browser configuration, + see the chapter + on starting Privoxy in the + user manual. + +I get a <quote>Privoxy is not being used</quote> dummy page although +Privoxy is running and being used. + + + First, make sure that Privoxy is really running and + being used by visiting http://p.p/. You + should see the Privoxy main page. If not, see + the chapter + on starting Privoxy in the + user manual. + + + + Now if http://p.p/ works for you, but + other parts of Privoxy's web interface show + the dummy page, your browser has cached a redirection it encountered before + Privoxy was being used. You need to clear your + browser's cache. Note that shift-reloading the dummy page won't help, since + that'll only refresh the dummy page, not the redirection that lead you there. + + + + The procedure for clearing the cache varies from browser to browser. For + example, Mozilla/Netscape users would click + Edit --> Preferences --> + Advanced --> Cache and + then click both Clear Memory Cache + and Clear Disk Cache. + And, Firefox users would click + Tools --> Options --> + Privacy --> Cache and + then click Clear Cache Now. + + + + @@ -531,14 +612,20 @@ All the ads are there. What's wrong? Can I use my old config files? - The syntax, number, and purpose of configuration files has substantially - changed from Junkbuster and earlier versions - of Privoxy. The old files, like blocklist - will not work at all. If you are upgrading from a 2.0.x version, you will - need to port your configuration data to the new format. Note that even the - pattern syntax has changed! Even configuration files from the 2.9.x versions - will need to be adapted, as configuration syntax has been very much in flow - in the 2.9.x series. + The syntax and purpose of configuration files has remained the same + throughout the 3.x series. Although each release contains updated, + improved versions and it is recommended to use the newer + configuration files. + + + But all configuration files have substantially + changed from the Junkbuster days, and early + versions of Privoxy 2.x. The old files, like + blocklist will not work at all. + + + Refer to the What's New + page for information on configuration changes that may occur from one release to another. @@ -548,9 +635,11 @@ All the ads are there. What's wrong? Actions files are where various actions - that Privoxy might take while processing a certain + that Privoxy could take while processing a certain request, are configured. Typically, you would define a set of default actions that apply to all URLs, then add exceptions to these defaults where needed. + There is a wide array of actions available that give the user a high degree + of control and flexibility on how to process each and every web page. @@ -597,7 +686,6 @@ way to do this? - There are several different <quote>actions</quote> files. What are the differences? @@ -624,7 +712,7 @@ the differences? -How can I make my Yahoo/Hotmail/GMX account work? +How can I make my Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail account work? The default configuration shouldn't impact the usability of any of these services. It will, however, make all cookies temporary, so that your browser will forget your @@ -643,152 +731,29 @@ the differences? What's the difference between the -<quote>Cautious</quote>, <quote>Medium</quote> and <quote>Radical</quote> defaults? +Cautious, Medium and Adventuresome defaults? Configuring Privoxy is not entirely trivial. To help you get started, we provide you with three different default action profiles in the web based actions file editor at http://config.privoxy.org/show-status. - The following table shows you, which of the most important features are - enabled in each configuration: + See the User + Manual for a list of actions, and how the default + profiles are set. - -Default Configurations - - - - - - - - Feature - Cautious - Intermadiate - Radical - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ad-blocking by URL - yes - yes - yes - - - - Ad-filtering by size - yes - yes - yes - - - - GIF de-animation - no - yes - yes - - - - Referer forging - no - yes - yes - - - - Cookie handling - none - session-only - kill - - - - Pop-up killing - no - yes - yes - - - - Fast redirects - no - no - yes - - - - HTML taming - yes - yes - yes - - - - JavaScript taming - yes - yes - yes - - - - Web-bug killing - yes - yes - yes - - - - Fun text replacements - no - no - yes - - - - Image tag reordering - no - no - yes - - - - Ad-filtering by link - no - no - yes - - - - Demoronizer - no - no - yes - - - - -
-
+ Where the defaults are likely to break some sites, exceptions for known popular problem sites are included, but in - general, the more aggressive your default settings are, the more - exceptions you will have to make later. See the user manual for a more - deatiled discussion. + general, the more aggressive your default settings are, the more exceptions + you will have to make later. See the User Manual + for a more detailed discussion. + - It should be noted that the Radical profile is not only more + It should be noted that the Adventuresome profile (formerly known + as the Advanced profile) is not only more aggressive, but also includes fun and, extreme usage of most of Privoxy's features. Use at your own risk! @@ -829,11 +794,13 @@ with a browser? Does that not raise security issues? What is the <filename>default.filter</filename> file? What is a <quote>filter</quote>? The default.filter - file is where filters are defined, which can be used to modify or + file is where filters as supplied by the developers are defined. + Filters are a special subset of actions that can be used to modify or remove, web page content on the fly. Filters apply to anything - in the page source, including HTML tags, and JavaScript. Regular expressions are used - to accomplish this. There are a number of pre-defined filters to deal with common - annoyances. The filters are only defined here, to invoke them, you need to use the + in the page source (and optionally both client and server headers), including + HTML tags, and JavaScript. Regular expressions are used to accomplish this. + There are a number of pre-defined filters to deal with common annoyances. The + filters are only defined here, to invoke them, you need to use the filter action in one of the actions files. Filtering is automatically @@ -844,11 +811,15 @@ with a browser? Does that not raise security issues? If you are familiar with regular expressions, and HTML, you can look at the provided default.filter with a text editor and define your own filters. This is potentially a very powerful feature, but - requires some expertise in both regular expressions and HTML/HTTP. + requires some expertise in both regular expressions and HTML/HTTP. You should + place any modifications to the default filters, or any new ones you create + in a separate file, such as user.filter, so they won't + be overwritten during upgrades. The ability to define multiple filter files + in config is a new feature as of v. 3.0.4. - Presently, there is no GUI editor option for this part of the configuration, + There is no GUI editor option for this part of the configuration, but you can disable/enable the various pre-defined filters of the included default.filter file with the web-based actions file editor. @@ -857,7 +828,7 @@ with a browser? Does that not raise security issues?
-How can I set up <application>Privoxy</application> to act as a proxy for my +<title id="lanconfig">How can I set up Privoxy to act as a proxy for my LAN? By default, Privoxy only responds to requests @@ -868,7 +839,7 @@ with a browser? Does that not raise security issues? url="../user-manual/config.html#LISTEN-ADDRESS">listen-address option, which may be commented out with a # symbol. Make sure it is uncommented, and assign it the address of the LAN gateway interface, - and port number to use. Assuming your server's LAN address is 192.168.1.1 and you + and port number to use. Assuming your LAN address is 192.168.1.1 and you wish to run Privoxy on port 8118, this line should look like: @@ -908,7 +879,7 @@ with a browser? Does that not raise security issues? If you run Privoxy on a LAN with untrusted users, - we recommend that you double-check all access control and security options! @@ -947,90 +918,12 @@ with a browser? Does that not raise security issues? is rather smart, it can and will make errors. The checkerboard image is visually decent, but it shows you that and where images were blocked, which can be very helpful in case some navigation aid or otherwise innocent image was - erraneously blocked. Some people might also enjoy seeing how many banners + erroneously blocked. Some people might also enjoy seeing how many banners they don't have to see..
- - I see some images being replaced by a text instead of the checkerboard image. Why and how do I get rid of this? @@ -1059,26 +952,29 @@ instead of the checkerboard image. Why and how do I get rid of this? -Can <application>Privoxy</application> run as a service -on Win2K/NT? +Can Privoxy run as a service +on Win2K/NT/XP? - Yes, it can run as a system service using srvany.exe. + Yes. Version 3.0.4 introduces full Windows service + functionality. See + the User Manual for details on how to install and configure + Privoxy as a service. + + + Earlier versions could run as a system service using srvany.exe. See the discussion at http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&atid=361118&aid=485617&group_id=11118, for details, and a sample configuration. - - Version 3.0.1 fixes the problem where the icon and menu where not available - in the taskbar for this usage. - + -How can I make <application>Privoxy</application> work with other -proxies like <application>Squid</application>? +How can I make Privoxy work with other +proxies like Squid or Tor? This can be done and is often useful to combine the benefits of - Privoxy with those of a caching proxy. + Privoxy with those of a another proxy. See the forwarding chapter in the user manual which @@ -1087,7 +983,7 @@ proxies like Squid? -Can I just set <application>Privoxy</application> to use port 80 +<title>Can I just set Privoxy to use port 80 and thus avoid individual browser configuration? @@ -1098,11 +994,11 @@ and thus avoid individual browser configuration? -Can <application>Privoxy</application> run as a <quote>transparent +<title>Can Privoxy run as a <quote>transparent </quote> proxy? No, Privoxy currently does not have this ability, - though it is planned for a future release. Transparent proxies require + though it may be added in a future release. Transparent proxies require special handling of the request headers beyond what Privoxy is now capable of. @@ -1114,14 +1010,14 @@ and thus avoid individual browser configuration? url="../user-manual/config.html#FORWARDING">forwarding chapter in the user manual. As a transparent proxy to be used for chaining we recommend Transproxy - (http://www.transproxy.nlc.net.au/). + (http://transproxy.sourceforge.net/).
-How can I configure <application>Privoxy</application> for use with <application>Outlook - Express</application>? +How can I configure Privoxy for use with Outlook + Express? Outlook Express uses Internet Explorer components to both render HTML, and fetch any HTTP requests that may be embedded in an HTML email. @@ -1139,8 +1035,8 @@ and thus avoid individual browser configuration? Privoxy just blindly proxies all requests. In the case of Outlook Express (see above), OE uses IE anyway, and there is no way for Privoxy to ever - be able to distinguish between them (nor could any other proxy type - application for that matter). + be able to distinguish between them (nor could any other proxy type application for + that matter). For a good discussion of some of the issues involved (including privacy and @@ -1172,7 +1068,63 @@ and thus avoid individual browser configuration? be off by default anyway, so this might be redundant, but there is no harm being explicit in what you want to happen. user.action includes an alias for this situation, called - allow-cookies. + allow-all-cookies. + + + + +Can I have separate configurations for different users? + + Each instance of Privoxy has its own + configuration, including such attributes as the TCP port that it listens on. + What you can do is run multiple instances of Privoxy, each with + a unique listen-address and configuration path, and then + each of these can have their own configurations. Think of it as per-port + configuration. + + + Simple enough for a few users, but for large installations, consider having + groups of users that might share like configurations. + + + + +Can I set-up Privoxy as a whitelist of +<quote>good</quote> sites? + + Sure. There are a couple of things you can do for simple whitelisting. + Here's one real easy one: + + + ############################################################ + # Blacklist + ############################################################ + { +block } + / # Block *all* URLs + + ############################################################ + # Whitelist + ############################################################ + { -block } + kids.example.com + toys.example.com + games.example.com + + This allows access to only those three sites. + + + A more interesting approach is Privoxy's + trustfile concept, which incorporates the notion of + trusted referrers. See the User Manual Trust + documentation. + + + These are fairly simple approaches and are not completely foolproof. There + are various other configuration options that should be disabled (described + elsewhere here and in the User Manual) + so that users can't modify their own configuration and easily circumvent the + whitelist. @@ -1186,15 +1138,20 @@ and thus avoid individual browser configuration? Miscellaneous -How much does <application>Privoxy</application> slow my browsing down? This +<title id="slowsme">How much does Privoxy 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. + How much of an impact depends on many things, including the CPU of the host + system, how aggressive the configuration is, which specific actions are being triggered, + the size of the page, etc. + + + Overall, 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 typically being displayed. 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. + not downloading and rendering ad images (if ad blocking is being used). @@ -1202,14 +1159,17 @@ has to add extra time to browsing. url="../user-manual/actions-file.html#FILTER">filter or deanimate-gifs - actions may cause a perceived slowdown, since the entire document needs to be buffered - before displaying. See below. + actions will certainly cause a perceived slowdown, since the entire document + needs to be buffered before displaying. And on very large documents, there may be + some impact. How much depends on the page size, the actual definition of the + filter(s), etc. See below. Most other actions have little to no impact on + speed. -I noticed considerable +<sect2 renderas="sect3" id="loadingtimes"><title>I notice considerable delays in page requests compared to the old Junkbuster. What's wrong? If you use any mechanism to work, and nothing is sent to the browser during this time. - The loading time does not really change in real numbers, but the feeling is - different, because most browsers are able to start rendering incomplete - content, giving the user a feeling of "it works". This effect is especially - noticeable on slow dialup connections. + The loading time typically does not really change much in real numbers, but + the feeling is different, because most browsers are able to start rendering + incomplete content, giving the user a feeling of "it works". This effect is + more noticeable on slower dialup connections. Extremely large documents + may have some impact on the time to load the page where there is filtering + being done. But overall, the difference should be very minimal. If there is a + big impact, then probably some other problem is contributing. - Filtering is automatically disabled for inappropriate MIME types. + Filtering is automatically disabled for inappropriate MIME types. But note + that if the web server mis-reports the MIME type, then content that should + not be filtered, could be. Privoxy only knows how + to differentiate filterable content because of the MIME type as reported by + the server, or because of some configuration setting that enables/disables + filtering. + +I just installed Privoxy, and all my +browsing has slowed to a crawl. What gives? + + This should not happen, and for the overwhelming number of users world-wide, + it does not happen. I would suspect some inadvertent interaction of software + components such as anti-virus software, spyware protectors, personal + firewalls or similar components. Try disabling (or uninstalling) these one + at a time and see if that helps. + + What are "http://config.privoxy.org/" and "http://p.p/"? @@ -1269,77 +1248,100 @@ delays in page requests compared to the old Junkbuster. What's wrong? - + out of date 09/02/06 HB Do you still maintain the blocklists? No. The patterns for blocking now reside (among other things) in the actions files, which are actively maintained instead. See next question ... + +--> +How can I submit new ads, or report +problems? + +Please see the Contact section for +various ways to interact with the developers. + + -How can I submit new ads? +Why doesn't anyone answer my support +request? -Yes, absolutely! Please see the Contact section for -how to do that. Please note that you (technically) need the latest -Privoxy version for this to work. +Rest assured that it has been read and considered. Why it is not answered, +could be for various reasons, including no one has a good answer for it, no +one has had time to yet investigate it thoroughly, it has been reported +numerous times already, or because not enough information was provided to help +us help you. Your efforts are not wasted, and we do appreciate them. + How can I hide my IP address? If you run both the browser and the proxy locally, you cannot hide your IP - address with Privoxy or any other software. The - server needs to know your IP address to send the answers back to you. + address with Privoxy or ultimately any other + software. The server needs to know your IP address so that it knows where to + send the responses back. - Fortunately there are many publicly usable anonymous proxies out there, which - solve the problem by providing a further level of indirection between you and - the web server, shared by many people, and thus letting your requests "drown" - in white noise of unrelated requests as far as user tracking is concerned. + There are many publicly usable "anonymous" proxies out there, which + provide a further level of indirection between you and the web server. - Most of them will, however, log your IP address and make it available to the - authorities in case you abuse that anonymity for criminal purposes. In fact + However, these proxies are called "anonymous" because you don't need + a password, not because they would offer any real anonymity. + Most of them will log your IP address and make it available to the + authorities in case you violate the law of the country they run in. In fact you can't even rule out that some of them only exist to *collect* information on (those suspicious) people with a more than average preference for privacy. - You can find a list of anonymous public proxies at multiproxy.org and many - more through Google. A particularly interesting project is the JAP service - offered by the Technical University of Dresden (http://anon.inf.tu-dresden.de/index_en.html). + Your best bet is to chain Privoxy + with Tor, + an EFF supported onion routing system. + The configuration details can be found in + How do I use Privoxy together with Tor?. + -Can <application>Privoxy</application> guarantee I am anonymous? +Can Privoxy 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. + chain Privoxy with Tor + or a similar system and know what you're doing when it comes to configuring + the rest of your system, it would be safest to assume that everything you do + on the Web can be traced back to you. Privoxy can remove various information about you, and allows you more freedom to decide which sites - 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. + you can trust, and what details you want to reveal. But it neither + hides your ip address, nor can it guarantee that the rest of the system + behaves correctly. There are several possibilities how a web sites can find + out who you are, even if you are using a strict Privoxy + configuration and chained it with Tor. + + + Most of Privoxy's protection can be easily subverted + by an insecure browser configuration, therefore you should use a browser that can + be configured to only execute code from trusted sites, and be careful which sites you trust. + For example there is no point in having Privoxy + modify the User-Agent header, if websites can get all the information they want + through JavaScript, ActiveX, Flash, Java etc. A few browsers disclose the user's email address in certain situations, such @@ -1359,6 +1361,93 @@ how to do that. Please note that you (technically) need the latest +How do I use Privoxy + together with Tor? + + Before you configure Privoxy to use Tor + (http://tor.eff.org/), + please follow the User Manual chapters + 2. Installation and + 5. Startup to make sure + Privoxy itself is setup correctly. + + + If it is, refer to Tor's + extensive documentation to learn how to install Tor, + and make sure Tor's logfile says that + Tor has successfully opened a circuit and it + [l]ooks like client functionality is working. + + + If either Tor or Privoxy + isn't working, their combination most likely will neither. Testing them on their + own will also help you to direct problem reports to the right audience. + If Privoxy isn't working, don't bother the + Tor developers. If Tor + isn't working, don't send bug reports to the Privoxy Team. + + + If you verified that Privoxy and Tor + are working, it is time to connect them. As far as Privoxy + is concerned, Tor is just another proxy that can be reached + by socks4 or socks4a. Most likely you are interested in Tor + to increase your anonymity level, therefore you should use socks4a, + to make sure Privoxy's DNS requests are + done through Tor and thus invisible to your local network. + + + Since Privoxy 3.0.4, its configuration (section 5.2) + is already prepared for Tor, if you are using a + default Tor configuration and run it on the same + system as Privoxy, you just have to uncomment the line: + + + +# forward-socks4a / 127.0.0.1:9050 . + + + + This is enough to reach the Internet, but additionally you should + uncomment the following forward rules, to make sure your local network is still + reachable through Privoxy: + + + +# forward 192.168.*.*/ . +# forward 10.*.*.*/ . +# forward 127.*.*.*/ . + + + + Unencrypted connections to systems in these address ranges will + be as (un)secure as the local network is, but the alternative is + that you can't reach the network at all. + If you also want to be able to reach servers in your local + network by using their names, you will need additional + exceptions that look like this: + + + +# forward localhost/ . + + + + Save the modified configuration file and open + http://config.privoxy.org/show-status/ + in your browser, confirm that Privoxy has reloaded its configuration + and that there are no other forward lines, unless you know that you need them. I everything looks good, + refer to + Tor + Faq 4.2 to learn how to verify that you are really using Tor. + + + Afterward, please take the time to at least skim through the rest + of Tor's documentation. Make sure you understand + what Tor does, why it is no replacement for + application level security, and why you shouldn't use it for unencrypted logins. + + + Might some things break because header information or content is being altered? @@ -1405,7 +1494,7 @@ content is being altered? -Can <application>Privoxy</application> act as a <quote>caching</quote> proxy to +<title id="caching">Can Privoxy 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 @@ -1419,7 +1508,7 @@ speed up web browsing? -What about as a firewall? Can <application>Privoxy</application> protect me? +What about as a firewall? Can Privoxy protect me? Not in the way you mean, or in the way a true firewall can. Privoxy can help protect your privacy, but not @@ -1428,27 +1517,6 @@ speed up web browsing? - - I have large empty spaces / a checkerboard pattern now where ads used to be. Why? @@ -1473,7 +1541,7 @@ ads used to be. Why? -How can <application>Privoxy</application> filter Secure (HTTPS) URLs? +How can Privoxy filter Secure (HTTPS) URLs? Since secure HTTP connections are encrypted SSL sessions between your browser and the secure site, and are meant to be reliably secure, @@ -1505,7 +1573,7 @@ ads used to be. Why? -<application>Privoxy</application> runs as a <quote>server</quote>. How +<title id="secure">Privoxy 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 affect @@ -1530,7 +1598,7 @@ secure is it? Do I need to take any special precautions? -How can I temporarily disable <application>Privoxy</application>? +How can I temporarily disable Privoxy? The easiest way is to access Privoxy with your browser by using the remote toggle URL: -When <quote>disabled</quote> is <application>Privoxy</application> totally +<title>When <quote>disabled</quote> is Privoxy totally out of the picture? No, this just means all filtering and actions are disabled. @@ -1554,8 +1622,8 @@ out of the picture? -My logs show <application>Privoxy</application> <quote>crunches</quote> -ads, but also its own CGI pages. What is a <quote>crunch</quote>? +My logs show Privoxy <quote>crunches</quote> +ads, but also its own internal CGI pages. What is a <quote>crunch</quote>? A crunch simply means Privoxy intercepted something, nothing more. Often this is indeed ads or @@ -1570,37 +1638,105 @@ ads, but also its own CGI pages. What is a crunch? -Can <application>Privoxy</application> effect files that I download +<title>Can Privoxy effect files that I download from a webserver? FTP server? From the webserver's perspective, there is no difference between viewing a document (i.e. a page), and downloading a file. The same is true of Privoxy. If there is a match for a block pattern, - it will still be blocked, and of course this is obvious. Filtering is - potentially more of a concern since the results are not always so obvious. + it will still be blocked, and of course this is obvious. + + + Filtering is potentially more of a concern since the results are not always + so obvious, and the effects of filtering are there whether the file is simply + viewed, or downloaded. And potentially whether the content is some obnoxious + advertizement, or Mr. Jimmy's latest/greatest source code jewel. Of course, + one of these presumably is bad content that we don't want, and + the other is good content that we do want. + Privoxy is blind to the differences, and can only + distinguish good from bad by the configuration parameters + we give it. Privoxy knows the differences in files according to the Document Type as reported by the webserver. If this is reported accurately (e.g. application/zip for a zip archive), then Privoxy knows to ignore these where - appropriate. It is possible, however, that documents that are of an unknown - type (generally assumed to be text/plain) will be filtered, as - will those that might be incorrectly reported by the webserver. If such a - file is a downloaded file that is intended to be saved to disk, then any - content that might have been altered by filtering, will be saved too, for - these (probably very rare) cases. + appropriate. Privoxy potentially can filter HTML + as well as plain text documents, subject to configuration parameters of + course. Also, documents that are of an unknown type (generally assumed to be + text/plain) can be filtered, as will those that might be + incorrectly reported by the webserver. If such a file is a downloaded file + that is intended to be saved to disk, then any content that might have been + altered by filtering, will be saved too, for these (probably rare) cases. + + + Note that versions later than 3.0.2 do NOT filter document types reported as + text/plain. Prior to this, Privoxy + did filter this document type. + + + In short, filtering is ON if a) the Document Type as reported + by the webserver is appropriate and b) the configuration + allows it (or at least does not disallow it). That's it. There is no magic + cookie anywhere to say this is good and this is + bad. It's the configuration that let's it all happen or not. + + + If you download text files, you probably do not want these to be filtered, + particularly if the content is source code, or other critical content. Source + code sometimes might be mistaken for Javascript (i.e. the kind that might + open a pop-up window). It is recommended to turn off filtering for download + sites (particularly if the content may be plain text files and you are using + version 3.0.2 or earlier) in your user.action file. And + also, for any site or page where making any changes at + all to the content is to be avoided. Privoxy does not do FTP at all, only HTTP - protocols. + protocols, so please don't try. + + + + +I just downloaded a Perl script, and Privoxy +altered it! Yikes, what is wrong! + + Please read above. + +Should I continue to use a <quote>HOSTS</quote> file for ad-blocking? + + One time-tested technique to defeat common ads is to trick the local DNS + system by giving a phony IP address for the ad generator in the local + HOSTS file, typically using 127.0.0.1, aka + localhost. This effectively blocks the ad. + + + There is no reason to use this technique in conjunction with + Privoxy. Privoxy + does essentially the same thing, much more elegantly and with much more + flexibility. A large HOSTS file, in fact, not only + duplicates effort, but may get in the way. It is recommended to remove + such entries from your HOSTS file. If you think + your hosts list is neglected by Privoxy's + configuration, consider adding your list to your user.action file: + + + + { +block } + www.ad.example1.com + ad.example2.com + ads.galore.example.com + etc.example.com + + -Where can I find more information about <application>Privoxy</application> +<title>Where can I find more information about Privoxy and related issues? &seealso; @@ -1624,8 +1760,9 @@ and related issues? in the default configuration as shipped. You have either manually activated the fun filter which is clearly labeled Text replacements for subversive browsing - fun! or you have implicitly activated it by choosing the - Radical profile in the web-based editor. + fun! or you are using an older Privoxy version and have implicitly + activated it by choosing the Adventuresome profile in the + web-based editor. @@ -1638,7 +1775,7 @@ and related issues? Troubleshooting -I just upgraded and am getting <quote>connection refused</quote> +<title id="refused">I am getting <quote>connection refused</quote> with every web page? Either Privoxy is not running, or your @@ -1647,7 +1784,7 @@ with every web page? - The old Privoxy (and also + Early Privoxy 2.x versions (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, @@ -1675,13 +1812,14 @@ still getting through. How? 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://config.privoxy.org/show-url-info - and see if it really matches your new rule. + and see if it really matches your new rule. Blocking ads is like blocking + spam: a lot of tinkering is required to stay ahead of the game. -One of my favorite sites does not work with <application>Privoxy</application>. +<title >One of my favorite sites does not work with Privoxy. What can I do? @@ -1732,7 +1870,7 @@ What can I do? -After installing <application>Privoxy</application>, I have to log in +<title>After installing Privoxy, I have to log in every time I start IE. What gives? @@ -1782,12 +1920,13 @@ every time I start IE. What gives? -I cannot connect to any FTP sites. <application>Privoxy</application> - seems to be blocking me. +I cannot connect to any FTP sites. Privoxy + is blocking me. Privoxy cannot act as a proxy for FTP traffic, so do not configure your browser to use Privoxy - as an FTP proxy. The same is true for any protocol other than HTTP or HTTPS. + as an FTP proxy. The same is true for any protocol other than HTTP + or HTTPS (SSL). Most browsers understand FTP as well as HTTP. If you connect to a site, with @@ -1796,12 +1935,26 @@ every time I start IE. What gives? speak FTP, Privoxy does not, and cannot proxy such traffic. + + To complicate matters, some systems may have a generic proxy + setting, which will silently various protocols, including + both HTTP and FTP proxying! So it is possible to + accidentally enable FTP proxying in these cases. And of course, if this + happens, Privoxy will indeed cause problems since + it does not know FTP. Newer version will give a sane error message if a FTP + connection is attempted. + + + Will Privoxy ever proxy FTP traffic? Unlikely. + There just is not much reason, and the work to make this happen is more than + it may seem. + In Mac OSX, I can't configure Microsoft Internet Explorer to use - <application>Privoxy</application> as the HTTP proxy. + Privoxy as the HTTP proxy. Microsoft Internet Explorer (in versions like 5.1) respects system-wide network settings. In order to change the HTTP proxy, open System @@ -1833,11 +1986,24 @@ every time I start IE. What gives? + + +In Mac OSX Panther (10.3), images often fail to load and/or I + experience random delays in page loading. I'm using + <literal>localhost</literal> as my browser's proxy setting. + + We believe this is due to an IPv6-related bug in OSX, but don't fully + understand the issue yet. In any case, changing the proxy setting to + 127.0.0.1 instead of localhost + works around the problem. + + + I get a completely blank page at one site. <quote>View Source</quote> shows only: <markup><![CDATA[<html><body></body></html>]]></markup>. Without - <application>Privoxy</application> the page loads fine. + Privoxy the page loads fine. Chances are that the site suffers from a bug in PHP, @@ -1867,28 +2033,173 @@ every time I start IE. What gives? Why am I getting a 503 Error (WSAECONNREFUSED) on every page? - More than likely this is a problem with the network stack. ZoneAlarm has + More than likely this is a problem with your TCP/IP networking. ZoneAlarm has been reported to cause this symptom -- even if not running. The solution is to either fight the ZA configuration, or uninstall ZoneAlarm, and then find - something better behaved in its place. Other firewall type products may - cause similar type problems if not configured correctly. + something better behaved in its place. Other personal firewall type products + may cause similar type problems if not configured correctly. - - + +My logs show many <quote>Unable to get my own hostname</quote> lines. +Why? + + Privoxy tries to get the hostname of the system + its running on from the IP address of the system interface it is bound to + (from the config file + listen-address setting). If the system cannot supply + this information, Privoxy logs this condition. + + + Typically, this would be considered a minor system configuration error. It is + not a fatal error to Privoxy however, but may + result in a much slower response from Privoxy on + some platforms due to DNS timeouts. + + - - Contacting the developers, Bug Reporting and Feature Requests @@ -1904,6 +2215,7 @@ FIXME: Commented out until we have something to put here. HB 03/18/02. ©right; + Portions of this document are borrowed from the original Junkbuster (tm) FAQ, and modified as @@ -1946,8 +2258,6 @@ FIXME: Commented out until we have something to put here. HB 03/18/02.