Start with a specific question
Do you want to keep a session out of local browsing history, reduce third-party tracking, or change how your connection reaches websites? Those are different tasks. A privacy tool is useful when its protection matches the information and observer you care about.
Private browsing separates local sessions
Private browsing uses temporary website data and avoids retaining the session in ordinary browsing history. It is useful for separating a session from your usual cookies and logins. A downloaded file still exists after you close the window.
A website can still identify an account you sign into. Private browsing does not conceal your internet address from the website. Mozilla’s explanation of Private browsing limits illustrates these distinctions.
Blockers reduce unwanted requests and content
A blocker applies rules to requests and page content, including known advertising and tracking resources. That can reduce unwanted activity, but rules cannot identify every harmful site or make every request anonymous. Blocking may also interfere with a site that relies on a blocked resource.
Bigfoot Browser integrates blocking and exposes site controls. Use the controls for the particular site you are diagnosing, and review exceptions later. Avoid treating a working blocker as proof that everything remaining on a page is safe.
A VPN changes the connection path
A VPN carries traffic through a provider’s network. Websites generally see the VPN’s outgoing address for that traffic; the local network sees the connection to the VPN. You are placing trust in the VPN provider for part of that path.
A VPN does not make a signed-in account anonymous or prevent you from disclosing information in a form. Check who operates a provider, what it records, which traffic it carries, and what happens if the connection fails. Mozilla provides an overview of how VPNs work.
Use layers deliberately
Keep the browser and operating system updated, review permissions, and choose services with understandable data practices. Useful protection comes from knowing each layer’s job. See Browser privacy controls for Bigfoot-specific guidance.