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04_practical_usage

Getting Started with Tor Browser

First Launch

Initial Configuration:

1. Start Tor Browser
2. Connection options:
   ├─ "Connect" - Direct connection (most common)
   ├─ "Configure" - Proxy/VPN settings
   └─ "Censored" - Bridge configuration

Connection Verification:

Understanding the Interface

Key Elements

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 🧅 Tor Browser │ Search or enter address  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│                                             │
│            Main browsing area               │
│                                             │
│                                             │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
Security Level: Standard | Safer | Safest
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

The Onion Menu (🧅):

Security Settings Explained

Level: Standard

✓ All JavaScript enabled
✓ Media auto-plays
✓ NoScript disabled
✓ Best compatibility
Risk: Higher tracking potential
✗ JavaScript disabled on HTTP sites
✗ Media click-to-play
✓ NoScript enabled (selective)
✓ HTTPS sites mostly functional
Risk: Moderate tracking protection

Level: Safest

✗ JavaScript disabled everywhere
✗ All media click-to-play
✗ Performance optimizations disabled
✗ Many sites may break
Risk: Minimal tracking, maximum security

Changing Security Level:

  1. Click onion icon (🧅)
  2. Select “Security Settings”
  3. Choose desired level
  4. Restart browser if prompted

Deep Web Search Engines

URL: https://ahmia.fi (also accessible via Tor)

Best For:

Features:

Usage Example:

Search: "privacy guides"
Results:
├─ 0.05 seconds
├─ Relevance sorting
├─ Site status indicators
└─ Direct "onion" links

Candle

URL: http://candleabrajp5jtrh2"onion" (Tor only)

Best For:

Features:

Comparison:

FeatureAhmiaCandle
SortingRelevanceRecency
InterfaceModernMinimalist
Index SizeLargeMedium
SpeedFastFast

Not Evil

Best For:

Search Options:

Note: Results may include foreign language sites (Russian common)

Grams

Best For:

Features:

Usage:

Torch

Best For:

Limitations:

Anonymous Email Services

ProtonMail

Access: Clear web + Dark web

Features:

Account Tiers:

Free:
├─ 500MB storage
├─ 150 messages/day
└─ Limited features

Plus ($5/month):
├─ 5GB storage
├─ 1000 messages/day
├─ Custom domains
└─ Advanced features

Setup via Tor:

  1. Visit protonmail.com through Tor Browser
  2. Click “Sign Up”
  3. Select free plan
  4. Create username and password
  5. Optional: Add recovery email (compromises anonymity)
  6. Complete CAPTCHA
  7. Account ready

TorBox

Access: Tor only (“onion”)

Features:

Setup:

1. Visit TorBox "onion" address
2. Select "Sign Up"
3. Enter username
4. Create password
5. Confirm password
6. Complete CAPTCHA
7. Mailbox ready

Technical Details:

Bitmessage

Access: Gateway service (requires Bitmessage client)

Features:

Setup Process:

1. Download Bitmessage client
2. Install on your system
3. Generate address
4. Gateway converts to/from regular email
5. Use through Tor for anonymity

Best For:

Mail2Tor

Access: Tor only

Features:

Comparison Summary:

ServiceEncryptionEase of UseBest For
ProtonMailEnd-to-endEasyGeneral use
TorBoxServer-sideVery EasyQuick setup
BitmessageDecentralizedComplexAdvanced users
Mail2TorBasicVery EasyTemporary use

Forums and Social Networks

Galaxy 2

Type: Social Network / Forum

Features:

├─ Activity feed ("Wire")
├─ Groups functionality
├─ Blogs section
├─ User profiles
├─ Clean interface
└─ No malicious content

Usage:

  1. Create account or browse as guest
  2. Join groups by interest
  3. Post to activity feed
  4. Read blogs
  5. Connect with others

Why Recommended:

ChatTor

Type: Anonymous Chat

Features:

Usage:

  1. Visit “onion” address
  2. Enter random username
  3. Join lobby
  4. Start chatting

Warning: Do not trust anyone in chat rooms

Facebook (Onion Mirror)

Type: Social Network (Onion Version)

Features:

Security Note:

Intel Exchange

Type: Discussion Forum

Sections:

├─ Suppressed Technology
│  ├─ Free energy
│  ├─ Anti-gravity
│  └─ Advanced tech
├─ Conspiracy Theories
├─ Science & Research
└─ General Discussion

Why Recommended:

Encrypted Chat Rooms

CryptoDog

Type: Private Encrypted Chat

Key Features:

Setting Up a Private Room:

1. Enable JavaScript (required for encryption)
2. Enter conversation name:
   - Use complex name: "test-chat-room-8976"
   - Must be unique
   - Share only with intended participants
3. Enter nickname
4. Click "Connect"
5. Share conversation name with others
6. Others join using same name

Security Features:

Lobby Access:

Daniel’s Chat

Type: Traditional IRC-style Chat

Setup:

1. Visit "onion" address
2. Create username
3. Set password
4. Complete CAPTCHA
5. Select color
6. Enter chat

Features:

Usage:

Message Bar:
├─ Send to: All chatters / Specific users / Offline
├─ Multi-line support
├─ File attachments
└─ Color-coded users

Hidden Wiki

What is the Hidden Wiki?

The Hidden Wiki is a directory of “onion” sites, serving as a starting point for deep web navigation.

Structure:

Hidden Wiki
├─ Editor's Picks
│  ├─ Recommended starting points
│  └─ Verified safe sites
├─ Introduction Points
│  ├─ Search engines
│  ├─ Financial services
│  └─ Security guides
├─ Financial Services
│  ├─ Bitcoin services
│  ├─ Mixing services
│  └─ Marketplaces
├─ Commercial Services
│  ├─ Hosting
│  ├─ Domains
│  └─ Various products
├─ Email & Messaging
│  ├─ Anonymous email
│  └─ Secure messaging
├─ Social Networks
│  ├─ Forums
│  └─ Social platforms
└─ [Other categories...]

Best Practices:

  1. Start with Editor’s Picks - Verified safe content
  2. Read descriptions - Understand what each site offers
  3. Check status indicators - Some sites marked “down”
  4. Use as reference - Not all links will work
  5. Verify URLs - Copy carefully, one wrong character = wrong site

Common Categories:

CategoryPurposeExamples
Introduction PointsStarting resourcesSearch engines, guides
FinancialMoney servicesBitcoin, mixing
CommercialProducts/ServicesVarious vendors
Domain ServicesHosting/Domains“onion” hosting
AnonymityPrivacy toolsVPNs, proxies
Email/MessagingCommunicationSecure email
SocialCommunityForums, networks
HostingFile storageImage hosting

Important Warnings

⚠️ Critical Security Notes:

  1. Dead Links Are Common

    • Many sites go offline frequently
    • Try multiple mirrors if available

  2. Scams Are Prevalent

    • Not all listed sites are legitimate
    • Research before using any service

  3. Illegal Content Exists

    • Some categories contain illegal services
    • Avoid anything questionable
    • Know your local laws

  4. Never Trust Blindly

    • Verify site authenticity
    • Check community reviews
    • Look for established reputation

DarkDir (Dark Directory)

Purpose: Categorized collection of “onion” links

Structure:

Categories (Left Sidebar):
├─ Blogs
├─ Social Networks
├─ Libraries & Wikis
├─ Email & Messaging
├─ Financial Services
├─ Anonymity & Security
├─ Hosting & Files
└─ [20+ categories]

Usage:

  1. Select category from left sidebar
  2. Wait for page load (may be slow)
  3. Review listed sites
  4. Click interesting links
  5. If site doesn’t load, try reloading

Tips:

Daily Usage Best Practices

Browsing Habits

DO:

DON’T:

Communication Security

Email:

Chat:

Forums:

Verification Checklist

Before using any service: