What is A Proxy?

In today's digital world, privacy and security are essential. One way to protect your online identity and data is by using a proxy server or a virtual private network (VPN). While both tools can help you browse the web anonymously and securely, they function differently. For many people, using a proxy server is an alien concept. What is a proxy server? Why would you need to use one? And how does it work? 

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. Essentially, it allows you to browse the internet using a different IP address than your own. When you connect to a website through a proxy server, the website sees the IP address of the proxy server instead of your own. This means that your online activity is hidden from the website and anyone else trying to track you.

A proxy server can provide many benefits. For example, it can be used to bypass unethical internet censorship and shutdowns by governments. Since these vices are localized, a proxy can help you break through the borders of the internet, emphasizing the idea of open internet. Additionally, proxies can be used to improve network performance by caching frequently accessed pages, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transferred.

What are different types of proxies?

There are two main types of proxies: free and paid. Free proxies are widely available, but they come with some risks. Since they are free, they are often slower and less reliable than paid proxies. Additionally, some free proxies may be malicious and could potentially harm your computer. Paid proxies, on the other hand, offer more reliable and faster connections and better security.

Different types of proxies serve different purposes. Here are some of the most common types of proxies:

• HTTP proxies: These proxies are used for web browsing and are the most commonly used type of proxy. They are designed to work with the HTTP protocol, which transfers data between your browser and the website you are browsing.
• SOCKS proxies: These proxies are used for a wide variety of applications, including email, FTP, and torrenting. They are more versatile than HTTP proxies and can handle a wider range of traffic, but they require more configuration than other types since two sets of ports are needed for each connection.
• Transparent proxies: These proxies do not hide your IP address and are often used by businesses to monitor employee internet usage.
• Anonymous proxies: These proxies hide your IP address but do not encrypt your traffic. They are a good option for general web browsing but may not provide enough security for sensitive activities because they don't encrypt data before sending it over the internet.
• Encrypted proxies: These proxies encrypt your traffic, providing an extra layer of security. They are a good option for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping.

How to use a proxy

To use a proxy, you must first find one that fits your needs. Many websites offer lists of free proxies, but as mentioned earlier, these proxies can be risky. If you decide to use a free proxy, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable provider. Paid proxies are generally more reliable and secure but can be expensive.

Once you have a proxy, you can configure your browser to use it. Here are the steps for configuring a proxy in Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
2. Click on "Settings," and then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Advanced."
3. Under "System," click on "Open proxy settings."
4. In the "Internet Properties" window, click on the "Connections" tab and then click on the "LAN settings" button.
5. Check the box for "Use a proxy server for your LAN," and then enter your proxy server's IP address and port number.
6. Click "OK" to save your changes and then restart your browser.

Once you configure your browser to use a proxy, you can browse the internet with added privacy and security.

Proxy vs. VPN: How do they compare?

A VPN is a private network that allows you to connect to the internet securely and anonymously. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a remote server, which hides your IP address and location. This means that your online activity is private and cannot be tracked by your internet service provider (ISP) or anyone else trying to monitor your online activity. 

VPNs offer many benefits beyond privacy and security. They can also improve network performance by reducing latency and packet loss.

While both proxies and VPNs are used for online privacy and security, they function differently. Here are some of the main differences between the two:

• Security: VPNs provide stronger security than proxies. VPNs encrypt your traffic, making it virtually impossible for anyone to intercept or steal your data. Proxies, on the other hand, do not encrypt your traffic, leaving it vulnerable to interception.
• Privacy: Both proxies and VPNs provide privacy by hiding your IP address and location. However, VPNs provide stronger privacy because they encrypt your traffic, making it impossible for anyone to see what you are doing online.
• Speed: Proxies can be faster than VPNs because they do not encrypt your traffic. However, this speed advantage comes at the cost of security and privacy. VPNs are slower than proxies because they encrypt your traffic but provide stronger security and privacy.
• Ease of use: Proxies are generally easier to use than VPNs because they do not require any special software or configuration. Most web browsers allow you to configure a proxy server in the settings. On the other hand, VPNs require special software and configuration, which can be more complex.

If you’re in the market for a VPN, we suggest Mysterium VPN. But don’t just take our word for it! Download for your iPhone, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux device from here and decide for yourself.

Using a proxy server is an effective way to protect your online privacy and security. By using a proxy, you can browse the internet anonymously and keep your data safe from prying eyes.

Whether you choose a free or paid proxy, be sure to follow the steps outlined above to configure your browser correctly. Remember that while proxies can provide some level of security, they are not foolproof. Practicing safe browsing habits and using other security measures such as antivirus software and two-factor authentication is important.