a little security overview from my buddy spartacus but what he/she tells me is:
download and install the latest “tor-browser” bundle. there are set ups you have to do with firefox browser.
disable java, java script, cookies in Firefox and more. Read the directions
the latest version checks anonymity at the tor site. Spartacus verifies with this other site:
www.stilllistener.com/checkpoint1 (and checkpoint2, java) to verify anonymity. Access with regular IE and with TOR. Difference in IP and anon rating? you can change servers at will. Don’t run IE and tor at the same time.
If some gov’t wants you maybe they can find you, very hard to do with this.
Spartacus likes to send email thru various anon emails, using PGP. http://www.openpgp.org Very few are really anon, especially if based in US. ixquick and duckduckgo bring some up. Hook up to them with firefox and TOR running.
receiving anon email, spartacus recommends http://www.safe-mail.net
Many sites do not work with cookies disabled. (FR included)
Your choice on risk.
to send anonymous email, go to this site with the Tor program
http://sendanonymousemail.net (haven’t checked lately, goes to spam filter usually)
But, if you ever plan to move to China and call a Falun Gong meeting at your home, I suggest having additional levels of information security in place, the last being one you've invented yourself. ;)
Thanks