How do I use a Proxy Server?
Please be aware that the use of proxy servers without the express permission from the owner of the proxy server may be illegal in some states and/or countries. Use at your own risk.
Use your favorite search engine and search for 'proxy server list'. You'll find many sites with lists of proxy servers, their IP address, the port they listen on, and usually what country they are in. Write down a few of them.
Proxy Types
You may see references to four different types of proxy servers:
Transparent Proxy
This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server and also makes the original IP address available through the http headers. These are generally used for their ability to cache websites and do not effectively provide any anonymity to those who use them. However, the use of a transparent proxy will get you around simple IP bans. They are transparent in the terms that your IP address is exposed, not transparent in the terms that you do not know that you are using it (your system is not specifically configured to use it.)
Anonymous Proxy
This type of proxy server indentifies itself as a proxy server, but does not make the original IP address available. This type of proxy server is detectable, but provides reasonable anonymity for most users.
Distorting Proxy
This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server, but make an incorrect original IP address available through the http headers.
High Anonymity Proxy
This type of proxy server does not identify itself as a proxy server and does not make available the original IP address.
Please make sure to read about anonymous proxy risks before using a proxy server.
If you need further assistance using proxy servers please post a Comment (question)
Browser Settings
The following are instructions to configure various browsers to use an http proxy server.
Internet Explorer 6
Opera
Instructions for Internet Explorer 6.0
- On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options, click the Connections tab, and then click LAN Settings.
- Under Proxy server, click to select the Use a proxy server for your LAN check box.
- In the Address box, type the IP address of the proxy server.
- In the Port box, type the port number that is used by the proxy server for client connections (by default, 8080).
- You can click to select the Bypass proxy server for local addresses check box if you do not want the proxy server computer to be used when you connect to a computer on the local network (this may speed up performance).
- Click OK to close the LAN Settings dialog box.
- Click OK again to close the Internet Options dialog box.
Instructions for Firefox 3.0
- Select the Tools Menu
- Select Options
- Select the Advanced Icon
- Select the Network tab
- Under connection select Settings
- Under Settings you can chose "Auto-Detect Proxy setting for this network" or "Manual Proxy Configuration"
- If choosing "Manual Proxy Configuration" Enter the IP address for the HTTP proxy server
- Enter the port of the HTTP proxy server
- Click Okay
Instructions for Netscape
- Select the Edit Menu
- Select Preferences
- Maximize Advanced
- Select Proxies
- Choose Manual proxy configuration
- Enter the proxy server's IP address in the HTTP Proxy field and the proxy's port into the corresponding Port field.
- OK your way out
Opera 8.5
- Select the Tools Menu
- Select Preferences
- Select Advanced Tab
- Select Proxy Servers
- Check the box next to HTTP
- Enter the proxy server's IP address in the first box and the proxy's port in the box after "Port"
- OK your way out
Safari 2.0.3
- Select Preferences
- Select Advanced
- Select Proxies: Change Settings
- Check the box next to Web Proxy (HTTP)
- Enter the proxy server's IP address in the first box and the proxy's port in the box after the ":"
- Select Apply Now
