anoNet Quickstart Instructions

So, you want to get connected to anoNet now? Read further.

Requirements

1. Linux, *BSD, UNIX-like operating systems:
   
   • You will have to have certain kernel options enabled:
     For Linux, this includes the tun module.
     For FreeBSD, this includes the device tap in your kernel configuration file.
2. Linux, *BSD, UNIX-like operating systems:
   
   • Install the OpenVPN client using your preferred method (source compile, ports, emerge, yum, etc).
Microsoft Windows:
• Install the OpenVPN client from www.openvpn.net. There are two versions: one with and without a graphical user interface that places an icon in your system tray. We recommend the latter.
3. Download the configuration file for your OS.
   If you are running a UNIX-like operating system: Client port
   If you are running Microsoft Windows: Client port
4. For all systems: In addition to the configuration file, you must download a set of key files that help secure, encrypt and verify your connection to the anoNet entry point. Download them as a ZIP file here. These are temporary keys just to get you on the network.

Connecting to anoNet

For the following instructions, please see your specific operating system type.

If you are running a UNIX-like operating system, please follow these directions:

1. Save the config file you downloaded earlier to a known place on your filesystem, e.g.

   /etc/openvpn/anonet.conf

2. Extract the key files to the same directory, e.g.

   /etc/openvpn

3. Connect to the anoNet entry point by running

   openvpn --config /etc/openvpn/anonet.conf

4. You should see a bunch of text scroll by, what you are looking for is "Initialization Sequence Completed". If you see this, you are now connected. If you do not, please contact us.

If you are running Microsoft Windows, please follow these directions instead:

1. Save the configuration file to your OpenVPN installation directory, e.g.

   C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config

2. Extract the key files to the same directory, e.g.

   C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config

3. Using the Non-GUI version: Connect to anoNet by right clicking on the

   anonet.ovpn

   file and choosing "Start OpenVPN with this config" in the popup menu that appears.
   
   Using the GUI version: Right click the OpenVPN icon in your system tray. Choose the "anonet" sub-menu, and then choose "Connect". You will then see a connection dialog box appear and attempt to connect.

You should see a bunch of text scroll by, what you are looking for is "Initialization Sequence Completed".

...And once I'm in?

You can come straight to #anonet on the IRC server at 1.1.1.1, dead:beef::1 (if your IPv6 is working) or 1.0.9.1 port 6667 or port 6697 (for SSL connections) and say hello. Use a nickname that you don't use elsewhere. From there you can get help with the rest of the network.

If you are not the social type, you can head straight to the Wiki at http://www.wiki.ano or http://1.0.9.3/ if you don't get a DNS server pushed to you.

You can search anoNet with http://www.search.ano/ or http://1.0.9.8/.

Security

Some people worry about connecting. "What kind of crazy lawless network might it be?!" Once you run OpenVPN, it creates a new interface (just like any other network connection) which is connected to anoNet. You can firewall this as you would with any other interface.

Unless you already have tunnel interfaces or unless you change it in the conf, it will be tap0.

Connecting doesn't somehow make you magically vulnerable to anything, however do yourself a favour and configure your firewall appropriately. Also make sure your anti-virus software is up to date!

Last Updated: 2007-07-23 17:47:00 GMT.