subject: Proxy Server- A Helpful Intermediator [print this page] A proxy server is a server that intermediates requests from clients, who are in search of resources from other servers. A client logs in to the proxy server and requests for a service, which could be a file, or a website or any other resources from other servers. Once the request for the service is sent, the proxy server evaluates the request looking into its filtering rules. This filtering might be through IP address or protocol.
Once the request is evaluated, the proxy connects to the requested server. A proxy server can connect to the server directly or it may serve the request without connecting to the server directly. This is called cache response, which means it caches response from the requested server and serves to the client.
The Advantages
So why use a proxy server? Well a proxy server is a very useful tool. Following are some of the features of proxy servers:
It keeps the client id anonymous.
Browsing is made safe and secure.
Helps in bypassing firewall to access blocked sites.
It also helps in stopping access to blocked sites.
Useful in taking logs of internet usage.
It also helps in scanning for viruses and malwares.
It helps in data leak protection.
The Use
So how is it used? Proxy servers are used with browsers e.g. IE, Firefox and Google chrome.
For Firefox:
Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Settings
Select Manual Proxy Configuration and enter the proxy server you would like to use along with its port.
For Internet Explorer:
Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings
Check Use a Proxy Server for Your LAN and enter the address and port of your proxy server.
Finding Proxy Servers
So, how and where to find proxy servers? One need to be careful in choosing a proper proxy server as one can find several sites that provide proxy server, but all are not that transparent or secured. You can contact a help desk specialist to find out which proxy server would be suitable for you.
