subject: Free Web Proxy Server Vs. Paid Software [print this page] Why is there such a growing popularity in the use of free web proxy servers today? The answer is simple. No matter what site you visit, your IP address, which is your computer's personal tracking number, is used to transmit data to you so you can view websites. This system is innocent enough until unscrupulous third party individuals become involved. Your entire web surfing history can potentially be tracked back to your personal computer via your IP address. More people are becoming aware of the security threat this poses and want to do something about it, hence the growing use of a free web proxy server.
When you use a free web proxy server to browse the web, the IP address of the server is left behind on the website instead of your personal computer's IP address. However, you should know the drawbacks as well. With the use of a free web proxy server, you funnel all your web activity through a single server. If the administrator involved in the operating of the proxy server is untrustworthy, they will have access to absolutely every site you have ever used their proxy server to visit and can abuse the information they collect.
Using a free web proxy server that has been hacked is worse than browsing the standard way. This fact does not occur to most people seeking a greater level of security by browsing the web via proxy servers. True, some free servers you find online are legitimate and will protect you in the way you are expecting. Unfortunately, there is often no way to tell if a server has been hacked or not. Because of this, many people opt to purchase proxy server software instead of using free options.
If the whole point of using a free web proxy server is to have greater privacy and security, how can you justify continued use of free servers online that could be hacked and stealing your information as we speak? The reasonable investment in your own personal software will guarantee your safety and security as you surf the web. Plus, with your own software, you share bandwidth with no one, meaning you get faster connection speeds and no worries. If you have ever experienced identity theft or want your browsing activities to remain anonymous for another reason, you will want the priceless ability to surf the net without being spied on. Proxy server software is your best option.
