What Is a Proxy or Proxy Server
Proxy Server
A proxy or proxy server is basically another computer which serves as a hub through which internet requests are processed. By connecting through one of these servers, your computer sends your requests to the proxy server which then processes your request and returns what you were wanting. In this way it serves as an intermediary between your home machine and the rest of the computers on the internet. Proxies are used for a number of reasons such as to filter web content, to go around restrictions such as parental blocks, to screen downloads and uploads and to provide anonymity when surfing the internet. If you are wanting to surf the web anonymously then proxies can provide you with a means to hide your home IP address from the rest of the world. By connecting to the internet through proxies, the home IP address of your machine will not be shown but rather the IP of the proxy server will be shown. This can provide you with more privacy then if you were simply connecting directly to the internet. There are number of proxies that can provide you with service. You can find a list of these simply by typing “Proxy List” into any search engine. There are some proxies which are free and some which charge money, the choice is up to you but we have found that the paid proxies are more reliable, faster and more secure.
How to Setup a Proxy
Internet Explorer Proxy Settings
- Click Tools
- Click Internet Options
- Click the Connections Tab
- Click LAN settings
- Check the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box
- Enter the IP Address of the Proxy Server and the Port Number
- Click OK
- Use the Proxy Check Tool to see if your settings worked
FireFox Proxy Settings
- Click the FireFox Button(The button in the upper left corner)
- Click Options
- Click Options in the new tab
- Click the Advanced Tab
- Click Settings
- Click Manual Proxy Settings
- In the HTTP Proxy Box enter the IP Address of the proxy server and the Port number
- Click OK
- Use the Proxy Check Tool to see if your settings worked
Google Chrome Proxy Settings
- Click the Customize and Control Button(Button with the wrench picture in upper right corner
- Click Under the Hood
- Click Change proxy settings
- Click LAN Settings
- Check the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box
- Enter the IP Address of the Proxy Server and the Port Number
- Click OK
- Use the Proxy Check Tool to see if your settings worked
Safari Proxy Settings
- Click Safari
- Click Preferences
- Click Advanced
- Click Change Settings
- Check the Web Proxy(HTTP) box
- Enter the IP Address of the Proxy Server and the Port Number
- Click Apply Now
- Use the Proxy Check Tool to see if your settings worked
Proxy Detection
Are you truly hidden? We can check it with proxy detection at WhatIsMyIP.com. If your proxy is setup correctly you will see it’s IP address on the Proxy Check page and you may receive a message that a proxy was detected. It is impossible to detect all proxies. They may not detect your proxy but that does not mean that other sites can’t. Nor does it mean you are completely anonymous.
How a proxy operates.
A proxy server is a computer on the web that redirects your web browsing activity. Here’s what that means.
- Normally, when you type in a website name (Amazon.com or any other), your Internet Service Provider (ISP) makes the request for you and connects you with the destination — and reveals your real IP address, as mentioned before.
- When you use a proxy your online requests get rerouted.
- While using a proxy, your Internet request goes from your computer to your ISP as usual, but then gets sent to the proxy server, and then to the website/destination. Along the way, the proxy uses the IP address you chose in your setup, masking your real IP address.
How a proxy operates.
A proxy server is a computer on the web that redirects your web browsing activity. Here’s what that means.
- Normally, when you type in a website name (Amazon.com or any other), your Internet Service Provider (ISP) makes the request for you and connects you with the destination — and reveals your real IP address, as mentioned before.
- When you use a proxy your online requests get rerouted.
- While using a proxy, your Internet request goes from your computer to your ISP as usual, but then gets sent to the proxy server, and then to the website/destination. Along the way, the proxy uses the IP address you chose in your setup, masking your real IP address.
Why you might want to use a proxy.
Here why some people turn to using a proxy — and why you might be interested as well.
- A school or local library blocks access to certain websites and a student wants to get around that.
- You want to look at something online that interests you…but you would prefer it couldn’t be traced back to your IP address and your location.
- You’re traveling abroad and the technology set up in the country you’re in prevents you from connecting to a website back home.
- You want to post comments on websites but you do not want your IP address to be identified or your identity tracked down.
- Your employer blocks access to social media or other sites and you’d like to bypass those restrictions.
Why you might not want to use one
You should keep in mind that your employer, your ISP and other networks might object to your using a proxy. Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should. And in some cases, websites will blacklist IP addresses they suspect or know are from a proxy.
Conclusion
As mentioned before, you can find proxy servers easily for free; but as with any free service, you should be aware of the risks involved, because a free proxy may not be as safe or secure as you hope it would be
