There is proxy software that can be switched on and off as need be.

ok so now I am really confused...is the hotspot a proxy program that if I install I have to turn on or off or does it stay on all the time?

quote:

Originally posted by JoanSi:
ok so now I am really confused...is the hotspot a proxy program that if I install I have to turn on or off or does it stay on all the time?

See previous post!

Hotspot isn't being sold or publicised as proxy software, so I would be interested to see if it works as one, as downloading proxy progs off the net is complicated if you have little idea of all the protocols etc. you have to know and manually input etc.

So, JoanSi, the answer really seems to be download it and tell us! If it really is as simple as Graeme says it should do the trick and not cause any problems, it seems to be a mask for all your personal info, rather than making out that your PC is something it isn't. A proxy software programme actually intends to fool other ISP etc. whereas I think Hotspot just stops your info being given out. Basically, one is legal, the other,
probably, isn't! So it should also mean you can turn it on and off as needed, like a firewall.

quote:

Originally posted by Gil:

quote:

Originally posted by JoanSi:
ok so now I am really confused...is the hotspot a proxy program that if I install I have to turn on or off or does it stay on all the time?

See previous post!

I did but I asked about the Hotspot program not just a proxy program...so my question stands....
I don't even know what a proxy program is....which is why I am confused!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it has got pretty confusing.

First, proxies. In simple terms, every computer connected to the internet has its own unique internal internet address. That address effectively includes the country in which you're connecting to the internet. The address is "visible" to any internet site to which you connect, so the site knows where you are (as well as who you are). That's how you can be blocked from downloading certain things that are not available to the country from which you're connecting.

A proxy program effectively hides your computer's internal internet address by directing your connection through another address altogether, which can be based in another country. As far as the internet knows, that other address is your internet address, and you are connecting to the internet from that other country.

The main purpose of proxy programs is privacy on the internet. They allow you to surf the web anonymously. In theory, no one knows the truth of who you are or where you are. Hackers, for example, cannot reach you.

Unless you're paranoid about security, you don't need to worry about proxy programs. Macs, especially, already have plenty of built-in security.

Now, one of the side benefits of the internet thinking you are based in another country - eg, the US - is that you are tricking US-based web sites into thinking you are eligible to download things that are available only to, in this case, the US.

Apparently I was wrong when I said we hadn't tried accessing US TV via Hotspot Shield and Hulu.com. My wife tells me she did. It seems that one of the keys is to quit the Anchor Free (Hotspot Shield) application after you have connected to Hulu.com and are watching your program. Leaving the application running apparently slows the stream.

thank you...i think