How to Use the Command 'tor' (with examples)

Tor is an acronym for The Onion Router, a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication and improves user privacy on the Internet. It does this by directing internet traffic through a global volunteer network of relays to conceal a user’s location and usage from network surveillance or traffic analysis. It can be used not only by individuals but also by organizations that wish to enhance their online security and privacy. Whether you’re browsing, publishing, or simply sharing confidential data, Tor offers a way to keep your activities private and anonymous.

Connect to the Tor Network

Code:

tor

Motivation:
Connecting to the Tor network is the most fundamental use of the Tor command. It enables users to commence an anonymous communication session, safeguarding their identity and location by routing their traffic through various relays managed by volunteers worldwide. This is particularly useful for individuals living under strict internet censorship or those who simply wish to protect their privacy when browsing the internet.

Explanation:
Running the tor command on its own initiates the Tor process on your local machine. This command doesn’t require any additional arguments because it uses the default settings specified in the Tor configuration file to connect to the network. By doing so, it establishes a connection through multiple relays, effectively masking your IP address.

Example Output:
Upon executing the command, you will see log information in your terminal displaying your connection status to the Tor network. Once connected successfully, it will indicate that a connection has been established to the Tor network.

View Tor Configuration

Code:

tor --config

Motivation:
Viewing the Tor configuration allows users to understand or verify the settings with which their instance of Tor is being run. This is particularly important for individuals who are customizing their settings for enhanced security or to incorporate specific features which may not be enabled by default.

Explanation:
The --config argument tells the Tor command to display the current configuration settings. These settings include details regarding network options, proxy settings, bandwidth limits, and more. This information can also serve as a point of reference for troubleshooting or when making configuration adjustments.

Example Output:
Running this command displays a series of configuration options and values. It will include line items such as SocksPort, ExitPolicy, and various other settings related to your Tor setup.

Check Tor Status

Code:

tor --status

Motivation:
The purpose of checking the Tor status is to verify that the Tor service is operational and functioning as expected. This can help diagnose connectivity issues or confirm that your system is securely routing traffic through the Tor network.

Explanation:
Using the --status argument queries the current operational status of the Tor process running on your machine. It provides details on whether Tor is actively running, connected relays, and traffic flow.

Example Output:
The terminal will show a concise report on the status of the Tor service, indicating its current state, active connections, any errors encountered, and where the process is routing your traffic.

Run as Client Only

Code:

tor --client

Motivation:
Operating Tor in client-only mode is ideal for users who only want their traffic to be routed through the Tor network without hosting a relay or storing data for it. This mode requires fewer resources and is suitable for typical users looking to ensure their internet traffic remains anonymous.

Explanation:
The --client argument specifically configures Tor to act purely as a client. This means your machine will only utilize the Tor network to conceal its internet activities, without volunteering to assist in traffic routing or functioning as a network relay.

Example Output:
Upon execution, the output will show logs similar to the initial connection process but will specifically note that the client mode is active, meaning your machine is not participating as a relay within the Tor network.

Run as Relay

Code:

tor --relay

Motivation:
Running Tor as a relay contributes to the quantity and quality of relays in the Tor network, helping enhance the speed and capacity of the entire network. By allowing your machine to serve as a relay, you support the community and help ensure robust anonymous communication.

Explanation:
The --relay argument enables your machine to act as a relay server, participating in the routing of anonymous traffic for other Tor users. Relays are crucial nodes in the network that help handle traffic without storing any personal user data.

Example Output:
Logs will indicate that the node is functioning as a relay and the system will periodically fetch directory updates, showing network connections and bandwidth utilization details as traffic is routed.

Run as Bridge

Code:

tor --bridge

Motivation:
Deploying Tor as a bridge is critical in environments where Tor usage is censored. Bridges are less identifiable than public relays, thus supporting users in heavily censored regions by facilitating access to the Tor network that may otherwise be blocked.

Explanation:
The --bridge argument configures your machine to act as a bridge relay rather than a public relay. This unlisted service offers a means to connect to the Tor network in regions where the use of Tor might be actively blocked or throttled.

Example Output:
The result will reveal logs specifying bridge activation and will eventually show that your system is accepting connections from clients that need a more discreet entry point into Tor’s infrastructure.

Run as a Hidden Service

Code:

tor --hidden-service

Motivation:
Running a Tor hidden service enables users to host servers whose network locations are concealed from the public. This is essential for private web services and those aiming to offer servers that can only be reached over the Tor network, a commonplace for privacy-sensitive operations such as whistleblower platforms or friends and family private sharing services.

Explanation:
The --hidden-service argument turns your system into a host for a hidden service, implicating that any server or service you run behind this setting is accessible only through a Tor-based .onion address, ensuring a level of privacy and protection not available on the regular internet.

Example Output:
The terminal output will showcase initialization of the hidden service and output a .onion address, which clients can then use to access the hosted service securely over the Tor network.

Conclusion:

Understanding and utilizing the tor command through its different use cases provides users with ample capabilities to enhance their internet privacy, contribute to the network’s stability, and transcend censorship barriers. From being a regular user to partaking in its intricate network as a relay or bridge, Tor aids in providing a safe and private browsing experience.