This is the first of many articles that I will write on Internet safety and how to stay safe online.

I won't cover the basics like Anti-virus, but instead I will discuss special browser plugins and firewalls. I will also talk about sandbox machines and onion routing, as well as other helpful, exciting and interesting things that you can do in order to learn and stay safe.

There are many things to be concerned about when it comes to the internet. You can be tracked by malicious people to steal your bank details, install malware or find out where you live!

Internet security software has improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years, but if you need a bit more anonymity sometimes it pays to use a proxy.

In its simplest form, a proxy is a relay. It's an 'in-between' computer that receives your request and fetches the web pages. The other end thinks it's the proxy that is connecting.

In a future article, I will cover 'caching proxy's and transparent proxies,' which are used to filter traffic on the internet or to speed up browsing. For now, we will only be looking at anonymous proxies.

It is possible that you used a proxy to access the Internet while at work or in the library without realizing it.

It is easy to find out your IP address by visiting sites like whatismyip. Other information can also be extracted, such as the browser and operating system you are using. By visiting whatismyip you can view your IP address. Other information, like the browser and operating systems you use, can be extracted. For example, if you go to hamish.notdot.org, you will see your IP address as well as the referring URL (the page you came from), and a string that identifies both your browser and your operating system.

Anonymous proxies will keep you safe from hackers. You can find many if you Google. My favorites are "NotDot Proxifier", and "hidemy ass", both of which are available for free. It is not necessary to use a proxy, but they can be useful. It is worth using a proxy if you don't want your IP to be revealed or you are unsure about a link.

You can also use an online proxy to gain access to sites that are blocked at your workplace. For example, many offices will not allow you to access Facebook, YouTube, or Myspace, but an online proxy allows you to do so!

Use common sense to keep yourself safe when browsing the internet. If something looks suspicious, don't click it.