Types

Different types of proxy servers offer different levels of anonymity and privacy. For example, "Highly Anonymous" proxies do not leak your true IP address at any time, so no matter what you do online, only the proxy IP address is displayed.

Function

Proxy servers operate by routing traffic to and from your computer and the Internet. This gives computers that you are communicating with through the proxy server the illusion that your IP address is the address of the proxy server.

Time Frame

Proxy servers can slow down your Internet connection, depending on where they are geographically located. If you are in the USA, then a proxy server in the USA will be much faster than one in Australia.

Identification

Some proxy servers have IP addresses that inform others that they are registered as a proxy server. If a proxy server does not have this identification attached to it, it can be impossible to identify whether you are behind a proxy server or not.

Benefits

Using a proxy server can allow you to browse the Web anonymously, since your IP address is hidden. You can also get around geographic website restrictions if you use a proxy in the country in which you want to appear to reside.

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Using a proxy server

Types of proxy servers