Tor Browser users don't know if their network is free of obstacles or not
Users who used to be able to connect to Tor without any problem are emailing the help desk to ask if their network is free of obstacles. I suggest the tor-launcher interface be reworded to indicate that most users will not have to configure anything, or the option to configure bridges be offered later in the interface.
Activity
For reference, the current text (displayed above the Connect button) is:
This computer's Internet connection is clear of obstacles. I would like to connect directly to the Tor network.
I propose the following text (modifications welcome):
This computer's Internet connection is clear of obstacles — it is not censored, filtered, or proxied. I would like to connect directly to the Tor network (this will work in most situations).
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Please look at the mockup that I just attached. It shows some wording changes as well as a new label for the second button. Is this a direction we want to go in?
If someone does not know whether they need special settings, sending them down the "Use Configuration Wizard" path seems like the best option because each screen includes explanatory text.
Let's picture someone who recently learned about this thing called “Tor” that supposedly protect your privacy while online. “Proxy” and “bridge” are unknown terms to them. “Filter” they can understand, but they never really realized their connection could be filtered because their browser always just worked after entering the Wi-Fi password. I am pretty sure they will be “not sure” and then get asked confusing questions about things they never heard about before…
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If the other wizard screens are confusing, then they should be improved.
The addition of the phrase "this will work in most situations" was intended to encourage more people to click the Connect button.
I'm not sure how to proceed. On the one hand, we need to make sure that users who need to use bridges, proxies, etc. are given the opportunity to configure things correctly. On the other hand, clicking Connect is probably the right choice for a very high percentage of users.
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Replying to [comment:5 brade]
If the other wizard screens are confusing, then they should be improved.
Configuring a “proxy” is going to be confusing unless you ever have to use one, whatever the screen says, IMHO.
Knowing what port allows a firewall is a question for the local network administrator, and you don't necessarily want to ask them because it will raise suspicion… And knowing what a “port” is already means you know quite a lot about how the Internet works.
Bridges are probably more easy to grasp, because you just have to copy/paste lines that someone gave you or that you go look on a website.
On the one hand, we need to make sure that users who need to use bridges, proxies, etc. are given the opportunity to configure things correctly.
My reasoning is that users who need to bridges or configure a proxy are likely to know. Or if they don't know, they will know by trying to a direct connection and see it fails.
I think writing “this will work in most situation” and “if unsure use the wizard” sends conflicting messages.
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Replying to lunar:
My reasoning is that users who need to bridges or configure a proxy are likely to know. Or if they don't know, they will know by trying to a direct connection and see it fails. ...
OK. Mark and I created a new mockup that is simpler. I replaced the attached screenshot; please take a look. Hopefully this design will encourage most users to choose Connect while still providing enough information to users who need to choose Configure.
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Mark and I made the wording changes as discussed: https://gitweb.torproject.org/tor-launcher.git/commit/b84f602123f3acbb81419376191f377a770f6208
Trac:
Status: new to closed
Resolution: N/A to fixed
