What are proxies?
Proxies are remote computers that individuals or organizations use to restrict Internet access, filter content, and make Internet browsing more secure. It acts as a middleman between the end user and the web server, since all connection requests pass through it. It filters the request first then sends it to the web server. Once the web server responds, the proxy filters the response then sends it to the end user.
What is the purpose of proxies?
There are many reasons why people use proxies, but the most common ones are the following:
- To share the connection within a LAN.
- To hide the IP address for anonymous Internet browsing.
- To control Internet access such as online time control, bandwidth control, web filtering, and content filtering.
- To improve the speed of Internet connection.
- To bypass geo-restrictions.
- To circumvent restrictions and filters implemented by companies or schools.
As you can see, proxies can be used in a lot of ways. But what proxies ultimately do is to provide privacy and protection so that users can browse the Internet freely. Why should I buy a proxy?
If you want to be anonymous while surfing the Internet, you can use a proxy. Besides this purpose, you may want to buy a proxy when you want to bypass restrictions set by the government, companies, and schools. If you own a company, you may also use a proxy to control your employees’ Internet usage.
How much do proxy servers cost?
The cost of a proxy server varies from one provider to another. Based on our research, the price can range from as low as $1.75 per month to as high as P16.80 per month. Pricing depends on the following factors:
- Number of proxies
- Intent of use
- Number of users
- Type of proxies (dedicated or semi-dedicated)
- Server location
- Bandwidth used
There are also providers whose prices depend on the number of subnets used and the length of time the client has signed up for. You will save time by reading our reviews, which include the prices of all providers on our list. What are backconnect proxies?
Backconnect proxies, also called rotating proxies, are a type of proxy server. They use a pool of proxies, and they regularly rotate or switch between these proxies. User are more protected this way since their IP address changes every few minutes.
What are private proxies?
Private proxies are exclusively assigned to one user at a time. They are also called dedicated proxies, since no one else can use them other than the user.
What is the difference between public and private proxies?
Public proxies are open to anyone. Multiple users can connect to these proxies and use them simultaneously. Public proxies usually come with little to no cost to users, but they are quite risky. When one user gets banned by a website, other users connected to the same proxy gets banned too.
Private proxies come at a price, but they are safer than public proxies. You don’t run the risk of getting banned due to another person’s actions.
How do I find out what my proxy server is?
To check your proxy server in Windows, follow these steps:
- Go to Start > Control Panel.
- Double click on Internet Options. If you don’t see this, click on “Classic View” (Windows XP), or “View by” then “Small icons” (Windows 7).
- Go to the “Connections” tab. Click on the “LAN Settings” button. You will see the address and port number of the proxy server your computer is using.
- Click on the “Advanced” button to see the different proxy settings, if any.
If you are using Mac OS, follow the steps below to see your proxy server settings:
- Click on the Apple icon, then go to “System Preferences.”
- Go to “Network.”
- Find the network adapter that’s being used, click on it, and select “Configure.”
- Go to the “Proxies” tab. If your computer is using a proxy server, you will see the address and the port number here.
What is the difference between a proxy and a VPN?
Both of them can hide your IP address and therefore allow you to circumvent content restrictions. However, a VPN does more as it encrypts all data packets that come and go within your network, making it a comprehensive security solution. Proxies have a variety of uses such as web and content filtering, Internet usage control, and bandwidth control—some of which can’t be done with a VPN.
What is an anonymous proxy server?
An anonymous proxy server helps make your Internet activities untraceable. When you connect to an anonymous proxy server, it makes connection requests on your behalf using its own IP address. In effect, the web server you’re trying to access won’t know that it’s you on the other end.
