Hello, dear readers. In this article, we’d like to cover a very interesting topic. In our information age, no one is fully protected from internet dangers. Many people use proxy servers, but the majority of users don’t really know what a proxy is. Today, let’s look into this topic in detail. We should start, of course, with a definition. A proxy is an intermediary program between your device and the website you’re accessing. Why is it needed? We often hear that certain resources are inaccessible to residents of certain countries. A proxy, like a VPN, helps bypass these restrictions and more. It can also provide anonymity online and preserve your IP address. Additionally, it can help bypass website blocks set on you as a user or by your provider. However, don’t assume it will guarantee complete anonymity. Those who have the necessary tools and are interested in tracking you can still trace your activity.
Both technologies allow users to bypass blocks and enhance privacy, but there are differences. A VPN is ideal for those willing to pay a bit more and install additional software. Though not free, it is a more advanced technology, making it difficult to trace the user. In contrast, proxies don’t require any software installation. Most servers are free, though free options might not be very reliable or fast. Paid proxies are generally more dependable. A proxy server alone won’t give you complete anonymity. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which to choose. Just remember, if you want a quality service that doesn’t crash, it might be worth paying a bit.
As mentioned, proxies are used to bypass blocks and maintain privacy. However, that’s not all they can do. Here’s a full list of their capabilities: Speeding up website performance on a single device. Testing various online services. Bypassing blocks from administrators and providers. Hiding your real IP address and ensuring anonymity. Accessing web resources closed to residents of certain countries.
In reality, "proxy" is a collective term for all network components. Currently, there are five main types of servers, each with its own functions. To choose the right one, you need to know exactly why you’ll use it. CGI – the simplest proxy server, mainly for browsing web pages, though it’s not very convenient even for that. It works by letting you enter the URL of the page you want to visit, providing access in anonymous mode. However, it only operates within a single tab. HTTP – suitable for most tasks that require a proxy server. Equipped to work with major hypertext transfer protocols, providing anonymous browsing across all browsers. HTTPS – similar to HTTP but supports SSL encryption, allowing access to secure sites (addresses start with https). SOCKS4, SOCKS5 – have additional protocol transmission functions, allowing proxy settings not only for browsers but for individual applications as well.
Anonymity is an important consideration when choosing a proxy. The server owner can always see both your IP and the site’s IP. Let’s look at situations where administrators can still track your IP. Sometimes the proxy itself passes your IP to the site. Here’s a classification of proxies by anonymity level: No anonymity. The remote server knows your IP and that you’re using a proxy. Low anonymity. The remote server can’t see your IP, but it knows you’re using a proxy. Medium anonymity. The remote server knows you’re using a proxy and sees an IP, but it’s not actually yours. High anonymity. The remote server doesn’t know your IP or that you’re using a proxy.
Note that enabling a proxy at the program level allows proxy use only within that program, while enabling it at the operating system level lets you use the proxy with all programs and browsers.
The choice of a proxy server depends on its intended use. For simple browsing, free proxies are suitable. However, if you want to avoid constant crashes and slow load times, it’s safer to pay for a reliable service. Proxies offer many advantages when used correctly. Before purchasing or setting up one, review the full list of its capabilities.
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