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Proxies. What are they? Why do I need them?
Def. proxy server : Where a high level of security of required, a proxy Web server may be used to provide a gateway between a local area network and the Internet. The local network is protected by firewall software installed on the proxy server.
If you do a lot of surfing on the internet, chances are you've run into websites that were less than "trustworthy". Spammy sites that you wish had no information about you or your machine. Unfortunately, when you went to said site, they knew what your IP address is, where you live based on that IP address, and a whole slew of other information that can be extrapolated from a simple IP address. By using a proxy, you can avoid that. Proxies provide you with another level of security and safety on the internet. They can also be useful if you have been unjustly "IP Banned" from a website. For example, let's say you have a friend or relative that was a member of a forum that you also belonged to, and they were being a little more than rude on that forum, AND it just so happened they were on your computer at the time. It's possible, and even likely that the forum administrator would IP Ban you. Not due to your conduct, but someone else's. So, a simple solution to this would be to access that forum using a proxy.
Proxies also provide a level of anonymity that would be appreciated by anyone that is concerned about websites gathering too much information about you and your surfing habits. If you visit a website from a different IP each time, it would make it very difficult for them to get a handle on your surfing habits, or even who you were.
Different kinds of proxies
There is more than one type of proxy, and more than one level of anonymity. Here are the two primary types that this site addresses:
- Web based proxy - these proxies are generally either a PHP script or CGI script. They are useful in hiding your IP address, but many are transparent meaning that other servers can see through the IP being presented and still figure out what yours is. Web based proxies are handy for getting around corporate network restrictions. For example, if you work for XYZ company and they don't allow you to check Hotmail.com, you could go to a web based proxy and then to Hotmail. The only drawback, most web based proxies will not allow you to fill in forms successfully.
- Open proxies - An open proxy is a proxy server which will accept client connections from any IP address and make connections to any Internet resource. Open proxies will require that you have some knowledge of how to enable them in your browser, or a proxy administration program - such as Proxy Firewall - to handle them for you, particularly if you are using multiple proxy servers.
How can we help? Well, by being a registered member you will have access to our proxy lists. The proxy lists are updated at least every other day, and include HTTP, HTTPS, Sock4, Sock4a and Sock5 open proxies. The proxies are checked to ensure they are working and are posted with the date and time of the check. Open proxies often do not stay open for long, so the longer the time frame between the check and the time you use them - the greater the chance they will not work. So, use them while they're fresh and steamy!