What is a Proxy Server?
Summary
A proxy server is a computer that acts as a relay between your computer and other computers.
Why use a proxy server?
The main uses of proxy servers are:
- To control access to the internet, web sites, services and all online content (at work for instance)
- To allow access to content that you are not permitted to access from your location (i.e. the UK) but by accessing a proxy (i.e. in the US) you can now access the content because it is the proxy machine's location that is verified, not yours.
- To remain anonymous. A proxy server can pass on the requested content to your computer without providing the details of your computer (such as your IP address) to the remote computer you are accessing
- To bypass network or regional restrictions
- To speed-up page loading by employing caching
Last word
Proxy servers are a great way to bypass regional and security restrictions, remain anonymous and give yourself access to content that you would not normally have access to.
Article date: 24th February 2011
