Proxy Basics: How to Use Proxies to Bypass Internet Blocks

The topic of proxies can get confusing fast, making it hard to figure out what they are, what they do and why anyone would use one. Just so you know, using a proxy revolves around you taking steps on your computer to help you either: 1) be “anonymous” (somewhat) when you’re on the Internet, or 2) help you get around Internet blackouts and restrictions. For definition’s sake, the word “proxy” means “substitute” or “go-between.” More on all this later. Unfortunately, most articles you’ll find on the topic of proxies are boring and complicated, which is too bad, because if you understood the purpose of a proxy (or something similar called a VPN), you might be interested in using one. Especially if you’d like to block advertisers and the government from easily tracking your Internet activity, or if you’d like to use Facebook or Netflix in a country where those services are blocked. So, let’s take a simple look at the term “proxy,” and answer the question “ what is a proxy server ?” to discover how they can help you keep a lower profile online. A simple analogy will help… Everyone knows that if you want to travel to another country, you need a passport. A passport isn’t like a ticket to a ball game, where whoever possesses the ticket gets in. Your passport identifies you and only you, and lets you in and out. Now, think of these two sticky situations: With that in mind, let’s talk about IP addresses. Your IP address is your passport to the Internet. Your IP address is your computer’s passport that lets you travel to different websites around the world. Your IP address doesn’t identify you personally, like your passport does…but it does uniquely identify the computer connection you are using. (How does your IP address do that? If you want to know, read this article later.) However, consider this: A proxy server—another term used instead of just proxy—is simply a computer that is working on behalf other computers as their Internet go-between…their “proxy.” How does a proxy server help? By receiving, sending and returning your Internet search requests for you…and substituting its own IP address in place of yours. To any website, it’s not your computer making the website request (“Can I see the video of the gorilla and kitten?”), it’s some other IP address. The website doesn’t care. They just say, “sure.” It’s as simple as 1-2-3. Your IP address stays hidden the entire time. If you did a Google search and watched a few YouTube videos tomorrow on “What is a Proxy?”, here’s what you’d find out—proxies are still used, but not as much as they used to be. For individuals who want the advantages a proxy offers—hiding their IP address and being able to get around blocked websites—a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the new way to go. You can learn more about VPNs, and why they’re a superior alternative to a proxy server and proxy, by visiting our Hide IP page.