18 Feb
2012
18 Feb
'12
8:04 a.m.
On 18 February 2012 14:49, Andy Smith <andy(a)bitfolk.com> wrote:
browsers. It's probably easier for the
non-technical person to
understand and evaluate than knowing how to use a VPN provider and
then find and pay for one.
The local computer shop dude in Tehran I'm told sets up normal
everyday people with a VPN.
As you say the people you met with were geeks, so
I'm not
surprised they preferred something other than Tor. A working VPN
would definitely be a lot more pleasant to use than Tor.
Tbh, I over stated geeks. They were just er.. Mac users. They don't
qualify, do they? :)
- There's probably a worry that Iran may block the
well-known VPN
protocols and ports, and even well-known providers, but they can't
really block all of Tor without blocking all of the Internet.
I still think Tor's use is overstated. A better approach I'd say if
people are keen on helping Iran is give them some decent satellite
Internet coverage.
Because in Iran, you can watch BBC news without too much difficulty
over satellite. Also you can pick up the BBC World Service on
shortwave. Honestly getting news via satellite TV and radio is easier
than messing around with a sluggish VPN.