Ultrasurf Free Proxy, Is it good or bad? – Review 2015
Ultrasurf is a free an anti-censorship, pro-privacy proxy service created to provide users with security and freedom online. Ultrasurf offers a number of features that helps to keep privacy and gain access to any site. It encrypts the messages sent online, hides IP from other websites, and bypasses censorship on the web as it is stated on their website:
“Ultrasurf is a product of Ultrareach Internet Corporation. Originally created to help internet users in China find security and freedom online, Ultrasurf has now become one of the world’s most popular anti-censorship, pro-privacy software, with millions of people using it to bypass internet censorship and protect their online privacy.”
Ultrasurf Features
Ultrasurf was originally aimed at Chinese users who were desperately looking for freedom and privacy on the Web. And Ultrasurf made it possible! Nowadays, this program is deemed to be one of the most popular programs to circumvent censorship and ensure privacy online as it is mentioned on their website:
“Ultrasurf also helps internet users in non-censoring countries to encrypt their communications, and protect their IP address from the websites visited; it is recommended in particular for use at wireless hotspots and public WiFi networks.”
Installation
UltraSurf doesn’t require installation as the small executable can be launched right away. The first time you run UltraSurf, Internet Explorer will open automatically (this can be disabled in the program’s options). Even though the program favors Internet Explorer it also protects other web browsers. Unfortunately there are some features which directly target IE, such as automated removal of cookies and history. The .exe file is really small so it basically works any computer running under one of the supported operating systems, namely Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Ultrasurf Interface
UltraSurf has a simple GUI with a rough appearance, but it gets the job done. The interface has 5 menu categories and the main window lists three UltraSurf proxy servers that have been automatically selected by the program to provide a high-speed connection. Selecting any of the offered servers will automatically attempt to establish a connection. As soon as the connection is made, your real IP address will be replaced with another one and it will be kept hidden by any website you visit. Your anti-virus may well identify this software as a Trojan. There are conflicting reports from experts on whether or not this is actually the case. One of the developers for this software, a NASA scientist, claims that suspicious behavior is due to the fact that the software is constantly being developed so that it can be used to penetrate the Great Firewall of China. As the software hasn’t been updated in some time, this may or may not be true.
Encryption
All data received/sent via web browsers, such as downloads, uploads and e-mails is encrypted by UltraSurf using SSL algorithms. The program’s Options offers a few customizations, such as enabling hotkeys for several actions like hiding/showing/minimizing the interface, exit UltraSurf and exit Ultrasurf & delete its temporary files. Other settings available under the Options menu include setting up Internet Explorer actions like starting it automatically at UltraSurf launch, automated deletion of IE cookies and history upon exiting, closing or keeping IE at exit..etc. The Proxy Settings offer three options: Auto-Detect Proxy (IE current proxy settings), Manually Proxy Settings (allows the user to enter their own proxy settings) and Directly Use UltraSurf which will use the program’s proxy servers.
Torrenting and Privacy Policy
UltraSurf has an internal content filter that filters out pornographic sites and other content that the company considers to be unsuitable for their service. There is no specific information on torrents.
Conclusion
The price for UltraSurf certainly could not be better as it is a free service. Installation is easy on Windows PCs. The problems start where your anti-virus is concerned, however. UltraSurf offers simple, easy to understand options and settings but in case a beginner has trouble using it, the Help file offers detailed information about all of the program’s aspects. Without the need to install the program, you can fit it nicely on to a USB pen drive and use it where ever you go.
Pros
– Portable tool since no installation is required.
– Offers high-quality proxy servers that ensure good connection speed.
– Useful hotkey-enabled actions are provided.
– Internet Explorer automated functions for cookie and history removal.
– Offers a simple way for anonymous and completely safe web browsing.
Cons
– Several features are only available for Internet Explorer.
– Suspicious Trojan activities.
