The English word "proxy", which means "authority", is widely spoken, and it is necessary to come across this concept daily. However, not all PC users know what a proxy is and how it works. Being between users and the system of all Internet servers, this invisible middleman makes possible work on the network.
Proxy server - what is it?
A typical computer user may not know what a proxy connection is and why he needs it. In fact, access to WWW resources is not possible directly from the client-server system. This requires an intermediate link, which is the proxy. Any request from a personal computer is the sending of your data in order to get back the right information. He always comes to the intermediary - a complex of computer programs that processes the request and sends the client to the address. That is, to the servers, a person is connected through an authorized proxy, acting on his behalf.
Why do I need a proxy server?
Without a proxy complex, work with resources is impossible. There are several reasons why you need to use an assistant server for PC users:
- Location substitution. If you go to the site through a proxy, you can bypass restrictions on access to services.
- Protection of confidential information. An anonymous proxy server hides the client's location, its IP address. The client can go online anonymously. This proxy service also protects users from network attacks.
- Security. Restricting access to "forbidden" sites. It is practiced in companies that employees do not spend working hours on entertainment portals and social networks .
- Caching resources to increase access to them. The server is able to store some data in short-term memory, and when they are static, the client displays already downloaded content.
How to use a proxy?
Even those who are not strong in computers can understand what a connection is like a proxy that makes it much easier to work on the network and ensures the anonymity of the client browser. It will help to bypass the IP blocking, visit the forbidden site, request the Internet page in the accelerated mode. Basic concepts about the principle of the server-mediator bring user skills to a new level. Before you can use a proxy server, you need to be able to properly configure it.
Where can I get a proxy?
Today, individual proxies are bought and sold. They can be free, but do not save on a quality product, because for a little money, along with the server, the client receives some useful services. Where can I find an anonymous proxy?
- Free to put on special sites. Anyone can use them, so sometimes they can slow down and buggy.
- You can upload a proxy using Proxy Switcher. It sorts the server around the country, allows you to test the speed and performance of the selected proxy. One "minus" - the program is paid, you will have to pay about $ 30.
- You can buy an "authorized" server on the sites 50na50.net, foxtools.ru and hideme.ru. The list of available helpers is updated daily.
How to set up a proxy server?
When the choice in favor of one of the proxy is done, you need to install it on the computer. Proxy settings do not take long. How to act?
- Open the browser settings.
- Go to the "advanced settings" tab.
- Select "Connection settings".
- Specify the proxy connection settings.
- Enter the IP address of the server.
- To restart a computer.
How do I find my proxy server?
If the computer already has a set of necessary hardware, but the user does not know the port number, you can find out your proxy in several ways.
- For ordinary users or members of the corporate network - by opening tabs in the control panel. These are items such as "Connection Properties" and "Internet Protocol TPC \ IP". If the address column contains not the usual 192.168 ... digits, but others, they indicate a proxy.
- If you have problems with determining the server address, you can ask the system administrator for help.
- Users of the Mozilla Firefox browser can find their settings in the "Settings" - "Advanced" - "Network" tabs. There is a full description of the server, if any.
- Internet Explorer contains the following information in the "Tools" - "Internet Options" sections.
How to change the proxy server?
Sometimes an experienced user asks himself: how can I change the proxy connection? This is also not difficult. In the computer settings there is a tab "Change proxy server settings", where you can put the appropriate marks. Exceptions - Google Chrome browser. It will have to act like this:
- select "Options" in the menu;
- go to the "Advanced" page;
- find the "Network" tab;
- go to the section "Change settings";
- the Internet Explorer settings window will open, where you can change the proxy.
How to disable the proxy server?
Understanding what a proxy is and how it helps in the work, the user skillfully uses the properties of this helper. But sometimes there is a need to completely disconnect the connection services. Perhaps this is done in order to go to another server, and perhaps, for its complete uselessness. Before disabling the proxy, the user weighs all the pros and cons. If the decision is not made in favor of an assistant, you must act according to the following instructions for different browsers:
- In Internet Explorer go to the "Connections" tab, click the "Network Settings" button, where you can uncheck the box labeled "Automatic Parameter Definition". Next to the "Use a proxy server for local connections" option, select the appropriate check box. In both open windows, click "OK."
- In Mozilla FireFox, in the connection settings window, check the box next to "No proxy".
- In Opera, go to the "Quick settings" subsection by pressing the F12 key. Click the left button on the line "Enable proxy servers" to uncheck this item.