while i understand that tor masks your IP, but is there encryption going on as well?

if i tether my laptop to my phone, then use the tor-browser will that keep the data anonymous or just my IP? will my cell provider be able to track the data/packets?

same for if on my university wireless network?

Tor does encrypt data in multiple layers, so that Your cell provider / University network will only be able to track the traffic to the point it enters the Tor network. However, it is decrypted at the exit node so, unless the connection to the site you're connecting to is encrypted (i.e. over HTTPS or another secure protocol), that node may see data that identifies you.

Also, if you have ever used your browser/accounts to connect to the internet without going through Tor, it may be that cookies allow your connection to be traced back to you/your ISP.

thanks. yeah i will be using the tor-browser bundle exclusive for any kind of browsing like that. my normal browser is for using of school specific sites. for that ill be tracked and there will be nothing i can do to stop sadly.

also for some very WACKY reason the firefox 17.0.8 in the bundle is
SET TO ALLOW JAVASCRIPT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DISABLE JAVASCRIPT !!!!

thanks. ill do that.