Expert: James Filmer - 4/2/2009

Question
Hi James- if I'm using the internet (I have a laptop running Windows XP) at a public WiFi spot and I visit someone's webpage or a particular internet site, is there a way the webpage owner or internet site could tell that I visited - via some kind of foot print left by my computer (i.e. does using a public WiFi spot hide my computer's identity in any way)?  Would a program such as Hotspot Shield (www.hotspotshield.com) help in keeping me anonymous?  
Thanks very much! Rob

Answer
Hi,

Hotspot Shield looks like it does what it says it does.

But, since the first paragraph of the Description of Services must be accepted (other services and ads via AnchorFree, Inc.) one isn't exactly anonymous to them.

If one knows enough about PC security - like configuring services.exe., disabling or setting to manual - you can also achieve a high level of anonymity, unless you're visiting really bad sites (afraid I can't define "bad".)

http://theeldergeek.com/
and http://www.blackviper.com/ and several other sites are experts on the Windows Services subject.

"Is there a way the webpage owner or internet site could tell that I visited - via some kind of foot print left by my computer."

"Yes"

http://www.aeonsafe.com/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=1758&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

"(i.e. does using a public WiFi spot hide my computer's identity in any way)".

No"

http://askbobrankin.com/is_public_wifi_access_safe.html
and
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/385

and related links about security and anonymity: http://enrgy21.com

But, most computer are sold with a Firewall and Anti-virus program pre-installed and working. This means that most personal computers won't provide any identifying info depending on who owns the public WiFI spot and their privacy policies regarding use.

Bottom line, if you don't use something like hotspotshield, you'll have to know more about computer security. If you use it, you get anonymity, but must accept their conditions.