Proxy servers are great tools that essentially allow you to surf the internet privately and securely, and visit websites that have often been blocked by a network administrator. It acts as a buffer between your computer and internet – you send your request to the proxy, it fetches it online and then sends it back to you.

What is it Used For?

You could use a proxy server for a number of different reasons. For example, perhaps you want to access websites that have been blocked by your employer. Or maybe you want to protect your identify online. A proxy server can do both of these tasks, and in many cases, can make your browsing faster. This is because the proxy will cache data from popular websites, making them load faster when you access them.

Different Types of Proxies

There are several different types of proxy servers, and before you start using them, it’s helpful to have a good idea of what the differences are. For example, “caching proxies” can be used to speed up requests that have already been made by the same user before. However, if you’re looking for caches, it is probably better to use a “web proxy” – a type of proxy that is available online. If security and privacy are your paramount concerns, then an “anonymous proxy” is likely the best choice. There are also “forced proxies”, “reversed proxies”, and “open proxies”. These all have slightly different uses.

Proxy Risks

You should always be cautious when using a proxy server. This is because it’s not uncommon for hackers and spammers to operate their own proxies, and then collect usernames, passwords and other sensitive information from clients. Be cautious, read privacy terms, and do your research before committing to a proxy.

Proxy Lists and Software

A good place to look for reliable proxies is aiCache, which is a great program. Another good one to check out is AlchemyPoint. Ideco Gateway, Apache HTTP Server, and Novell BorderManager are also helpful in finding what you need.

If you’re looking for free proxies, try the following:
-210.86.181.202:000080
-202.168.193.131:0080
-210.155.201.169:8080

For anonymous proxies, check these out:
-210.196.98.51:80
-64.86.28.118:19193
-98.247.53.216:9090

Finally, always do your research when searching for proxies.