What is a proxy server and what is it for?

The word "proxy" has been heard by any of us, but not everyone knows what a proxy server is and what its purpose is.

Proxy is an intermediate link between the client's computer and the system of Internet servers. That is, if access to the WWW is carried out not directly, but through a proxy, then any request first comes to this intermediary, who processes it and sends it to the right address already on its own behalf.

What is a proxy and why connect to the Internet through such a server? The main purposes of its use:

1. Caching files and storing them on a proxy server to reduce the load on the Internet channel and for faster client access to the right information.

2. Compression of information after receiving from the Internet and transfer it to the user in a compact form in order to save traffic.

3. Protect your local computer or network from external threats.

4. The ability to connect to the Internet several computers, having only one IP-address.

5. A proxy server can be configured in such a way that external computers can not communicate with local machines, and I will only see an intermediary.

6. Using proxy, a system administrator can prohibit PC operators from accessing a number of websites.

7. Anonymity of access. It is not possible to hide your tracks while traveling on the WWW using a single server. This requires a chain of "proxies". But to find the right proxy and create such a connection with the right sequence is far from everyone can.

What is a proxy for an ordinary user? This is an opportunity to visit the websites on which the latter was blocked.

How to install a proxy and configure it for work? There are a lot of them, among them you can find a proxy server free or paid. The choice depends on the technology of connecting the computer to the Internet.

To install manually, you first need to find the list of proxy servers on the network. To do this in the search make a request, for example: free proxy, proxy-list and so on. From the results obtained, select the site you like and open it. In the proposed list there will surely be many "dead" proxies, so they should be checked for efficiency, for which the sites have a special function. After verification, a table with results will be generated. You need to take several suitable options and keep the addresses in your computer.

It remains to install them and set up in your browser. These actions are different for different browsers. Detailed installation instructions can always be found on the network. After the configuration, you need to check the proxy server again for operation. If you need to abandon the proxy, you just need to remove the check mark in your browser settings.

It is believed that working with paid servers is more convenient, because they are reliable and less likely to fail, in addition, they can be more finely tuned. As for free proxies, their advantage lies in the fact that they are anonymous, in contrast to paid proxies, where information about the client is kept by the owner. Free servers can be used at once a few, and if one of them fails, just switch to another one.

Now you know what a proxy server is and why you can use it.