Tor Browser Download and Features[Complete guide]

Launched in 2008, Tor Browser is an open-source web browser in French developed by the American organization The Tor Project. It is trendy around the world and aims to protect users' privacy and personal data by deploying anonymity technologies. It mainly relies on routing traffic via random servers in its network.

Based on the Mozilla Firefox browser, the software is available for download on Windows (32-bit or 64-bit), macOS (64-bit), Linux (32-bit or 64-bit), Android, and even in portable versions. An application called Onion Browser is available for iOS devices. The icing is that the Tor solution is free for users.

 How does Tor Browser work?

Tor Browser allows you to browse the Tor network, a decentralized "parallel" computer network that makes it possible to anonymize connections and guarantee online communications' confidentiality.

In addition, Tor Browser blocks Flash and Javascript scripts and favors secure HTTPS connections (by SSL encryption).

Even if the protocol may seem complicated to learn, the whole thing is relatively easy to use. Indeed, it is enough to download and install the software, start Tor Browser and then choose the appropriate configuration. As a rule, the direct connection to the Tor network works without problems.

 What are the features of the Tor Browser?

At the first launch of the Tor Browser, it is possible to connect directly to its network. A progress bar is displayed when relating to the service, but if it takes a long time, it is recommended to refer to the troubleshooting manual.

It is possible to adjust the Tor network settings for censored connections or use a proxy server. Several options are offered in the configuration menu.

The user can thus choose to enable quick start (to connect with the same network settings as the last time each time Tor Browser is used) and use a bridge (for censored connections). It is also possible to manage contacts via proxy via the advanced functions.

 To bypass any blockages imposed by an access provider or other, Tor integrates circumvention tools called "pluggable transports" (pluggable transports in English). Three are currently on offer: obfs4, meek, and Snowflake.

Obfs4 bridges, for example, make Tor traffic look random and prevent censors from finding bridges by scanning the internet. The latter is less likely to be blocked, unlike their predecessors (obfs3 bridges).

As indicated above, these bypass modes can be activated via the Tor Browser configuration menu, and it is possible to enter bridges manually if none of the three proposed works.

 Identity management

Tor Browser is designed to avoid collecting personal data during web browsing with a well-oiled system. The browser blocks access to information such as geographical location and IP address.

 Its URL bar also makes it possible to scramble the tracking of websites (via a closed circuit composed of different nodes) and to browse several pages in other tabs and windows without loss of functionality.

In addition, Tor Browser allows you to choose the information to be disclosed to sites that require a connection (such as mailboxes or social networks). It thus offers options to configure a "new identity" and a "new Tor circuit" for specific sites.

The first option allows you to close all windows and tabs, erase confidential information (browsing history, etc.) and use new Tor circuits for connections. The second option will enable you to reload the active window or tab via a new Tor circuit (without deleting personal data, etc.).

 Setting the security settings

Suppose Tor Browser provides encryption of browsing data by default. In that case, the browser allows you to upgrade by disabling certain web functions that can affect the security and privacy of Internet users.

 From the Tor advanced security settings menu, easily accessible from its navigation bar, it is possible to choose from 3 security levels: "Standard," "Most secure," and "Most secure."

 The intermediate security level disables JavaScript on all non-HTTPS sites as well as dangerous functions of websites (with a possible loss of functionality). The highest level of security acts similarly and accepts only the web functions required for static sites and essential services.

 Access to Onion services

Onion URLs are "hidden" services that can only be accessed via the Tor network. Consisting of 56 numbers and letters that end in .onion, these are used to disguise users' location and IP address and encrypt end-to-end traffic.

 An onion icon in the search bar indicates onion sites. An ordinary internet page with an onion version is also suggested in the Tor Browser URL bar. It should be noted that most onion addresses require an authentication key (i.e., the operator's access credentials).

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