TrackMeNot is a small add-on that aims to make things a little harder for keyloggers, data miners and internet service providers to track you when using Firefox.

Protecting privacy when surfing the web is becoming an increasing problem on the net. However, whereas similar tools encrypt your surfing habits to prevent tracking, TrackMeNot uses a smokescreen strategy by confusing potential trackers with fake information.

For example, if you search for 'downloads' on Google, TrackMeNot will confuse any potential trackers with 'ghost' queries which make it far more difficult - although not impossible - to make such data into something that could be used to track you. TrackMeNot also uses a dynamic query mechanism which basically means that it learns from your searches and adapts ghost queries appropriately.

Once installed, you can switch TrackMeNot on and off via the TMN icon in the bottom toolbar of Firefox. You'll see various phrases appear next to it - the fake searches that TrackMeNot is creating. You can opt to switch these fake search words off in the options.

While TrackMeNot may not be 100% effective against online tracking, it's better than doing nothing or going through the hassle of using a proxy.