I like to download a rare book now and then, but if practical I’d like to be safer about it.

  • lattrommi@lemmy.ml
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    6 hours ago

    I’m not understanding the risk, are you downloading at work or on a school network? is the book content illegal where you live? worried about malware maybe?

    safe from whom/what is what i’m asking

    • BasedMaquisEddington@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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      5 hours ago

      I’m worried about the law’s attention for illegal procurement of otherwise legal works. I’m depriving rent collectors (oh no) and want to stay off their radar.

  • bzLem0n@lemmy.ca
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    8 hours ago

    I’ve only ever used IRC to find ebooks and never worried about a VPN. Check #ebooks on IRChighway or Undernet.

  • darcmage@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    9 hours ago

    I’ve never used a vpn for libgen but I understand the need to feel safe and that depends on your threat model. What are the realistic consequences of not using a vpn with libgen for you and does using a vpn mitigate them?

    • hexagonwin@lemmy.today
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      9 hours ago

      raw tor could cause more harm because its easily detectable by isp. i recommend using tor over vpn if living in a hostile state

      • rnercle@sh.itjust.works
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        7 hours ago

        using tor is not illegal and what you do with tor is not readable to your isp.

        using tor to make your libgen visit unreadable to your isp would work

      • Grumpy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        9 hours ago

        If you want to be extra secure you could use a VPN before Tor. But using a VPN would make you suspicious as well. They could force the VPN provider to track your future connections over their VPN. I assume it’s not that easy to trace your connections if your using tor.

        Best is to install Tails on a USB Stick, boot it on a public computer over public WiFi while being completely covered with no mobile devices on yourself. But let’s be serious. The given thread model involved in downloading a book, the risk of drawing the attention of the authorities is probably very low. :)

  • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works
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    10 hours ago

    I use a VPN and a private DNS . i feel like thats plenty and I dont have any DNS leaks from my tests. I wouldn’t really trust mozzilla VPN a whole bunch but its probably fine. A real VPN provider is cheap, I’d get one. Ivpn or icevpn are good.