Proxy servers basics means finding out how proxy servers can help and protect your business. Every day hackers steal information and commit identity theft. Proxy servers help protect your business with built in firewalls and anonymous IP address.

Use these servers to log every connection your users make while on the Internet. Assign passwords to authorized users and feel safe that no one can access your computer without proper credentials. Consider the following about proxy servers basics:

1. Choose the type of proxy server software that is the best fit for your business.

2. Add security to your proxy software with online authentication for every user on your network.

3. Learn how to configure your browser to work with your proxie servers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select the best type of web based proxy from the available choices

Use transparent, anonymous, distorting or high anonymity proxy servers according to your business needs. Transparent proxy servers disclose your IP address for anyone that wants to know it, whereas anonymous does not. In either case, you do not directly connect to the Internet but rather you connect to the proxy, who connects to the site for you.

I recommend: Find Web Proxy explains what web proxy servers are and how to use them. The best news is that you can surf the Internet from anywhere with web proxy servers because the proxy is located on the website. You go to that website, log in, and then access the Internet as you always do. Proxy Blind explains what a proxy server is and how it works. It also mentions the types of proxy servers and how to do anonymous surfing on the Internet.

Find added security from behind an anonymous proxy server

Protect your data, your IP address and who accesses your network with the settings in your proxy server. Set it up to log all connections made by users when they connect to the server.

I recommend: Proxy-Server.Info provides information on using proxy servers for business applications. You can make sure your users provide authentication and you can log every connection made while using the proxy server. LITA Regional Institute provides a list of commercial proxy servers from which to choose. Java provides information on proxy servers and advises that with some proxy servers you may not be able to download Java or run a Java applet. If you experience this issue after installing the proxy, ask the company if there is a work-around or change proxy servers.

Configure your browser settings to work with your new business proxy server

Once you decide to use a proxy, you have to change the settings in your browser to configure with the proxy server. This is a simple but important step to connect through the proxy server.

I recommend: What Is My IP Address explains what the different types or proxy servers do and the benefits of using one or another. It also explains how to configure your browser to use a proxy for the most popular browsers. White Sheets provides information on what a proxy server is and how to configure your browser to enable and disable the proxy server. Microsoft supplies information on how to configure Internet Explorer to use a proxy. It gives detailed instructions for different year versions, so look up the version you are using.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take care when using proxy sites as some of the sites may not be reputable. Make sure you are dealing with a reliable company that will protect your sensitive data.

Are you concerned about making your network secure? Are you concerned about improving your network speed? Consider installing proxy servers in your workplace. Proxy servers offer two advantages. You can set up your proxy server as a firewall, thus blocking you from connecting to the Internet. In addition, think of proxy servers as storing and forwarding information; you set up your web browser to use the proxy, but it never connects to the website address. The browser instead connects to the proxy server and the proxy server obtains the URL you want.

Proxy servers also allow you to block or filter content that you don’t want your employees to see. For example, many schools and libraries use this technology in order to prevent students from looking at certain websites. You can use hardware as proxy servers, but many are software-based. Online proxy servers can:

1. Improve your network performance

2. Use an anonymous proxy server to secure your network

3. Provide reliability

Action Steps
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Set up web proxy servers

Use web proxy servers as a web cache to block content coming in from websites that you don't want your employees to see. Do you use mobile devices, like cell phones or PDAs (personal digital assistants)? A web proxy server can rearrange your web pages so that they work for these devices. It also improves your network performance because it stores all of your results from requests for a period of time. The proxy server does not forward the requests to the web server. When the web server wants the request, the proxy server will send it to that server. Since the proxy server resides on the same network as that of the web server, it improves your network.

I recommend: Use SafeSquid, a web proxy software. Use this proxy server software to authenticate your users, connect to third-party software, set up caches, and create tailored reports.

Use an anonymous proxy server to surf the Internet anonymously

You can install an anonymous proxy server or web server to record web surfing. These web-based proxy servers hide your IP address when you are on the Internet. Using an anonymous server conceals your digital ID. Instead, you're using the server's address. Logging into one of these proxy sites prevents websites from acquiring or collecting personal information about your unique address. You can manage cookies to block others from monitoring your network traffic.

I recommend: Check out following proxy sites: WebWarper provides antivirus protection in addition to surfing the Internet anonymously. It also can speed up your Internet access. You can also check out Guardster, another Internet proxy software. This Internet proxy server software allows you to disable cookies, scripts, and images.

Install your web proxy server as a firewall

Protect your network from hackers by installing a business proxy server as a firewall. The proxy server intercepts the traffic coming from the Internet. It then takes the traffic and routes it to the correct user. You'll need plenty of RAM and hard drive space for caching.

I recommend: Check out Microsoft’s Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA Server). ISA is both a firewall and security product that protects web servers. ISA works on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 R2.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of free web-based proxy servers. If you want to surf the Internet anonymously, check out Anonymouse or FilterSneak. FilterSneak enables you to manage scripts and cookies, evading web filters.

Pricing and costs of proxy servers depends on what service you want from the company. Free proxy server companies exist but they may not prove reliable. Anonymous proxy servers may cost a bit more than companies that simply act as a go-between for your business and the Internet.

Decide if you want web proxy servers service or if you prefer to connect to your proxy with software. Look at the following when determining pricing and costs of proxy servers:

1. Use free proxy sites with caution.

2. Choose proxy server software to connect to the Internet.

3. Find anonymous proxy software costs and protect your sensitive data.

Action Steps
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Select free proxy servers and save

Free proxy servers allow you to connect to the Internet through their service at no charge to your business. Choose this form of security and save.

I recommend: Proxy 4 Free offers a list of free proxy servers that you can access. Top Free Proxy provides a list ranked in order from best to worst of free proxy servers from which to choose.

Locate business proxy servers that connect you to the Internet

Connect to the Internet without fear when you use a proxy server. No one will be able to get your IP information or damage your computer by sending a virus or other mal ware.

I recommend: Lava Software offers proxy server software for around $30 for one license. They offer multiple licenses for additional rates. The Proxy Connection offers proxy server service for under $25 per month for dial-up customers and about $50 per month for broadband customers.

Pick anonymous proxy servers for more protection

Anonymous proxy servers act as a go-between for you and the Internet but they offer an additional measure of security in that they disguise your IP address so no one knows your location.

I recommend: Tech FAQ offers a list of anonymous proxy servers. Some are free and some cost to use. Check the one that you need for your business. Anonymous Proxy Server Lists offers useful information about proxy servers and how they function. They advise that using an anonymous private proxy server will cost you money while some other kinds of anonymous proxy servers are free but have limitations in their service. The Cloak offers a pay-as-you-go proxy service. If you need proxy service for a limited time or just want the freedom to pay only when you use the service this may be for your business. The rate is about 2 cents per megabyte and pin codes expire 60 days after purchase. Proxify offers a free proxy service but the subscription service offers more features and benefits. The cost is about $40 for six months of service. There is no advertisement shown, and hidden webpage titles, faster service, FTP access and many more features are available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The business proxy server service you use may be able to log every time anyone signs in on your network. This way you will know how your employees are using your system and you can avoid unauthorized access to your data.

Proxy servers are important aspects of virtually every business. They can accomplish a wide variety of important and beneficial tasks. However, as with many types of technological advancements, it is hard to make the most of a resource when users are not familiar with the specifics and key concepts connected to the product. Learning about proxy servers key terms and concepts can allow businesses and employees to understand, accomplish and produce results on a larger scale.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Firewall

When a proxy server is used as a firewall, it acts as a shield between a the hosting network and your computer. The proxy server retrieves a requested web page from the hosting network, then sends it to your computer so that you never come into direct contact with the host.

I recommend: To learn how to create and make the most of a proxy server acting as a firewall for your business or home computer use, visit TLDP.org. Similar information can also be found on HowStuffWorks.com.

Digital ID

Digital IDs are also known as digital certificates. These certificates or aspects of identification are utilized by proxy servers in order to prove a user's identity, allowing them access to specific information or online services. In the business world, digital IDs and digital certificates are beneficial because they allow business personnel and organizations access to secure transactions across networks.

I recommend: To learn more about digital certificates and digital IDs, review the frequently asked questions and information at Qwest.com.

Anonymous IP address

Anonymous IP addresses are provided by anonymous proxy servers working to hide or cloak the identity of an IP address. However, many studies link anonymous IP addresses to credit card fraud, spam on forums, blogs and discussion boards, and the defacement of visitor editable web pages. As a result, many businesses look for ways to prevent anonymous IP addresses from accessing their websites.

I recommend: Learn about the anonymous IP address detection capabilities offered by IP2Location.com.

Online authentication

Online authentication refers to the monitored legitimacy of an end user to access specific information found online or through specific networks. Such information may be stored on proxy servers or with proxy server providers.

I recommend: To learn more about the case being made for the adaptation of stronger online authentication capabilities and aspects, read the information presented at USFST.com.

Free proxy servers

Free proxy servers allow individuals and businesses to enjoy all of the benefits provided by proxy servers, without having to pay for their use. While this can lead to scams and illegitimate free proxy service providers, free proxy servers may offer some financial and security related relief.

I recommend: Additional information about free proxy servers can be found at DProx.org.

Transparent proxy servers

Transparent proxy servers do not modify the requests and responses that pass through them. They offer less security than a normal proxy server.

I recommend: For more information about transparent proxy servers, review the material located at LinuxDevCenter.com.