Alternative solutions to safer, more private browsing

For those who are using other browsers such as:

- Internet Explorer (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/default.mspx)
- Apple's Safari (http://www.apple.com/safari/)
- Opera (http://www.opera.com/)
- K-Meleon (a lightweight browser built on Mozilla's Gecko engine: http://kmeleon.sourceforge.net/)
- or Konqueror (Linux KDE browser: http://www.konqueror.org/features/browser.php)

Security and privacy add-ons are often not as readily available and often cannot protect engine-based vulnerabilities for other browsers. However, they each have different features that may attract specific users. Rather than to propose ways to improve privacy and security by changing specific settings for each browser, I suggest using a method that should work for any browsing application: a local ad, cookie, and javascipt filtering proxy.

There are many options to choose from, unfortunately, most are no longer being developed since more and more software add-ons are available at the browser level:

- GuideScope (http://www.guidescope.com/home/nuhome_orig.htm): works in a similar manner to AdBlockPlus. A database of ads, cookies, and java scripts to filter is kept "up-to-date" on the organisation website. The technology updates its filters based on the database. It also allows one to add rules or filters whenever one feels an ad, cookie, or script is unwanted through a user-friendly interface. Easiest and most complete solution in its category.

- Privoxy (http://www.privoxy.org/): Cross platform application. Stops ads and java scripts. It allows better cookies management for privacy purposes. Requires technical skill to configure and ad more filters, but in-depth documentation is available.

- The Proxomitron (http://www.proxomitron.info/): A simple, lightweight, ready-to-use Windows program that blocks ads, third party cookies and java scripts. Integrates into the taskbar, and allows you to by-pass the filter with two clicks in case your favorite page is being stripped of core components. Also allows easy editing of an allow list - pages you wish the proxomitron the be by-passed on.

Once you've installed the software, make sure to configure your browser's connection settings to use the local filtering proxy the application has created, and voilà! No more annoying ads, faster browsing, less third party cookies stored on your computer - more privacy!