Views
Costs, Payment and Billing
Why do I have to pay? I thought JonDo is free of charge!
The software offered by us is free of charge and open source. Some of the JonDonym services the software may connect to are also free of charge. The high quality premium-services, however, may only be used by paying a fee.
Where can I pay? I did not find any possibility on your web site.
Depending on your chosen mode of payment, the payment itself is done either within JonDo or by traditional means (e.g. a bank). But in order to do this you have to create an account first and follow the instructions.
How may I send you money?
Payment is done exclusively using the program JonDo. If you use it for starting a payment process, you may choose between different payment methods and are automatically forwarded to the right page.
How may I choose a rate?
This is done directly by using the program JonDo. If you connect to a Premium service, or if you create a one-time account, you will be led to a charging dialog which presents your the rates available for choosing. In order to make an informed decision concerning the premium rates you may want to look for further information here.
Do you support credit/VISA/Mastercard payments?
Yes, but currently only as indirect payments using the payment method PayPal.
May I pay for a rate with more than one paysafecard?
Yes, paysafecard allows you to combine up to ten paysafecards for one single payment.
PayPal reports the payment as successful, but JonDo writes transaction not finished. What is wrong?
Typically, PayPal payments are billed at once or within seconds. In some cases, however, PayPal delays a payment by one, two or three days. This is caused by an automatic fraud recognition mechanism used by PayPal which does not always work satisfactorily.
Unfortunately, PayPal does not report such a payment to until the review is completed. Your JonDonym account will get activated not till then. You may speed up the review by writing a message to PayPal telling them that your payment to us was desired and no fraud attempt.
I do not have any balance on my account anymore. But why may I not reuse it?
JonDonym-accounts may only be used temporarily and just with a single rate. This prevents that JonDos or a third party may recognize your accounts on the long run and may thus be able to count your spent data volume.
How does the billing of my JonDonym-account work?
The settlement of JonDonym-accounts is volume-based. If you are surfing you are sending and receiving always an amount of data. And you are paying the provider of JonDonym-services using your data volume on your account automatically.
The payment by volume is always done in advance. Otherwise, clever hackers could use JonDonym-services free of charge while surfing the Web. That is why JonDo creates a mini-account up to 3 MByte on every premium-service you have once been connected to. Every time you are connecting to the same service again, the balance on this particular mini-account will be replenished to 3 MByte.
I opened an account but do not want to pay for it. Do I have to file an objection?
From opening an account and choosing a rate result no obligations at all. Accounts for which we do not get any payment will be deleted after a while automatically. You are entering into a valid contract for sale only if you are sending us some money.
Why am I asked to create a second account? I already have one!
Maybe you are not using the stable but the beta version of JonDo and you are connected to the testing mix. In order to use it you need a different account which can be created free of charge, though (via the testing payment instance). The payment process looks similar to the one you find using normal premium services in order to simulate realistic conditions while testing. Should you be annoyed by being asked for a second account, you can block the testing mix in JonDo any time you want or you choose the stable version, alternatively.
Another reason may be that your current account has expired or is empty. You may use an account only once.
Why is much more debited from my account than I am actually surfing?
Basically, billing is done only for the encrypted data volume that you have really used. However, each mix cascade demands 3 MB in advance as payment. If you surf over this cascade for some time, this volume is, again and again, "filled" up to 3 MB, even if you disconnect and reconnect in-between. This payment in advance is necessary in each case in order to prevent the mix cascades from being used free of charge in a technically reliable manner.
If you encounter data traffic that does not seem to come from you, it may be that JonDo cannot establish a direct connections to InfoServices or to the payment instance, e.g. because they are blocked by a firewall. In this case JonDo is trying to contact these important services over the anonymous connection which amounts to a few MB data traffic per day. However, you may block this behavior in the advanced settings concerning InfoService and payment instance any time you want. But remember that this may also block these services altogether.
All the other data traffic is due to external programs, not JonDo. Even your own web-browser can be responsible for generating data traffic unexpectedly, e.g. because it is updating RSS-feeds, certain extensions or itself.
Do you demand my personal data?
No, we do not want your personal data at all, not even your name. In order to complete the payment we just need the Transaction Number and the money. Dependent on which payment method you have chosen it can be, however, that the one who provides this method demands and saves your personal data. We offer as well completely anonymous payment methods, though.
Where do I find the E-Gold account number of JonDos?
Our official support for E-Gold has been cancelled, as we thereby got no revenue worth to mention, and moreover got problems with intransparent account limits and temporary blockings.
Functionality and Concept
What is the relationship between AN.ON, JonDonym, JAP, JonDo, JonDos and a JonDonaut?
JonDonym is a development branch of the AN.ON project. And JAP is the predecessor of JonDo, the client software which connects users to the JonDonym/AN.ON mix network. JonDos is the company which is actively developing JonDo and is the billing instance between the users and the mix operators. JonDonauts are the ones surfing anonymously via the JonDonym network.
I use JonDo. Who can observe my surfing?
- My Internet provider (AOL, T-Online, ...)?
Your provider can only see that you are using the anonymization service JonDonym. An encrypted channel is set up between JonDo and the anonymization servers, over which your data is sent. All data requests in the browser that leave or arrive at your computer are therefore encrypted. However, if you installed the provider's access software on your computer, he could bypass JonDo easily. You should not do this accordingly. You do not need this software to access the internet using your provider (even if he should tell you that...). - My boss, colleagues, or system administrator at work?
The only thing apparent at work is that you are using JonDonym services, but not what you are using them for. Of course, when surfing at work, one should be aware that the old "reading-over-your-shoulder" type of observation, or by direct access to your computer, is just as easy with or without JonDo. - A mix / JonDonym operator?
A Mix Operator can only determine a relationship between the incoming and outgoing connections to his mix server and must, in fact, do this to ensure that the data packets were correctly transferred. If the user uses a mix cascade consisting of more than one independently run mix, the mix oerator of one single mix in the chain cannot determine a relationship between the user and the websites visited. For this reason, we especially point out that the "Dresden" mix cascade is for test purposes and is run solely by members of the TU Dresden. Whoever uses this cascade is protected from external observation, but the TU Dresden could theoretically observe everything.
Do you save log files?
JonDonym mixes usually do not collect user data, with the following exceptions:
- For research purposes, sometimes statistical data during very limited periods is recorded, for example the number of data packets processed per user or a list of the most requested websites. This data is not related to specific persons.
- The current number of active users on each mix cascade is saved for statistical purposes and as information for the JonDo user.
Is there a way to trace criminal activity of a JonDonym connection?
Basically, yes. However, law enforcement requires legal surveillance court orders against each operator in a mix cascade and, for orders concerning data in the past, laws for data retention.
I cannot or do not want to register at your web site. May I nevertheless use JonDonym?
Yes. The web site has nothing to do with the service, except that you find the programs to download and links to a forum and a help there. Without registration, both downloads and the online help are usable without any reservation. In order to set up an account in our forum you only need a Use cases and compatible web pages|disposable e-mail address.
Could JonDonym not be used by the government for control?
In principle, any service could be used by the government for control and surveillance. For this reason, transparency, clarity, and trust of the service's function are vital to the user.
Since there is no central instance involved in the mix concept, all mixes involved in a cascade would need to work together in order to track a connection. Because of this, any kind of observation of the Internet user, including from the side of the government, is not made easier, rather more difficult by using JonDonym.
In contrast to all other anonymization systems (also Tor and I2P, for example), the last mix, that is the exit server to the "normal" Internet, is not able to follow a user's steps on the network layer: each Internet request (simplified: each call of a web site) is individually anonymized and cannot be linked to a specific user or other web sites that the same user has visited - as far as your browser configuration is correct (e.g. you are using JonDoFox).
Of course, such anonymization services especially attract interest for surveillance. We are definitely aware that unobservable Internet usage is for this reason especially important for users of the anonymization service. The JonDonym technology is therefore always being developed under the aspect of high security and distributed control.
Is all data sent from my computer encrypted?
No, only the data you send over your applications that are configured for JonDo, for example your web browser, are encrypted.
Are all data between me and the web server / the web site encrypted?
Typically no, as, for achieving such an end-to-end encryption, the requested web server would have to support encryption (HTTPS/SSL) as well. Unfortunately, most of the web sites do not support this. An encrypted channel is set up between JonDo and the server of the JonDonym service only. An observer between the last JonDonym Mix and the web site may typically read the transmitted data in plain text.
I use JonDo, so do I still need other forms of protection for my computer and data?
- HTTPS / SSL for additional encryption?
Yes! JonDo only anonymizes. It does not keep your data secret all the way to the receiver. An encrypted channel is set up between JonDo and the JonDonym servers only. If you do not use SSL, however, the data leaves the final server of a mix cascade unencrypted. In order for data to be sent encrypted from the anonymization service to the requested server, the server has to support encryption. This is done with the standard SSL protocol. Therefore, calling up websites with "https" instead of "http" is recommended for sensitive data. - HTTP-Filter for browser information like browser type and operating system?
Yes! For optimal anonymity, all JonDonauts should show the same behavior. By analyzing and comparing the data transferred by the browser header, for example the browser type or the operating system, users may be partitioned into groups, which diminishes anonymity. JonDo has its own filter and equalizes such information for all JonDonauts. A 100% effective filtering is only possible within the browser itself. For this purpose, we have created the JonDoFox profile. Unfortunately there is no practical way to secure Microsofts's Internet Explorer like this. Consequently, it should not be used for anonymous surfing. - Personal firewall?
Even while JonDo itself does not protect you from attacks from the Internet, we basically do not recommend using personal firewalls, as they often act as specific point of attack for a system. Moreover, personal firewalls often interfere with the smooth operation of JonDo.
Installation and Removal
Why does the update always tell me 'Saving of JAP.jar failed'?
JonDo versions earlier than 00.11.001 unfortunately cannot automatically update in directories that are protected by your operating system. Solution: Do a complete reinstall of JonDo.
Help! Nothing works (any more)! I can neither connect to any service nor (re)load services.
Almost always, this problem is caused by a personal firewall running on your computer (Kaspersky, ZoneAlarm,...) which blocks connections of JonDo. Please release JonDo in the firewall options or shut down the firewall. If you are forced to use a proxy, please check in the network settings of JonDo whether you have entered the right address and, if applicable, the correct login name for the proxy. If the settings are correct, maybe your proxy operator blocks the connection to JonDonym. Moreover, it is possible that your provider or network administrator blocks the connection to JonDo. Ask you administrator, or change your provider in order to solve this problem. You might also use an outdated JonDo version. In this case, please update to the current version.
I have a Linux with two Java versions installed. How may I switch between them?
If you have several Java versions installed on your Linux system, you can switch between them by typing
sudo update-alternatives --config java
Why am I not able to surf the Internet anymore after removing JonDo?
You have to reverse the settings in your browser if you have set it up manually. With regard to some web browsers, e.g. the Internet Explorer or Safari, these settings have an system-wide impact. That means that perhaps other applications as well start to work again only then, when you have set back these settings.
Why am I not able to connect to the Internet while using JonDo and Kaspersky Internet Security?
Kaspersky Internet Security has a so-called "Realtime-Mode" which blocks the Internet connection of JonDo. Please deactivate this mode.
How can I minimize JonDo into the Windows systray?
Please check first in "Config->User interface" whether you have properly configured JonDo. In order to be able to minimize JonDo into the systray, the file japdll.dll has to be in the directory where JonDo is executed. Under normal circumstances, the Windows installer puts this file in the same directory as the JAP.jar and adjusts the Windows shortcuts respectively, too. If this should not be the case you have to copy this file by yourself into the JonDo directory, first. Afterwards, click with the right button of your mouse on a shortcut to JonDo (if it does not exist, create it) and edit this shortcut as follows:
Destination: <path to JonDo>\jap.exe
Execute in: <path to JAP.jar>
Replace at the same time <path to JonDo> with the path to JAP.jar and japdll.dll, on a Windows system this is typically:
C:\Program Files\JonDo
Does JonDo change my system settings in any way?
No, JonDo does not change anything on your system. However, as long as you do not use JonDoFox additionally, you have to adjust your browser in order to get JonDo working properly. Please consult the JonDo help about that and inform yourself about the applications usable with JonDo.
Is the Internet Explorer suitable for surfing anonymously?
Due to its close ties to the operating system and numerous dangerous plugins and functions the Internet Explorer is generally not suitable for surfing anonymously. No anonymization service is able on technical grounds to overcome these shortcomings fully. The user who wants to surf the Internet anonymously should use JonDo in combination with a Browser, like Firefox or Opera, which does not depend on a particular operation system. However, in order to achieve as much anonymity as possible we recommend to use our optimized Firefox-profile JonDoFox.
How may I validate the signature of the downloaded JonDo file?
At first, you have to download the signature of the file and our key as well (Hint: It is safer to download these files copying and pasting the links into the URL bar if you have not used SSL/TLS to get to this Wiki).
Next, import the key. In order to do this change to the directory where you saved the key using the command line. If you are using GnuPG enter now
gpg2 --import JonDos_GmbH.asc
Now, check the fingerprint of the imported key typing
gpg2 --fingerprint JonDos
The key with the uid JonDos GmbH must have the fingerprint 1866 F973 8C97 A3D6 56A4 E142 F510 0840 F130 5880.
If you have not done it yet, change to the directory containing the signature (JonDoSetup.paf.exe.asc) and the downloaded JonDo file. Then type
gpg2 --verify JonDoSetup.paf.exe.asc JonDoSetup.paf.exe
If you see a message like "Good signature from 'JonDos GmbH' ..." then the JonDo file was signed properly.
Hint: User of other operating systems and/or other crypto tools must modify the commands above appropriately. The same holds for testing other files signed by us.
Where is the Quick Launch icon of JonDo on Windows 7?
The Quick Launch Bar is obsolete on Windows 7. For reasons of compatibility there is nevertheless a folder where the old Quick Launch icons are saved. If you want to integrate the Quick Launch Bar in your taskbar, just do the following:
Click with the right button of your mouse on your taskbar and choose "Toolbars" -> "New Toolbar...".
Afterwards a window is shown, where you have to choose the folder with the Quick Launch icons.
In order to do so, click on the disk where your user account is located (normally C:\). Then choose "Documents and Settings" -> your username -> "AppData" (this folder is hidden and has to be made visible by you first) -> "Roaming" -> "Microsoft" -> "Internet Explorer" -> "Quick Launch" and click on "Select Folder".
The Quick Launch Bar will now be integrated within your taskbar and you can start JonDo using the installed icon.
Security and Problems in Operation
Please check first whether the service you have chosen works correctly. You may do this by watching the performance data shown in JonDo. For premium services, response times of 1000ms and below and speeds of 750 kbit/s and above are normal.
If the performance data of the service you have chosen is OK, then maybe a personal firewall or virus scanner, that is locally installed at your computer, impedes the JonDo connection.
For testing, deactivate both of these programs, and restart JonDo. If afterwards, the connections works correctly, please consult the manual and the support of your antivirus/firewall produces in order to fix the problem.
Some users report such problems in the context of the Internet Explorer. Partially, the connection does only work correctly after about 20 Minutes. The solution for that is easy: do not use the - slow and insecure - Internet Explorer, but JonDoFox.
Does JonDo encrypt data traffic? If not, I would not surf anonymously at all!
That is true. Anonymity in the Internet does not exist without strong encryption. Therefore, the data traffic is encrypted several times, namely from JonDo to every single server within a cascade. That is the reason why neither your provider nor eavesdroppers in the WLAN are able to find out which web sites you are visiting.
Additionally, the encrypted data traffic contains a special padding which prevents an observer to guess the visited web sites out of patterns in your data traffic. This is a difference to VPN-Systems where such an attack is quite possible.
Google says I have a virus or spyware on my computer. What shall I do?
You can safely ignore this message. Because there are up to several hundred people using JonDonym, now and then are some which are using automated search programs in combination with Google. But Google does not tolerate this at all and is blocking JonDonym shortly. This problem is more common with free cascades than the paid ones, and also other anonymization services like TOR are affected.
Unfortunately it can take a while until Google's search is usable again. Sometimes it helps to change the JonDonym-service in JonDo. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to use an other search-service, e.g. Ixquick or Bing.
I need an US IP-Address. Is this possible using JonDonym?
Yes, but only if the last mix of a cascade is in the US. Otherwise you may use a webproxy: There you put your desired address into a web form and the corresponding web site is loaded via the webproxy into your browser. However, you must be aware that a lot of the webproxies are spying out user data (passwords, information regarding credit cards...). As a result you should use them only if it is absolutely necessary and if your transmitted data shall not be kept secret.
I've done a test of my firewall on www... But using JonDo some ports are open. Why?
Such tests in the Internet do not check your own computer, but the last server of the anonymization service, respectively, because you are using its IP-Address surfing the Web. That means, as long as you are surfing anonymously such tests are useless.
My JonDoPortable does not start my JonDoFoxPortable automatically anymore. What can I do?
Make sure you have the latest JonDoPortable installed. With the JonDoFox profile 2.6.2 we changed the name of the executable file and the directory containing JonDoFoxPortable. In order to get recognized the JonDoPortable.exe had to get renewed as well.
Is it true that JAP/JonDo has a backdoor or a surveillance interface?
No. Neither JAP, the predecessor of JonDo, nor JonDo itself contained ever such a function. If experts study the source code they can go and see for themselves of it.
Only the server component of the system, i.e. a mix, where you are connecting to via JonDo, contains due to legal reasons the possibility to keep connections under surveillance. But this works just in case all mix operators of a cascade are forced to. That is why we recommend to choose always JonDonym services with two or three, as far as possible, international mixes and providers and no single ones, as the service "Dresden". Single mixes similar to classical proxies or VPN-services are kept quite easily under surveillance.
