XeroBank Browser
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 xB Browser 2.0.0.12b |
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| Developed by | Xero Networks AG & Steve Topletz |
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| Latest release | 2.0.0.18a |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Type | Web browser |
| License | Torrify Ethical Software Licensing Agreement |
| Website | xerobank.com |
| Mozilla Firefox (category) |
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| Contents |
| Origins and Lineage |
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xB Browser is an anonymous web browser designed to run on both the Tor and XeroBank anonymity networks, and is available as component of the XeroBank Installer. xB Browser was previously called Torpark,[1][2] and is released under a license[3] that restricts usage by malware and commercial interests. xB Browser was originally forked from Portable Firefox web browser with Tor access built into it, but was redesigned from scratch in 2007. It is designed for use on portable media such as a USB flash drive but it can also be used on any hard disk drive. 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, and the browser clears all data that was created on the portable drive upon exit or on demand. The original Torpark was created by Steve Topletz using the Nullsoft Scriptable Install System.
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[edit] Tor network
xB Browser works by routing Internet traffic through several "onion" servers, obscuring the originating address. This does not naturally provide anonymity for other Internet programs, only the xB Browser. However, other applications data 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 located in its App/ directory. For a more complete explanation of the functioning of the system, see Tor.
Reading the Tor documentation is highly recommended to prevent configuration mistakes that could compromise the user's anonymity. xB Browser is preconfigured, and the settings, especially within the browser, should not be modified unless done by an expert familiar with onion routing, and the workings of xB Browser itself.
[edit] XeroBank network
xB Browser is optimized for use on the XeroBank anonymity network, which is a private and commercial broadband network operated by Xero Networks AG. The XeroBank network routes traffic through at least two multi-jurisdictional hops. In contrast to Tor, the XeroBank network is immune to 3rd-party traffic injection, supports both TCP and UDP protocols, and performs channel multiplexing for low observability, however it is run by a single entity. 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.
[edit] Versions
Steve Topletz co-released Torpark v.1.5.0.7 with CULT OF THE DEAD COW/Hacktivismo on 19 September 2006.[4][5][6]
The current version of the xB Browser is 2.0.0.17b
xB Browser is natively available for Microsoft Windows, but also runs on Linux under WINE. A cross-compatible version is being developed based on xB Machine, due to be available in August 2008.
[edit] License and Controversy
xB Browser is released under the Torrify Ethical Software License Agreement, or TESLA for short. This license is derived from the Hacktivismo Enhanced-Source Software License Agreement, which is employed by Hacktivismo. This type of license states that private use is unlimited, like GPL. Unlike GPL, it also prohibits modification of xB Browser for commercial profit.
On January 30, 2009, John T. Haller posted to the PortableApps.com website that XeroBank is violating the GPL.[7] The original TorPark browser was based on the code to Portable Firefox, released under the GPL, and he assisted with the creation of the original TorPark browser launcher, also licensed under the GPL. The change to the TESLA license was done without his permission and the current XeroBank browser that grew out of his original GPL code still contains some elements of his code. Haller announced his intention of reposting the source under the GPL on a new SourceForge project and involving the Free Software Foundation and the GPL Violations project if further clarifications are needed.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- XeroBank official website, XeroBank.com
- xB Machine, a fully visualized OS utilizing Tor and XeroBank network access
- Anyone tried XeroBank?, an extensive discussion on xB Browser and the XeroBank network
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ "What happened to Torrify?". XeroBank. http://xerobank.com/torrify.html. Retrieved on 2007-06-07.
- ^ The name Torpark is a reference to the development codename for Firefox 1.5, "Deer Park".
- ^ "The Torrify Ethical Software License Agreement". http://xerobank.com/tesla.php. Retrieved on 2008-06-15.
- ^ "Hacktivismo Releases Torpark for Anonymous, Portable Web Browsing". 2006-09-19. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/9/prweb438978.htm. Retrieved on 2007-04-18.
- ^ "Free anonymising browser debuts". BBC News. 2006-09-20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5363230.stm. Retrieved on 2007-04-18.
- ^ Broersma, Mathew (2006-09-22). "Activists unveil stealth browser" (News). http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6118547.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-18.
- ^ "GPL Violations in XeroBank Browser". PortableApps.com. http://portableapps.com/node/17820. Retrieved on 2009-01-30.
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