In normal life, when we have to provide our personal details, it is enough to show our identity card, with name and surname. On the internet, it doesn’t work like that. When we surf the net, in addition to being people we are also numbers. In fact, every time we access the internet we are assigned a string of decimal numbers called the IP address. The latter uniquely identifies each computer or other type of device connected to the network.
The IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is used to identify and address a device in an internal or external network. It contains various important information including the geographic location of the computer. Obviously, knowing the IP address of a device, you will not find the home address of the user to which it was assigned. Using advanced tools it is possible to discover a lot of more or less precise information. For example, when someone commits a crime online, the competent authorities first identify the IP address. Through the latter, they can trace the internet provider who has all the information about the user, including telephone number and address.
If you care a lot about your privacy, you can hide the IP address. In this way, in addition to browsing anonymously, you can visit Internet sites blocked in your country and bypass the bans relating to the use of specific content. The procedures to be carried out are quite simple. If you want more information, I suggest you get comfortable and take a few minutes to read the next paragraphs of this article.
How to hide IP address on PC and Mac
The procedures I’m about to show you allow you to hide the IP address on both Windows PC and macOS. Some of these are completely free. Others require a monthly subscription, but generally the prices are really very low.
Tor Browser
When it comes to hiding your IP address and browsing anonymously, you can’t help but mention Tor Browser. As easily understood, it is a web browser, which allows the user to browse anonymously. When you access a website through Tor Browser, before reaching the landing page, the traffic is directed in a completely random way through a network of servers around the world, to protect your location and identity.
Here’s how to install Tor Browser on PC:
- Access the Tor Browser website ;
- From the drop-down menu at the top left, select your language;
- Click on the Windows icon, to download the software;
- Once the download is complete, locate the “torbrowser-install-xx_it” file and double-click on it;
- Click on the “OK” button ;
- Click on “Install” and then on “Finish.”
Install Tor Browser on Mac:
- Access the Tor Browser website ;
- From the drop-down menu at the top left, select your language;
- Click on the macOS icon, to download the software;
- Locate the file “TorBrowser-xx osx64_it.dmg” and double-click on it;
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.
At this point, start Tor Browser and then click on the “Connect” button. When Tor connects to the network, a window will open with a modified version of Mozilla Firefox, which you can use to browse anonymously.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a VPN service that uses 256-bit encryption and many servers located in various parts of the world. During its use, it guarantees anonymous and safe browsing, does not require complicated configuration procedures, and is multi-platform, so it can be used on Windows PC, Mac, Smartphone, Tablet, Smart TV, and console. Surfshark also allows you to use public Wi-Fi networks in complete safety, thanks to the CleanWeb function.
To download and install Surfshark on PC :
- Access this page and click the “Download Now” button to download the software;
- Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file and double-click on it;
- When prompted click on “YES” ;
- Wait for the installation to finish, then wait for the app to start automatically.
To download and install Surfshark on Mac :
- Start the App Store and search for “Surfshark” ;
- Click on “Get” ;
- Wait for the app to download and install on your Mac, then click “Open”.
After installing and starting Surfshark, you will need to create a new account or log in with an existing one, to do so click on the “Login” or “Create Account” button. After logging in, click the “Connect” button to have Surfshark connect to the fastest VPN server and start browsing securely.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another truly powerful and comprehensive VPN service available for Windows PCs, Macs, Linux, and smartphones and tablets.
This service uses an advanced algorithm that encrypts the connection data and makes them inaccessible, moreover, it boasts a huge number of servers scattered all over the world, some of these are dedicated to streaming activities or exchanging files on P2P networks.
To install NordVPN on Windows PC :
- Access this page;
- Click on the “Download NordVPN” button, present at the top right;
- Once the download is complete, double-click on the file you just downloaded, then click on “YES” ;
- Click on “Next” ;
- Click on “Install” and at the end of the installation click on “Finish.”
To install NordVPN on Mac :
- Access the App Store;
- Type in the search form ” NordVPN” ;
- Click on “Get”;
- Wait for the app to be downloaded and installed and then click “Open.”
At this point, all you have to do is start NordVPN, log in and select the nationality or type of server you want to connect to.
