xB Browser
 | The factual accuracy of parts of this article (those related to article) may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (August 2011) |
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 xB Browser 2.0.0.12b running on Windows XP | |
| Developer(s) | Xero Networks AG[1] & Steve Topletz[2] |
|---|---|
| Initial release | v.1.5.0.7, 19 September 2006 |
| Final release | v3.9.10.24[3]
/ 24 October 2009 |
| Engine | Gecko |
| Operating system | Windows[3] |
| Available in | 30[4] |
| Type | Web browser |
| License | GPLv3[2] |
| Website | xerobank.com |
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| Related articles |
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| Origins and lineage |
| Category |
xB Browser (formerly known as TorPark[5] and Xerobank browser[6]) was a web browser designed to run on both the Tor and XeroBank anonymity networks, and is available as component of the xB Machine[6] and the xB Installer.
It is designed for use on portable media such as a USB flash drive,[7] but it can also be used on any hard disk drive.[8] As such, a secure and encrypted connection to any of the Tor or XeroBank routers can be created from any computer with a suitable Internet connection,[8] and the browser clears all data that was created on the portable drive upon exit or on demand.[7]
In March 2007 it was reported that the xB Browser was downloaded 4 million times[7] and in February 2008 over 6.5 million downloads making xB Browser the most popular anonymous browser on the Internet.[9]
History[edit]
Steve Topletz co-released Torpark v.1.5.0.7 with CULT OF THE DEAD COW/Hacktivismo on 19 September 2006[10][11] after more than one year of development based on Portable Firefox web browser with built in support for Tor[1][4] and using the Nullsoft Scriptable Install System.[citation needed] In 2007 it was redesigned from scratch.[citation needed]
A cross-compatible version for Mac OS X and Linux was being developed based on xB Machine, due to be available in August 2008,[12] but the development seems now abandoned.
Network usage[edit]
Tor network[edit]
xB Browser routes Internet traffic through several onion servers, obscuring the originating IP address and encrypting the data.[7] Other applications such as Pidgin can be routed through the Tor network via xB Browser by directing the applications' traffic to a SOCKS proxy at localhost, port 9050. This port can be changed via xB Config, an INI generator for xB Browser.
XeroBank network[edit]
xB Browser is optimized for use on the XeroBank anonymity network, which is a private and commercial broadband network operated by Xero Networks AG.[12] The XeroBank network routes traffic through at least two multi-jurisdictional hops.[citation needed] In contrast to Tor, the XeroBank network supports both TCP and UDP protocols, performs channel multiplexing for low observability, is run by a single entity and costs money to use. The XeroBank network is accessible via SSH and OpenVPN protocols. xB Browser internally manages a SSH connection to XeroBank, but will recognize and submit to OpenVPN connections.
Features[edit]
Besides the anonymous networks, xB Browser uses following add-ons:
- Adblock Plus,[13]
- Cookies and Flash cookies removal,[7][9]
- Browser history clearing after closing[7]
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References[edit]
- ^ a b Pluta, Werner (28 June 2010). "Reporter ohne Grenzen eröffnet Schutzraum gegen Zensur" (in German). golem.de. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ a b Jardin, Xeni (19 September 2006). "Torpark is out, offering "anonymous, portable web browsing"". Boing Boing. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ^ a b "XeroBank Installer". Xerobank. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ a b Broersma, Matthew (22 September 2006). "Activists unveil stealth browser". CNET. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ^ The name Torpark is a reference to the development codename for Firefox 1.5, "Deer Park".
- ^ a b Sweeney, Terry (8 August 2007). "XeroBank Launches Anonymizing Tool Suite". Dark Reading. Retrieved 17 April 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c d e f Zoica, Remus (3 August 2007). "Rebranding of the Updated Anonymous Web Browser, xB Browser, Formerly Known as Torpark to Eliminate Visitor Confusion". Security Software Zone. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ^ a b Brinkmann, Martin (17 September 2007). "XeroBank Browser". Ghacks. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ a b Herpel, Mark (22 February 2008). "XeroBank Interview With Steve Topletz". American Chronicle. Ultio, LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ^ "Free anonymising browser debuts". BBC News. 20 September 2006. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
- ^ Broersma, Mathew (22 September 2006). "Activists unveil stealth browser". ZDNet. Archived from the original on 12 March 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
- ^ a b Pash, Adam (16 June 2008). "XB Browser Provides Anonymous Web Browsing". Lifehacker. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ Trapani, Gina (25 September 2006). "Download of the Day: TorPark 1.5 (Windows)". Lifehacker. Retrieved 17 April 2012.