Anonymizer Universal™
Frequently Asked Questions
The following five sections contain questions that will help users better understand Anonymizer Universal™ and how the service works. Please scroll through the entire FAQ section for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
How does it work?
How does Anonymizer Universal provide added protection?
Anonymizer Universal forms a Virtual Private Network (VPN) around all your Internet traffic using L2TP and IPSec technologies. This creates a secure tunnel around all your online activities, thus preventing malicious parties from accessing your information. It also provides anonymity by changing and rotating your IP address on a daily basis.
What is a Virtual Private Network or VPN?
A VPN encrypts data you transmit to prevent information from being intercepted. Until recently, this type of security was only available for large corporations. Anonymizer has created a VPN for home users that is as secure as a corporate VPN, with the added anonymity Anonymizer is best known for.
What is L2TP?
L2TP stands for Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol. L2TP forms the “Virtual” and “Network” part of the “Virtual Private Network.” The “Private” part is handled by another protocol that carries L2TP called IPSec.
What is IPSec?
IPSec is a protocol to add security to traffic as it travels across the Internet. This security takes two forms: authenticity (proof against tampering) and privacy (security against eavesdroppers). IPSec performs these functions on any protocol used on the Internet. IPSec has better performance than SSL, dramatically so in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
What is the difference between L2TP and PPTP?
PPTP is a proprietary VPN protocol created by Microsoft that is widely believed to have deep security issues. L2TP is an open standard without such security issues.
Why do I need it?
Why do I need Anonymizer Universal?
In today’s fast-paced society, online communications and transactions can take place online from any location at any time. That being said, the level of privacy and security of your personal information whenever you are online is dependent on many things including the type of device you are using, the network you’re on, the type of website, and your location.
Anonymizer Universal enables you to have the same level of privacy and security you expect when you go online from your living room, anytime, anywhere. From email, to Instant Messaging, social networking, and shopping, your information remains completely secure as it travels the Internet.
-
iPhone®
Due to the Wireless capability of the iPhone®, the security of your information can change as the wireless network changes, often without you realizing it.
-
Mac®
Although Mac® computers do not suffer from the degree of security flaws that computers running Windows do, your privacy and security are still at risk when information travels to and from the Internet.
-
Windows®
Your privacy and security are still at risk on Windows machines even if you have an Anti-virus and Firewall enabled and up-to-date. Your online communications and activities are vulnerable, and can be viewed and monitored if you are not protected as you travel to and from the Internet.
What information is visible to my ISP?
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) is able to determine that your Internet traffic is connecting to the server being used by Anonymizer that day, in addition to the volume of traffic you are passing through their servers.
What information is visible to the websites I visit?
The websites you visit will be able to see the browser you are using, your Operating System, and your character set. Anonymizer will provide the ISP information, including the IP address and location. All cookies placed by a website will detect and record the Anonymizer daily rotating IP address.
Can I use the software to watch streaming videos online?
Yes, YouTube and other streaming audio and video applications will be connected through Anonymizer Universal’s secure, U.S.-based servers.
What Internet Connection types and service providers can I use with Anonymizer Universal?
Our services can be used with any Internet connection except for Satellite Internet connections. These types of connections are unable to provide a consistent connection and L2TP VPN connections are typically not supported by satellite providers.
Anonymizer Universal is not compatible with certain mobile broadband cards on a Mac, including the Verizon Wireless Broadband card. We are currently in the process of researching this issue.
Will Anonymizer Universal protect my personal information when I connect to an open Wi-Fi network?
Yes, Anonymizer Universal will provide encryption and anonymity. This is especially critical on unsecured Wireless networks found at hotels, cafes, and airports.
How does it compare to other Anonymizer services?
What’s the difference between Anonymizer Universal and Anonymizer Total Net Shield?
-
iPhone®
Total Net Shield™ is not available for use on the iPhone®.
-
Mac®
Total Net Shield is only accessible on a Mac® through the Terminal or an open-source application. Total Net Shield does not provide the full VPN protection offered by Anonymizer Universal.
-
Windows®
Total Net Shield does not provide the full VPN protection offered by Anonymizer Universal.
How is the VPN of Anonymizer Universal different than the VPN-level encryption of Anonymizer Total Net Shield?
Anonymizer Universal is a full VPN that protects all Internet traffic. While Total Net Shield provides the same level of encryption, it only works for certain types of Internet traffic.
Do I need Anonymizer Nyms in addition to Anonymizer Universal?
Anonymizer Nyms™ is a separate service from Anonymizer Universal that provides a different type of anonymity for Internet users. Nyms allows you to create up to 1000 email alias addresses to use for sending email and registering for online accounts. Nyms emails are sent and received via our secure servers. The Nyms service does not require that you run Anonymizer Universal for Nyms to function. For more information on why you should use Anonymizer Nyms, please see http://anonymizer.com/nyms/
Is there a trial version of AU?
We currently have a trial available for Anonymizer Universal customers in Canada and the US. In addition, Anonymizer does have a 60-day refund policy for Anonymizer Universal.
How do I use it?
How do I use Anonymizer Universal?
-
iPhone®
It’s simple. After a quick and easy setup, simply go to the “Settings” section of your iPhone® and slide the VPN to “On.”
-
Mac®
When the Anonymizer Universal software has been successfully downloaded to your Mac®, simply click on “Connect” to connect to the Anonymizer Universal servers. You can also set your Mac® to “Open at Login” and “Connect automatically when Anonymizer Universal opens” in the Anonymizer Universal “Preferences” section.
-
Windows®
When the Anonymizer Universal software has been successfully downloaded to your computer, simply click on “Connect” to connect to the Anonymizer Universal servers. You can also set your computer to connect automatically by selecting “Launch on Windows startup” and “Connect automatically at launch” in the Anonymizer Universal “Preferences” section.
How can I show my real IP address?
-
iPhone®
If you would like to show your true IP address, simply go to the iPhone® “Settings” section and slide the VPN to “Off.”
-
Mac®
If you would like your true IP address to be visible, click on “Disconnect”
-
Windows®
If you would like your true IP address to be visible, click on “Disonnect”
How often does the IP address change?
The Anonymizer servers automatically change the IP address provided on a daily basis.
Can I choose how often the IP address changes?
No, the IP address will automatically change on a daily basis. It is not possible to manually change or request a change of the IP address.
Can I choose what country the IP address is located in?
No, the IP address will always be located within the U.S.
Why does the browsing speed change?
As with any Internet connection, the speed is based upon the network and the number of customers who are currently using it. The anonymity and encryption provided by Anonymizer Universal may cause a slight delay. This is especially true for International customers, as their Internet traffic is passing through our U.S. servers.
How many devices can I install Anonymizer Universal on?
Anonymizer Universal can be installed on one mobile device (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch) and one computer (Mac® or Windows®).
How many devices can I have connected at once?
Anonymizer Universal can be connected on one iPhone® and one computer (Mac® or Windows®) simultaneously as we have found many iPhone users use both devices at once.
Will there be networks that prevent Anonymizer Universal usage?
Yes, if a network blocks L2TP connections, the ports used for L2TP connections, or the Anonymizer domain, you will need to switch to another network to access the Anonymizer Universal servers.
Will I be able to access all my mail servers through my email client with Anonymizer Universal turned On?
The unencrypted mail port 25 is blocked to prevent abuse by spammers. Many Internet Service Providers have already chosen to block port 25. If you have an email address set up to use port 25, please contact your mail administrator to use an alternate port.
How do I know it’s working?
How do I know my Anonymizer Universal is encrypting my traffic and changing my IP address?
The IP address will change every 24 hours. The IP address can be confirmed by going to an IP checking website such as http://www.ipchicken.com or http://www.ip2location.com. The IP address will always geolocate to the United States, although the location within the U.S. will change periodically.
-
iPhone®
As long as you have the VPN turned to the “On” position in the “Settings” section of your iPhone®, the service is working. Please ensure the Anonymizer Universal VPN is connected and turned “On” before conducting any online business.
-
Mac®
The Anonymizer Universal icon in the dock, menu bar, and application section of your Mac® will turn blue when the Anonymizer Universal VPN is “connected.”
-
Windows®
The Anonymizer Universal icon in the system tray and the application will turn blue when the Anonymizer Universal VPN is “connected.”
How do I know if Anonymizer Universal is installed?
-
iPhone®
Go to “Settings” and then “General.” Anonymizer Universal will be listed under “Profiles.”
-
Mac®
Go to “Finder” and then “Applications.” Anonymizer Universal will be listed in the Applications.
-
Windows®
Go to “All Programs” and look for the “Anonymizer” folder.
How do I uninstall or remove Anonymizer Universal?
-
iPhone®
Go to “Settings” and then “General” on your iPhone®. Select the “Anonymizer Universal” profile and choose “Remove.”
-
Mac®
Go to “Finder” and then “Applications.” Drag the “Anonymizer Universal” entry into the trash.
-
Windows®
Go to the “Control Panel” and then “Uninstall a Program” or “Add/Remove Programs” and select “Uninstall” or “Remove” next to Anonymizer Universal.
Why do I need Anonymizer Universal?
In today’s fast-paced society, online communications and transactions can take place online from any location at any time. That being said, the level of privacy and security of your personal information whenever you are online is dependent on many things including the type of device you are using, the network you’re on, the type of website, and your location.
Anonymizer Universal enables you to have the same level of privacy and security you expect when you go online from your living room, anytime, anywhere. From email, to Instant Messaging, social networking, and shopping, your information remains completely secure as it travels the Internet.
-
iPhone®
Due to the Wireless capability of the iPhone®, the security of your information can change as the wireless network changes, often without you realizing it. -
Mac®
Although Mac® computers do not suffer from the degree of security flaws that computers running Windows do, your privacy and security are still at risk when information travels to and from the Internet. -
Windows®
Your privacy and security are still at risk on Windows machines even if you have an Anti-virus and Firewall enabled and up-to-date. Your online communications and activities are vulnerable, and can be viewed and monitored if you are not protected as you travel to and from the Internet.
What information is visible to my ISP?
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) is able to determine that your Internet traffic is connecting to the server being used by Anonymizer that day, in addition to the volume of traffic you are passing through their servers.
What information is visible to the websites I visit?
The websites you visit will be able to see the browser you are using, your Operating System, and your character set. Anonymizer will provide the ISP information, including the IP address and location. All cookies placed by a website will detect and record the Anonymizer daily rotating IP address.
Can I use the software to watch streaming videos online?
Yes, YouTube and other streaming audio and video applications will be connected through Anonymizer Universal’s secure, U.S.-based servers.
What Internet Connection types and service providers can I use with Anonymizer Universal?
Our services can be used with any Internet connection except for Satellite Internet connections. These types of connections are unable to provide a consistent connection and L2TP VPN connections are typically not supported by satellite providers.
Anonymizer Universal is not compatible with certain mobile broadband cards on a Mac, including the Verizon Wireless Broadband card. We are currently in the process of researching this issue.
Will Anonymizer Universal protect my personal information when I connect to an open Wi-Fi network?
Yes, Anonymizer Universal will provide encryption and anonymity. This is especially critical on unsecured Wireless networks found at hotels, cafes, and airports.
What’s the difference between Anonymizer Universal and Anonymizer Total Net Shield?
-
iPhone®
Total Net Shield™ is not available for use on the iPhone®. -
Mac®
Total Net Shield is only accessible on a Mac® through the Terminal or an open-source application. Total Net Shield does not provide the full VPN protection offered by Anonymizer Universal. -
Windows®
Total Net Shield does not provide the full VPN protection offered by Anonymizer Universal.
How is the VPN of Anonymizer Universal different than the VPN-level encryption of Anonymizer Total Net Shield?
Anonymizer Universal is a full VPN that protects all Internet traffic. While Total Net Shield provides the same level of encryption, it only works for certain types of Internet traffic.
Do I need Anonymizer Nyms in addition to Anonymizer Universal?
Anonymizer Nyms™ is a separate service from Anonymizer Universal that provides a different type of anonymity for Internet users. Nyms allows you to create up to 1000 email alias addresses to use for sending email and registering for online accounts. Nyms emails are sent and received via our secure servers. The Nyms service does not require that you run Anonymizer Universal for Nyms to function. For more information on why you should use Anonymizer Nyms, please see http://anonymizer.com/nyms/
Is there a trial version of AU?
We currently have a trial available for Anonymizer Universal customers in Canada and the US. In addition, Anonymizer does have a 60-day refund policy for Anonymizer Universal.
How do I use Anonymizer Universal?
-
iPhone®
It’s simple. After a quick and easy setup, simply go to the “Settings” section of your iPhone® and slide the VPN to “On.” -
Mac®
When the Anonymizer Universal software has been successfully downloaded to your Mac®, simply click on “Connect” to connect to the Anonymizer Universal servers. You can also set your Mac® to “Open at Login” and “Connect automatically when Anonymizer Universal opens” in the Anonymizer Universal “Preferences” section. -
Windows®
When the Anonymizer Universal software has been successfully downloaded to your computer, simply click on “Connect” to connect to the Anonymizer Universal servers. You can also set your computer to connect automatically by selecting “Launch on Windows startup” and “Connect automatically at launch” in the Anonymizer Universal “Preferences” section.
How can I show my real IP address?
-
iPhone®
If you would like to show your true IP address, simply go to the iPhone® “Settings” section and slide the VPN to “Off.” -
Mac®
If you would like your true IP address to be visible, click on “Disconnect” -
Windows®
If you would like your true IP address to be visible, click on “Disonnect”
How often does the IP address change?
The Anonymizer servers automatically change the IP address provided on a daily basis.
Can I choose how often the IP address changes?
No, the IP address will automatically change on a daily basis. It is not possible to manually change or request a change of the IP address.
Can I choose what country the IP address is located in?
No, the IP address will always be located within the U.S.
Why does the browsing speed change?
As with any Internet connection, the speed is based upon the network and the number of customers who are currently using it. The anonymity and encryption provided by Anonymizer Universal may cause a slight delay. This is especially true for International customers, as their Internet traffic is passing through our U.S. servers.
How many devices can I install Anonymizer Universal on?
Anonymizer Universal can be installed on one mobile device (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch) and one computer (Mac® or Windows®).
How many devices can I have connected at once?
Anonymizer Universal can be connected on one iPhone® and one computer (Mac® or Windows®) simultaneously as we have found many iPhone users use both devices at once.
Will there be networks that prevent Anonymizer Universal usage?
Yes, if a network blocks L2TP connections, the ports used for L2TP connections, or the Anonymizer domain, you will need to switch to another network to access the Anonymizer Universal servers.
Will I be able to access all my mail servers through my email client with Anonymizer Universal turned On?
The unencrypted mail port 25 is blocked to prevent abuse by spammers. Many Internet Service Providers have already chosen to block port 25. If you have an email address set up to use port 25, please contact your mail administrator to use an alternate port.
How do I know my Anonymizer Universal is encrypting my traffic and changing my IP address?
The IP address will change every 24 hours. The IP address can be confirmed by going to an IP checking website such as http://www.ipchicken.com or http://www.ip2location.com. The IP address will always geolocate to the United States, although the location within the U.S. will change periodically.
-
iPhone®
As long as you have the VPN turned to the “On” position in the “Settings” section of your iPhone®, the service is working. Please ensure the Anonymizer Universal VPN is connected and turned “On” before conducting any online business. -
Mac®
The Anonymizer Universal icon in the dock, menu bar, and application section of your Mac® will turn blue when the Anonymizer Universal VPN is “connected.” -
Windows®
The Anonymizer Universal icon in the system tray and the application will turn blue when the Anonymizer Universal VPN is “connected.”
How do I know if Anonymizer Universal is installed?
-
iPhone®
Go to “Settings” and then “General.” Anonymizer Universal will be listed under “Profiles.” -
Mac®
Go to “Finder” and then “Applications.” Anonymizer Universal will be listed in the Applications. -
Windows®
Go to “All Programs” and look for the “Anonymizer” folder.
How do I uninstall or remove Anonymizer Universal?
-
iPhone®
Go to “Settings” and then “General” on your iPhone®. Select the “Anonymizer Universal” profile and choose “Remove.” -
Mac®
Go to “Finder” and then “Applications.” Drag the “Anonymizer Universal” entry into the trash. -
Windows®
Go to the “Control Panel” and then “Uninstall a Program” or “Add/Remove Programs” and select “Uninstall” or “Remove” next to Anonymizer Universal.
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