@Proxy: For Reliable Proxy Sites

By: Peter Garant

A consistent and dependable proxy site should have a regularly maintained database, and @Proxy succeeds at this, and provides even more benefits for the user.

If you are not familiar with this process, it is the easiest way that a computer user can access web sites that have been denied to you. If you are working in an office, for example, it is very likely that sites not related to your work may be inaccessible. By using one of the links at @Proxy, you can overcome this obstacle.

Advantages of Anonymous Proxies

A proxy actually consists of two parts: the software and the server. To make it easier to understand, when you utilize one, your web browser interacts with the proxy server which connects with the web server. What does this mean? For the user, it connotes privacy, because the web server does not know which computer is accessing the site, nor the IP address.

What to Look for in a Proxy Site

There are several types of servers in the @proxy database. When choosing one, make sure that they have most, if not all of the following: first is that they have SSL or TLS tunnels, as it prevents any packet sniffers.

Some support only http protocols, but others can also access ftp, and https aside from http. Be sure that you get the proxy that meets your requirements. Of course, hiding of the IP address is a must, but you should also look for the capability to remove traces of cookies, banners, scripts, and other types of information.


How Web Sites are Blocked

There are several ways that a network (be it in an office or university) is able to restrict access to the Internet, the most common being a firewall or a web content filtering software. In the case of web filters, the programs make use of a database of banned sites, or have a lost of words that have been “blacklisted”.

How Proxies Unblock Web Sites

However, regardless of whether it is a firewall or web content software, using any one of the software or servers on the database will allow access to them.

How do they work? The most important element of this tool is that it is not part of your network, and thus, not subject to the firewall and/or filter. Second, each proxy has a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address which you can access.

Basically, what will happen is that you will use the IP address of the proxy to access the web site. As it is not subject to any filter, you can then view the site completely. Your anonymity is therefore guaranteed, as the address that is used is that of the server.

As a computer user or network systems administrator, it is crucial that you know the different types of servers available so that the proper application can be utilized.

The Cache Server

As the name implies, part of the function of this server is to store frequently accessed web pages into their system, allowing for faster retrieval, and at the same ti8me, unclogging the bandwidth; havi9ng these files in the system will allow the network resources to get other files and documents, allowing for faster processing of data.

This feature is included in most anonymous servers, and most Internet service providers as well. To keep the contents updated and fresh, the stored files have expiry dates. There are also options open to the network authorities that allow them to decide which files should be kept or deleted.

Content Filter

Some specially designed proxies work like web content filters, using several tools to deny access to certain sites. These utilities include keyword blocking, DNS monitoring MIME viewing and restricting access. These are the types that are often used in corporate networks and also universities. Getting around these limitations is possible through the use of proxy software.

The difficulties that one can encounter with most of these servers is that they can be difficult to access (too much traffic) and the software may be incompatible with the operating system or network. Because @Proxy regularly updates its database of servers and applications, you can be guaranteed that the links provided are always working and accessible.