GhostSurf is a proxy - that is, it is a program that lives between the computer's operation and the outside world. Everything entering or exiting the computer must pass through the proxy. The proxy determines who or what is allowed to see it or go through it.

GhostSurf comes in two versions – plain GhostSurf or GhostSurf Platinum. It starts at $29.95 for a one year license, or a two year option is also available. Using GhostSurf can:

•allow anonymous web surfing

•encrypt connections to the Internet

•erase all traces of online activity

•prevent identity theft

•work with most all web browsers

•Low system requirements: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP; Pentium 350MHz or better; 64 MB RAM; 16 MB hard disk space

Features in GhostSurf Platinum only:

•remove spyware

•prevent advanced spyware reinstalling on same PC

•automatic spyware database updates

•48 hour support ticket turnaround

Anonymous surfing means hiding the IP address of the computer from the Internet. IP addresses are traceable and can be used to find out who performed an operation online and what they did, or even for hackers to gain access to a PC. Whilst browsing anonymously, all data transmitted online can be encrypted by GhostSurf to prevent anyone looking in on what the user is doing – preventing theft of personal information, card numbers or account details.

GhostSurf will also remove traces that are left on a PC after using any Internet services – cookies, cache, browser history, chat logs, newsfeeds, etc are all shredded electronically to prevent any kind of recovery at a later date, using a deletion method of US Department of Defense standard. Even after deleting items "normally" from a PC, parts of the file remain, so the need for true deletion becomes apparent if much confidential information is held on a computer.

The spyware protection offered by GhostSurf Platinum is provided by another Tenebril application – SpyCatcher. Made to detect and remove spyware, SpyCatcher also has an effective method of recognizing new and mutating spyware, providing superb protection for the net pro and the novice alike. Since spyware ranges from the annoying to the dangerous and is easy to pick up simply by connecting to the Internet, solid spyware cover makes a great addition to the GhostSurf package.

Tenebril GhostSurf has an easy to use, tabbed interface. The Privacy Control Center tab allows the user to set the level of security. The TracksCleaner tab provides choices in which elements of Internet history to erase and the AdArmor tab is a customizable advertisement blocker. The Personal Data Vault allows setting up of password protected locations to save sensitive information. The Platinum version has a further tab for the SpyCatcher element.

In conclusion, Tenebril GhostSurf provides excellent protection for the online PC user concerned about security of data and personal information. A one year subscription starts at $24.95. Multiple license commercial packages are also available.