What is a Proxy Server ?In computer networks, a proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application program) which services the requests of its clients by forwarding requests to other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource, available from a different server. The proxy server provides the resource by connecting to the specified server and requesting the service on behalf of the client. A proxy server may optionally alter the client's request or the server's response, and sometimes it may serve the request without contacting the specified server. In this case, it would 'cache' the first request to the remote server, so it could save the information for later, and make everything as fast as possible.
A web-based proxy is a service that allows you to bypass your own internet provider and browse using the proxy web-based website. All that you have to do is type the website address you would like to visit in the form they provide, and start browsing. Once you keep browsing using that form, you are protected and your *real* ip address is not being logged. There are many web based proxies to choose from. Start browsing using the featured selection.
Why Use A Proxy?
Whenever you surf the internet your ip address is being logged by every website you visit. A simple check of web logs will show the ip address of everyone that visited a particular website. These logs can be kept for years, and can send a trace back to you! It's not a matter of just covering your tracks as most of us have nothing to hide, it's a matter of *privacy*. Your right to privacy is being compromised when browsing without a proxy.
Do We Have A Right To Privacy?
Yes! Amendments 4 and 5 of The United States Bill Of Rights protect the right to be free of unwarranted and unwanted government intrusion into one's personal and private affairs, papers, and possessions. Article 12 of The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks."