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A proxy server acts as an agent or middleman between a user
and a source of data. The purpose of a proxy server is to
hide the personal details of a user (IP address, computer
details) from the host of the source of data. When a user
visits a website, for example, without the use of a proxy,
that website can record the IP address, browser and operating
system of that user. When using a proxy, that website will
only be able to record the ip address of the proxy, not the
user.
A proxy server enables users to gain access to sources of
information which are blocked by local and regional firewall,
or via parental controls on a browser. China, for example,
is an example of a country which uses a regional firewall
in an attempt to censor numerous websites. In the west, educational
institutions and business networks often employ a firewall
to block students and employees from accessing a range of
websites and online services.
A proxy server can be accessed through a number of means,
the most common of which is a web proxy, which is typically
a website with an input box. A user will enter a URL into
the input box, the website will then redirect the user via
it's proxy. A web proxy is ideal for a user who wishes to
hide their IP address while surfing, hide their browser history,
and protect their identity.
A web proxy is the most straight forward approach for someone
with limited technical knowledge of proxies. Advanced stand
alone proxy applications can use a virtual private network
to fully encrypt an Internet connection. This means that any
application that accesses the Internet is redirected via an
anonymous IP address, with a web proxy, only the web browser
is encrypted.
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