Open proxies and anonymous surfing software

Many people make use of anonymous IP addresses while they surf the Internet, download, or share files online.  Open proxies play a big part in this because they're free, and easily used by most modern web browsers.  However, there is also anonymous surfing software available so what's the difference?The key point to understand is that on a lot of websites on the Internet, these terms will be misused because people don't really understand what it is. Software will be in the form of a .exe file and will need to be opened up and run on your computer.  Open proxies are not software, and do not require software.  By adding the IP address and port number provided by the open proxy server to you web browser, you can surf the Internet anonymously.So what's the difference?Every kind of software will vary, but most types I've seen are simply a method of making use of open proxies.  They may organize them for you, find them for you, or give you a kind of "proxy browser" with which to use them.  Because this kind of software is a one time fee, it's almost certain the they don't own the proxy servers that they provide you with, and are simply making the process of finding quality open proxies easier for you.What about spam?This is the question anyone should ask who's using open proxies to browse anonymously.  Open proxies are notorious areas for spammers to hang out, and a spam man can even open up his own open proxy and track/steal your IP address and your online traffic.  People still use these every day, so its not like you're guaranteed to have problems, but it does happen.  Again, most proxy software can't guarantee your safety, even though they can help you find the servers.So what should I do?If you're worried about spam, bandwidth limitations, advertisements, or privacy, then instead of anonymous surfing software, you should get a premium proxy service.  Though you'll have to pay monthly, you'll get support, fresh and quality IP addresses, and ease of mind that your server administrators aren't some whacked out hacker.  If you browse the Internet anonymously frequently, or do a lot of downloading, then you might want to consider this option.