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What is a proxy server?

A proxy is an intermediate server that acts as an intermediary between the user and other virtual machines.

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What is a proxy server?

In This Article:

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A proxy is an intermediate server that acts as an intermediary between the user and other virtual machines. By using this server, you can access websites in a more secure way. In addition, it can mask your personal data or datacenter rotating proxy server via PrivateProxy from prying eyes. It becomes possible to bypass restrictions and visit the sites you need that are blocked by the provider.

Setting up an (anonymous) proxy server for Google Chrome

●Step 1. In the Google Chrome browser, go to "Settings" (top right)

●Step 2. Select "Show advanced settings" and then "Change proxy settings".

●Step 3. In the "Internet Properties" window, click "Local Area Network Settings", check "Use a proxy server" and enter the IP address of the server.

Setting up an (anonymous) proxy server for Firefox

In the Firefox browser, you set up a proxy server according to the following instructions:

●Step 1. Open the menu (top right in the browser window) ->

●Step 2. Select "Settings" and then "Advanced". Then go to "Network" and then to "Network Settings".

●Step 3. Enter the provided IP address of the server and the corresponding port in the "Manual proxy and HTTP proxy service adjustment" item. Both sections are shown in the proxy list rules.

Do not forget to delete the settings after using an anonymous proxy. Especially when the proxy server is no longer active or unavailable, otherwise you will no longer be able to access the Internet.

What is important to know when choosing a proxy

By using an online anonymization service, you already do a lot for your anonymity on the Internet. But it is not enough – you can still be identified by third parties.

You have to be extremely careful when choosing a provider. Don't forget that the owner of the proxy server can monitor your activity if you access something online via HTTP instead of HTTPS. Not to mention that the service administrator can also block secure resources without giving any reason if he wants to.

You should know that some providers limit the bandwidth of services. If you have a feeling that this is the case, you can check the speed of your Internet.

In addition, providers often use special "transparent" proxies. The software installed on them is able to transmit information about your IP identifier to the resource. These services primarily serve to increase the speed of downloading data and should not be used to mask the IP address.

Of the minuses – 80% of free services do not use HTTPS with SSL protocol, so you are practically not protected from cyber-attacks online. And some of them can change static HTML markup and use modified JavaScript code to serve ads to their visitors.

Ideally, you should choose private proxies from trusted providers. They provide an extra layer of security by using a VPN service that provides access to the proxy service.

If you are not sure why you should use a VPN instead of a proxy server, consider the following: A VPN already offers the same benefits as an anonymizer and also uses strong encryption protocols. This provides a higher level of security when surfing the Internet and protects your confidential information.

Advantages of mobile proxies

The main advantages of using mobile proxies are:

●advertising verification (using a mobile proxy server will be able to hide your exact location and device, which will further provide you with greater protection against any fraudulent activities);

●access to information (in the process of searching for information on the network, you have definitely encountered censorship or certain prohibitions in accordance with the laws of your country, or even restrictions on information due to a specific geolocation. Using mobile proxies will help you avoid any restrictions and provide access to any necessary information);

●security of confidential information (at certain points, your confidential information in the network can be tracked by the police, reporters, or other organizations. Using a proxy will ensure that you can access content without being tracked, meaning your location and identity will remain safe);

●safety from cybercrime (cybercriminals can use your IP address to determine your location and other information. Mobile proxies mask your real IP address, thus providing greater protection);

●no cookies (cookies are like your online footprints, they help you easily return to web pages you have already visited. Such files are stored on your device, so there is a chance that someone will view them. When using mobile proxies, cookies and cache for your connection are stored on proxy servers);

●price comparison (you may have encountered the fact that when you access the network from different devices, the prices for certain products change. This may be due to the provider's settings according to different locations or mobile operators. With mobile proxies, you will be able to avoid such troubles and see the actual price of a particular product);

●faster connection (since mobile proxies save your cache memory without transferring it to your device, it can speed up your connection to some extent).

Conclusion

So, we have defined what mobile proxies are and how they work, according to which we can say that they are really beneficial. They provide you with an invisible layer of protection during your sessions on the Internet. Proxies not only protect you from cybercriminals but also offer you complete anonymity and provide a way to access restricted content. Mobile proxies can be used not only on mobile devices or tablets but also on your computer browsers.

In computer technology, a proxy server usually refers to a service or program that allows client computers to make requests to the Internet not directly, but indirectly.

The algorithm of such interaction is simple and ingenious: firstly, the client computer sends a request not directly to the Internet, but to the proxy server, which firstly seeks to check whether there is such information in the cache, and only then downloads the data from the Internet.

A proxy server allows you to be anonymous on the Internet. It has its own IP address, and since communication with the network is performed through it, your IP address remains unnoticed. This is the main advantage, which leads to several reasons why you should install a proxy on your computer.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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