Consumed => “How To Thwart Hackers And Dictators With One Free Download” by J.J. Colao on Forbes.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jjcolao/2012/08/29/how-to-thwart-hackers-and-dictators-with-one-free-download

=> My value add (i.e., left a comment)…

Thanks J.J. It was the right article at the right time. After reading it I installed the free version of AnchorFree. Here’s what I found so far:

1) The ads are annoying, as they are supposed to be. But they’re not excessive. Eventually, I’ll probably end up on the paid version but if anyone is curious, they aren’t fatal.

2) It would help if there was an independent site to test and prove that the connection is in fact anonymous.

3) FYI – The free version does more than a private VPN. They also hijacked my browser’s 404 page as well as what shows when I open a new tab. Doing both of these things is not a good fit for their brand. I don’t mind forcing ads on me but I do mind A LOT the manipulation of my browser. Doing so is not something a “security” company should be doing.

4) It’s easy to turn the tunnel on and off. The status is clearly displayed in the browser’s toolbar. This I like.

The idea is obviously a great one. Unfortunately, for me, the jury is still out on AnchorFree. Given #2 and #3, I’m a bit fearful of what might happen once I pay. I don’t want to have to fix my browser if add more features I didn’t approve.