Proxy is an Internet server with the responsibility of transferring information and controlling access between users and the Internet. Simply put, when users request access to specific information on the Internet, the request is sent through a Proxy server. The information is then retrieved from the Internet and delivered back to the user. Proxy also manages and blocks unwanted websites based on the needs of system administrators or service providers.
Proxy is commonly used for anonymous Internet browsing. Each user has a unique IP address representing their computer's connection to the Internet. For anonymous browsing, users simply connect through a separate proxy, and the connection address becomes the IP of the proxy server rather than the user's IP.
Currently, there are numerous services for finding proxies, both free and paid, provided to users such as Socks Proxy Scanner and software like Proxy Finder... assisting in proxy search on PC.
Distinguishing Proxy and Socks
Sock is a protocol used in Proxy servers to receive requests sent by the client, process the data, and then forward it to the Internet. Operating behind the network system firewall, Socks identifies user accounts, processes client requests, and decides whether to allow forwarding of that information to the Internet. Therefore, it can be said that Socks is an advanced proxy due to its similar operational mechanism.
Setting up a Proxy
On Internet Explorer
Step 1: Click the
Step 2: Choose the Connections tab, click on LAN settings
Step 3: Check the box for Use a proxy server for your LAN, then enter the Proxy IP, click OK. (Note: Proxy does not apply to VPN and Dial-up connections)
On Google Chrome
Step 1: Click Extensions on the Google Chrome interface, select Settings
Step 2: In the Network section, click Change proxy settings
Step 3: The Internet Options interface appears; perform similar steps as in Internet Explorer
On Mozilla Firefox
Step 1: On the main interface, click Menu, select Options
Step 2: In the Options window, click Advanced, choose the Network tab, click Settings
Step 3: Check the desired options like No Proxy, Manual Proxy Configuration... then click OK
So, you now have a profound understanding of the Proxy's workings and its applications in Internet usage. You can also alter your IP with Xproxy in just a few simple setup steps and minor actions.