How to Set Up a Proxy Server

In computer networks a proxy server is a server that acts as an agent for requests from clients seeking resources (file, connection or web page) from other servers, such as the Internet. The proxy server ensures security, administrative control and caching by evaluating each request and filtering them according to the rules that have been set.

For example if a Web page request passes the filtering requirements, the proxy server looks for previously downloaded web pages in its local cache. Once the page is found it is forwarded to the client; if the page is not found, however, the proxy server sends the request to the Internet server. When the page is returned, the proxy server relates it to the original request and forwards it on to the user. The proxy is not quite invisible; its IP address has to be specified as a configuration option to the browser or other protocol program.

Proxy servers have two main purposes

Improved Performance – Proxy servers offer faster access to frequently used websites. The results of proxy server requests are stored in the system for a period of time. As such future requests can be fulfilled from the saved results in a much shorter time than if it went through to the Internet server.

Filter Requests – Proxy servers can also be used to filter requests where restrictions are applied to users.

Setting up a Proxy Server

WinProxy is a proxy server that can be used on Windows based systems. WinProxy is a 32bit application ideal for home offices as well as large companies. It works on computers running Windows 95/98/ME or Windows NT/2000/XP. Configuration is easy and WinProxy supports most of the popular Internet protocols including POP3, SMTP, Real Audio, HTTP and HTTPS.

Steps to Installing WinProxy

1. Install the TCP/IP protocol on all systems connected to the network.
2. Run the Install Wizard. Enter the product key required in the product registration screen.
3. The next step requires selecting the connection’s type and name.
4. Enter the username and password of the Internet connection to be used.
5. WinProxy will configure the internal and external IP addresses, assigning a unique address to each device on the LAN as internal addresses. The IP address assigned to the modem/router by the users ISP is taken as the external address.
6. Disconnect from the Internet if you are already connected.
7. WinProxy will then work through all the steps and verify that all operations have been performed properly.

Setting up a Proxy Server to Work with Internet Explorer Browsers

1. Click Internet Options
2. Click Connections
3. With Dial-Up connection, select the connection and click Settings. With LAN connection, click LAN Settings.
4. Enable Use a Proxy Server.
5. Enter the proxy name and proxy port in the Address and Port boxes.
6. Enable Bypass Proxy Server for Local Addresses.
7. Click OK.

Using Proxy Sites

If you don’t have time to set up your own proxy server, you can quickly use an existing proxy site to browse the web.