Many people ask the question - why do you need a proxy? Moreover, users who know nothing about this topic associate such terminology with completely different things. It is necessary to understand in more detail the meaning of this term for a clear understanding.
WITH in English"proxy" can be translated as "trusted". If we draw an analogy from the real world, then the proxy server is a vestibule, which is located in front of the entrance to a secure laboratory. Many have seen films where employees go to a special buffer zone before entering or exiting the laboratory. There they undergo a disinfection procedure, and only then go outside. Of course, the analogy is rough, but it accurately reflects an understanding of the server’s functions.
Many proxy nodes are provided as a service, and not as physical equipment: the user goes to special sites, buys suitable option and connects. By 2018, the use of a proxy server has become widespread, because it:
- Provides secure access to the Internet, additionally protecting against network attacks from outside.
- Downloaded data from the Internet is stored in a cache on the server, which speeds up the process of loading pages when accessed again. However, due to the development of dynamic caching technology - this function is no longer as relevant as it used to be.
- Information passing through it is compressed on the server, leading to savings in company traffic.
- Filters sites depending on server configuration.
- Hides the IP address of the user's computer, providing anonymity on the Internet.
Users often have a question: “How to use it correctly?” Nothing complicated: you just need to configure it correctly once, and then the proxy server will do everything itself. For example, it will filter outgoing requests in accordance with the list of allowed sites, reliably hiding the IP address of the user’s computer.
Which proxy server is better to use?
Proxies can be roughly classified into open and closed. The first ones are publicly available, free and do not guarantee a sufficient level of security. The speed of such proxies can be slow because they are used by a large number of users at once. The ping is high, and sometimes even “cosmic”. Forget about anonymity and visiting the necessary resources, since most likely he has already been added to the “lifetime ban” list.
Closed servers, based on their name, are available only to those who have paid for access. Compared to open ones, they are advantageous in that they are faster and more reliably protected. In addition, paid ones have additional paid features (but this depends on the selected resource), and the ping is “at the level of the baseboard” (very small), and this is a dream for every gamer who curses crashes from the game server.
Proxy servers can also be classified according to the level of anonymity and divided into three groups (transparent, anonymous and elite), each of which has its own characteristics.
For example, the main function of anonymous is as follows: when accessing a site, the anonymous server does not transmit the client’s IP address - it uses either its own or a randomly generated one. Thus, it is almost impossible to track user actions. Transparent proxies transmit real IP address and is characterized by low anonymity, while elite ones, on the contrary, exclude the possibility that someone will find out about the use of a proxy.
Which proxy to choose for work depends on the availability of financial resources. We recommend using exclusively paid proxy servers, since open ones have more disadvantages than advantages (they were discussed above).
How to check the performance and quality of the selected option
There are criteria by which the quality of a proxy is judged. We suggest looking at two main ones:
- The lower the response delay time value, the better. Checked with the simplest command ping.
- Validity. To check this indicator, use special software called a “checker”: from the English. “to check” - check. There are many sites on the Internet that perform online verification, but we recommend using Proxifier or a similar program.
We recommend studying the theory about, or set up a proxy in Windows 10, as well as Linux or another operating system installed on the computer. This can also be done through a separate program, for example, in a browser. If you do not know how to manually enter the necessary data, then you can download special programs, which make setup easier. But this does not mean that you do not need to know at least the basics. Only by understanding how a proxy server works and how to configure it correctly can you enjoy all its benefits.
How to work through a proxy correctly?
To work correctly with the proxy server, no action is required from the user. To access a blocked resource via a new IP, simply indicate its address. The required page will be loaded in automatic mode and the user will have access to the site. A small category of people - reinsurers - use such services constantly, hiding their actions. And to the question “How to log into VK using a proxy server?” will give a detailed answer.
Conclusion
A proxy server is an essential resource for every user and organization. It hides the IP address, opens access to blocked sites, or, conversely, prohibits users from visiting websites. A proxy server also increases protection against network attacks that can affect both home computers and workstations in large organizations.
A proxy is an intermediary link between the computer used by the subscriber and the system of Internet servers. Without going into terminology, this is a remote intermediary computer for the user to access the Internet. Its main tasks are to broadcast all user requests to the Network and send back the received responses. We will tell you more about what a proxy is, how the server works and for what purpose it is used.
How a proxy connection works
Each computer from which you access the Internet is assigned a unique IP address. Its task is to identify the Internet user. The IP address carries information about the country and region, Internet service provider number and personal computer on his network. Proxy servers are also assigned unique IP addresses. After connecting to the proxy and transmitting requests to the Network, verification will show that they come from an intermediary server, and the subscriber himself will be able to remain incognito (in the case of working with free servers, information about the client is saved on paid servers).
To connect to a proxy, you will need to make settings in the browser that will be used to send user requests. All subsequent network connections will be executed to the IP address of the proxy server. When you need to access any web resource, the local computer will open a connection to the proxy and make a request. After checking the correctness of the request, a connection to the resource will be opened. Then the received response will be transmitted to the subscriber's computer.
Why and who needs a proxy
Today, proxy servers are used mainly to hide the true IP address. There may be several reasons for this. The most popular are the desire to visit a site to which access is blocked for your IP, and the need anonymous sending mail. There are several other reasons when you need a proxy:
- network security or local computer from certain types of network attacks and the need to protect confidential information;
- restricting user access to certain types of web resources. Practiced in companies to prevent employees from wasting their time;
- desire to connect several computers to the Internet with one IP address. The settings can be made in such a way that information about local machines will be hidden from external machines; only the intermediary will be able to see them;
- the need to save consumed traffic - information received from the Network will be transmitted to the user in a compact form;
- the need to reduce the load on the Internet channel and provide customers with prompt access to information. For such cases, files are cached and subsequently stored on a proxy server.
Proxies can be found on some sites where they are posted for free. The second option is to download using special software that allows you to use a filter by country and test the speed and operation of the proxy server. And another way is to buy an “authorized” server on special sites.
Advantages
They gained the greatest popularity in the corporate segment - it is through them that access to the online network is made from local networks of legal entities. The following advantages contributed to this:
- proxy servers are supported by the vast majority of well-known web browsers;
- Full access control is provided, convenient traffic accounting and filtering (in cases of integration with antiviruses);
- ability to work with minimal rights on any operating system;
- the absence of Internet access via other protocols significantly increases the security of information exchange on the corporate network.
Despite the growing popularity of some network protocols, proxy servers continue to dominate enterprises. This is despite the emergence of relatively inexpensive hardware routers with NAT functionality. This is mainly due to the fact that the above routers are not able to provide sufficient control over Internet access and content filtering.
Kinds
Transparent- a communication scheme that redirects part of the traffic (or all) by the router to the proxy server. The advantage of this type of communication is the client’s ability to enjoy all the benefits of a proxy server without making any settings. This is also a disadvantage, since it deprives the user of choice.
Back- a proxy server used to balance the network load between several web servers. In addition, its task is to increase their safety. In this case, the reverse proxy server plays the role of a firewall at the application level. When using it, user requests are relayed from the external network to one or more servers located on the internal network.
In addition to the fact that proxies are divided into transparent and reverse types, they can be classified as follows:
- HTTP- the most popular and universal type of proxy that can be used to solve a wide range of problems. Most modern software supports working with it;
- Socks- a type of proxy with which not every program is compatible. Requires installation of additional software in browsers, since they do not support Socks by default;
- CGI- interaction with them is carried out only through the browser; other software does not support CGI. Another name for this type of proxy is an anonymizer;
- FTP- a type of proxy often used in corporate networks as one of the components unified system protecting equipment from external threats.
Can I get straight to you? It’s just a serious conversation, I don’t want to get distracted by formalities. You probably want to know what a proxy connection is and why does humanity and you personally need it? Well, that’s a good aspiration, let’s support it. Therefore, let's move straight to the specifics: a proxy server (and this is exactly what is directly related to the concept of “proxy” technology) is a computer, a machine that is an intermediary between your computer and the Internet. The server can be located anywhere: from the next room to another continent, it doesn’t matter. Communication is organized through a network, local or global.
Simply put, it allows you to use the Internet on his behalf. This means that the IP address and computer name, which identifies you as a user in the eyes of the Internet, will be hidden. Take this for granted, as an indestructible fact that determines the whole essence of what we will talk about next. But now you will find out why all this is needed and how it is used in life.
Answer to the question about connection
We deliberately did not answer your question at the beginning of the article, because we decided to tell the “physics” of the very concept of a proxy. It is logical that one definition follows from the other: a proxy connection is nothing more than the process of connecting a computer to a proxy server. You already understand what the latter is.
Let's look at the chain in more detail so that there is no misunderstanding. Let's imagine a proxy connection as follows:
- You have a computer and for some reason you need to use a proxy server (we talk about reasons and examples below).
- You set up a proxy connection with a specific server in your browser (this is also done in Google Chrome, and in Opera, and in Mozilla FireFox, and in Internet Explorer, and in any of the others). This will mean that you will access the Internet in transit through a remote server.
- Now you just use the global network under the guise of another computer.
If you are - System Administrator, or you work in an organization where such a person ensures the operation of the local network, then there may be other connection options, which depends on the work and tools of your administrator, it is he who regulates the authority to access the Internet. It's already special case use of technology. Let's move on to the description of using proxy.
Where and what is a proxy used for?
An intermediary for the Internet, substitution of an IP address... Theoretically, it becomes clear what we are talking about, but we have not yet talked about why a proxy server is needed in practice. Let's fill the gap with real examples:
- Helps connect multiple computers to the Internet
Typically applicable to a corporate LAN. The bottom line is that individual work machines do not have access to the Internet, but when connected to a proxy server this becomes possible. The advantage is that everything is under the control of the system administrator who manages ( local network), which makes it easier for him to control traffic consumption.
- Allows you to access blocked Internet resources
If you, as a user, have been banned (you have been denied access) on any site, and the usual change of login does not help, then access through a different address will solve this problem.
- Hides the computer from global network, facilitating an anonymous Internet session
Use a proxy if for some reason you do not want your computer to be visible on the Internet.
- Resolves the issue of restricted access based on geography
Similar to the previous points: if the site is closed for access to residents of Russia, you can make a proxy connection to a server from another country. In this case, you will be considered a user from the corresponding state and the resource will become available.
- Speeds up Internet connection and saves traffic
All traffic session data is cached (in other words, stored in memory) by the proxy server. Subsequent access to the same sites will be faster, since data will be downloaded not from the Internet, but from memory. This very often helps to optimize traffic costs in companies and organizations, since Internet access is most often shared by all employees.
- Protects against virus attacks
The built-in filtering system for incoming data installed on the proxy server allows you to protect your computer from attacks. This is individual for each server.
Let's finish here. The article presented the minimum information that allows you to understand the operating principle and tasks of a proxy connection. We hope our material answered your questions.
When you use the Internet in normal mode, your device connects directly to application and website servers. As a result, these servers recognize your location, location and other data, which means you lose your anonymity on the Internet. In addition, the owners of applications and sites or the provider may block your access to the servers.
Fortunately, instead of a direct connection, you can use a proxy - an intermediary server that ensures data exchange between the device and Internet resource servers. It masks your data from the owners of the apps and websites you visit, stopping them from blocking you by IP. In addition, an indirect connection allows you to bypass blocks imposed by the provider itself.
Proxy servers provide only relative anonymity on the Internet.
With special equipment and skills, interested parties will be able to track you. However, using a proxy you can access many blocked sites and hide your IP from them.
How does a proxy differ from a VPN?
Both technologies help bypass and protect user privacy. But it is more advanced in technical terms.
If you don't mind installing additional software and are willing to pay more for high speed and degree of anonymity, and if you want to protect the transmitted data as much as possible, choose a VPN.
If you only need a way to access blocked sites and a simple anonymizer without reliable protection data, then it will be enough to configure a proxy. They do not require special software. Plus, in most cases, paid proxies are cheaper than paid VPNs (if you need a high-quality service without restrictions, then in both cases you will have to pay).
Main types of proxy servers
- CGI- simple proxies for web surfing. Unlike the others, this type does not require any settings: you go to a special website, enter the desired URL - and the proxy opens this address in the browser. At the same time, CGI often displays pages incorrectly and only works within an open tab, which is not always convenient.
- HTTP- proxies designed to work with the hypertext transfer protocol. Simply put, they are suitable for full browsing of websites. If you connect such a proxy in the settings operating system, it will be active for all browsers at once until you disable it.
- SHTTP- proxy with SSL encryption support. They differ from the previous type in that they allow you to view secure sites (their addresses begin with https).
- SOCKS4, SOCKS5- support additional data transfer protocols. May be needed if you want to set up a proxy not only for the browser, but also .
CGI proxies are available for free on sites such as Hidester, Hide.me, ProxySite. As stated above, you won't need any settings.
But to use any other type of proxy, it must first be associated with a device. To do this, just find out the IP address and port of the proxy server, and then enter this data into the operating system settings.
Lists of proxies with their addresses and ports can be found on sites like HideMy.name, FoxTools and FineProxy. Many servers are available for free, but some of them will be slow and completely non-functional - be prepared for this. If you don’t want to waste time, pay for a high-quality and stable proxy. For example, on the same FineProxy.
When choosing a proxy from the list, pay attention to the “Anonymity” parameter. The higher its value, the more chances you have to hide your real IP.
After selecting a server from any country from the list, copy its IP address and port. Then simply insert this data according to one of the instructions.
- Open the “Start” section → “Settings” (gear icon) → “Network and Internet” → “Proxies”.
- Find the “Manually setting up a proxy” block and activate the “Use a proxy manually” option in it.
- Enter the address and port, then click “Save”.
- To disable the proxy, simply deactivate the “Use a proxy server” option.
- Go to Control Panel and open the Internet Options menu. Or use Win + R, enter the command Inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.
- In the menu that opens, go to the “Connections” tab and click “Network Settings”.
- Check the “Use a proxy server...” option.
- Enter the server address and port, then click OK.
- To disable the proxy, uncheck “Use a proxy server...”.
- Pull down the Apple menu and go to " System Settings» → “Network”.
- Highlight the active connection and click Advanced.
- Open the "Proxies" tab and check in the left pane one or more types of proxies that you intend to use.
- Enter the server address and port for each selected type and click OK.
- To disable proxies, uncheck the proxy types.
The Android interface is different different devices, but the approximate procedure for most of them will be as follows:
- Open Wi-Fi settings and click on the active connection to bring up the context menu. You may have to hold your finger over the connection name.
- By using context menu open advanced network settings.
- Find the proxy server option and select manual mode settings.
- Enter the server address and port, then save the changes.
- To undo the changes, go into settings again, find the proxy-related item and disable it.
- Open Wi-Fi settings and click on the round icon next to the active connection.
- Click "Proxy Settings" and select "Manual".
- Enter the server address and port, then click “Save”.
- To disable the proxy, look again for the Proxy Settings item and select Off.
Most likely, a proxy enabled at the OS level will only work for browsers. If you want to use it for another application, look for setup instructions on the Internet or directly on the program’s official website. For example, you can configure a SOCKS5 proxy to bypass Telegram blocking.
The choice of proxy largely depends on what you need it for, whether you are going to use it for personal purposes or to earn money. But even having decided on the scope of application, you will have to choose from a fairly extensive list. After all, each server has a lot of characteristics that determine certain of its operating properties.
There are many offers on the Internet for choosing proxy servers. But the problem is that most of the sites are not only unsafe, but also poorly promoted themselves. And I decided to recommend you one of the proven and reliable ones, which in terms of indicators stands very well in this topic.
Probably already met. This is what he looks like...
Choosing a proxy for our purposes
For relaxation on the Internet
If you want to occasionally download small files, then a free proxy will do. However, if you are a fan of foreign television or want to download music and films available only on foreign portals, then you cannot do without a private server. Only he can provide you with the necessary speed of completing tasks so that the broadcast goes on without delays or freezes. The same applies to downloads - the private IP is not overloaded by other users, since only you use it.
For SEO optimization
Optimizers use servers mostly for parsing, which means they need a proxy with a good history and not blacklisted. It is impossible to check the information of a public server, because a huge number of people use it, but private ones are always fresh, since the owners monitor them. And although such services are paid, they are worth it when it comes to work.
To promote pages on social media. networks
Promoting accounts on VKontakte, Instagram, etc. this also needs to be done using servers that have not been blocked previously. Otherwise, getting under a new ban is as easy as shelling pears, and this may entail blocking everyone accounts on one proxy. You will lose subscribers and have to start all over again. To prevent this from happening, stock up on several private proxies and alternate them. They will serve you for a long time, and you will be able to promote your profiles without any obstacles.
For online games
Regardless of whether you are just going to play for fun or to earn money, you will need a powerful and high-quality server. After all, if it is slow or the connection “breaks” at the wrong moment, this will not have the best effect on the final result.
Cooperation with foreign companies
In this case, you need to select a server from the country of the company you are interested in. Through their resource you can make contact or send a business proposal to managers. To prevent the connection from being interrupted, it is again better to use a private address. This will have a beneficial effect on the conduct of business.
If you have already decided, then...
You can buy private proxies inexpensively on the website proxy-sale.com. I recommend!
How to set up a proxy?
In order for the server to function without interruptions, it must be properly configured. There are two ways: in the browser or on the computer itself. In the first option, the settings for a certain type of browser will have a different path. In the second, the path will be the same for all computers. Let's consider both methods.
Google Chrome: step-by-step setup
⦁ Click on the “Settings and Google management Chrome" in the right corner, it shows three dots (step 1).
⦁ Select “Settings” in the menu that appears (step 2).
⦁ Click on the “Advanced” button (step 3).
⦁ In the “System” block, click “Proxy server settings” (step 4).
⦁ The Internet Properties window appears. Go to the "Connections" tab.
⦁ Click “Network Settings”.
⦁ Check the box next to “Use a proxy server for local connections».
⦁ Click “Advanced”. In the Proxy Settings window, provide proxy information.
⦁ Press the “OK” button to confirm
Opera:
⦁ Click on the “Customize and manage Opera” button in the upper left corner and select “Settings” in the menu that appears (or you can directly call it using the Alt+P keys).
⦁ In the column on the right, select “Security” - clear the cache and delete cookies.
⦁ Then move to the “Browser” tab (also located in the column). Go down to the "Network" section.
⦁ Click the “Change proxy settings” button.
⦁ The Internet Properties window appears. Open the "Connections" tab.
⦁ Click “Network Settings”.
⦁ Check the box “Use a proxy server for local connections.”
⦁ Click “Advanced” and specify a proxy.
⦁ Next you need to click on the “OK” button to save
Mozilla Firefox
⦁ Click on the “Open menu” button in the left corner (it shows three bars).
⦁ In the menu that appears, select “Settings”.
⦁ Select the “Basic” tab (step 1).
⦁ Scroll down the page to the “Proxy server” section.
⦁ Click the “Configure” button (step 2).
⦁ Check the item “ Manual setting" (step 1).
⦁ Next (depending on what type of protocol your proxy has) fill in the appropriate fields (step 2).
⦁ Click the “OK” button to confirm your actions (step 3).
Internet Explorer
⦁ Click on the “Service” button in the upper left corner. The menu is also called up by the keyboard shortcut Alt+X.
⦁ Select “Internet Options”.
⦁ Then move to the “Connections” tab.
⦁ Click the “Network Settings” button and check the “Use a proxy server for local connections” line.
⦁ Uncheck the remaining lines. Click the "Advanced" button.
⦁ Fill in the required lines.
⦁ Click “OK” to save the selected options.
Setting up a proxy in Windows
⦁ It is also possible to configure it on the computer itself. For this:
⦁ Click the “Start” button.
⦁ Select the “Control Panel” menu item.
⦁ At the top of the search bar, type “Internet Options” (without quotes).
⦁ Click on the shortcut that appears.
⦁ The “Properties: Internet” window will open in front of you.
⦁ Go to the “Connections” tab.
⦁ Activate the line “Use a proxy server for local connections” by checking the box.
⦁ Remove the remaining marks.
⦁ Click “Advanced”.
⦁ Enter the data in the appropriate lines.
⦁ Click “OK” to confirm the selected options.
That's all! Use it.
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