Proxy Server
A 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 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.
Why use a Proxy?
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 a number of proxies that can provide you with service. We searched and found several. Some are free and some charge a small fee, the choice is up to you but we have found that the paid services are more reliable, faster, and more secure.
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 a number of proxies that can provide you with service. We searched and found several. Some are free and some charge a small fee, the choice is up to you but we have found that the paid services are more reliable, faster, and more secure.
How to Setup a Proxy:
Internet Explorer Proxy Settings
- Click Tools (See image 1)
- Choose Internet Options (See image 1)
- Select the Connections Tab (See image 2)
- Click LAN settings (See image 2)
- Check the "Use a proxy server for your LAN" box (See image 3)
- Enter the IP Address of the Server and the Port Number (See image 3)
- Click OK (See image 3)
- Click here to see if your settings worked
FireFox Proxy Settings
- Click the FireFox Button(The button in the upper left corner)
- Choose Options
- Click Options in the new tab
- Choose the Advanced Tab
- Click Settings
- Click Manual Proxy Settings
- In the HTTP Proxy Box enter the IP Address of the Server and the Port number
- Click OK
- Click here to see if your settings worked