How To Access Proxy Server
How to Set Up a Proxy Server on Your PC, Mac, or Web Browser
As for what a proxy server is, think of your proxy as a gateway between you and the internet. When you visit a website, the proxy server communicates with it on behalf of your browser. Then, when the website answers, the proxy forwards the data to you.
Proxy servers can do many jobs. These include scanning for viruses, acting as a firewall, speeding up your connection by caching, and hiding your public IP address.
You have lots of choices when it comes to internet privacy. There’s a lot to learn, such as understanding what a reverse proxy is or distinguishing between VPNs, proxies, and Tor. If you want dependable protection and encryption for your internet traffic, consider a VPN. Avast SecureLine VPN hides your data from snoopers and protects your online identity, and it’s also much easier to set up than a proxy server.
There’s no similar guarantee of protection with a proxy, especially if you’re using one of the many web-based proxies available online. These public proxy services may slow down your service, and even worse, they may be insecure. Instead, we suggest you learn how to set up a proxy server on Windows, MacOS, and the most popular web browsers.
If you’re configuring your browser to use a proxy operated by a company, school, or other similar organization, some of these instructions may require you to contact your IT staff. This is the case particularly when you are asked to manually enter a script name, formally called a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file. You may also need to type in the proxy’s IP and port numbers. In both cases, turn to your IT helpdesk if you haven’t been given this information. If you’re using a proxy that you’ve purchased or created on your own, you’ll already have these details.
How to set up a proxy server in Windows
Here’s how to set up your Windows PC to use a proxy server on Windows 8 or Windows 10:
Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Under the Manual Setup section, set the “Use a Proxy Server” toggle to On. Make sure the “Automatically detect settings” toggle is also on.
By default, Windows automatically checks to see if your business, school, or local network already has an automatic proxy server setup ready to run for you. If it does, Windows tells you its name, and encourages you to follow its instructions.
Assuming that Windows finds a PAC file, in the Automatic Proxy Setup, set the Use Setup Script switch to On.
Enter the script address and click Save.
Congratulations! You’re done and ready to proxy.
How to manually set up a proxy in Windows 8 or Windows 10
Not every organization sets up the process automatically. If you need to set up a proxy manually in Windows 8 or Windows 10, here’s how to do it.
To access the Windows Settings menu, press the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8 systems, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Scroll down to “Manual proxy setup” and set the “Use a Proxy Server” switch to On.
In the address field, type the proxy server name or IP address. In the Port field, enter the proxy port number. You can get these from your IT support tech.
If the proxy server is protected by a password, select the “Proxy server requires password” checkbox. Enter your account name and password in the Username and Password fields.
Click Save.
That’s all there is to it. You’re now set up to use your proxy server on Windows. The next time you use the internet, you’ll be using the proxy server.
How to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS
Here’s how to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS 10. 15 Catalina. Other macOS versions use essentially the same commands.
Open System Preferences. One way to get there is to click on the Apple menu > System Preferences.
Choose the Network icon to adjust connectivity settings.
Select the type of network you use, which is usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Click Advanced > Proxies.
To automatically configure your proxy server settings, select Auto Proxy Discovery. Click on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS). Type in the proxy server address and its port number in the fields on the right.
To use a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file, select Automatic Proxy Configuration and enter the proxy address into the URL field.
Click OK to save the proxy setup.
You’re now ready to surf the internet via your proxy.
How to set up a proxy in Google Chrome
By default, Chrome uses your macOS or Windows proxy. To change your proxy settings from within Chrome, take the following steps:
Open the Chrome toolbar and select Settings.
Scroll down to the bottom of the display. Click on Show advanced settings…
Scroll down to “System” and choose Open your computer’s proxy settings.
Next, go back to the instructions for your operating system listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
In short, to set up a proxy server in Google Chrome, you’re just doing the first few steps in the browser, and then completing the process in your machine’s operating system.
How to set up a proxy server in Safari
Like Chrome, Safari’s default setting is to follow the proxy configurations within your OS. Here’s how to change your proxy settings from within Safari:
Click on Safari in the browser toolbar. Choose Preferences.
Click on the Advanced tab. Under “Proxies, ” click Change settings…
Next, you must go back to the instructions for macOS listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
How to set up a proxy server in Edge
Edge is Windows 10’s built-in web browser, and unless you tell it otherwise, it’ll use your proxy configurations in Windows. The latest versions of Edge are based on Chrome, so the configuration is similar. The following steps show you how to set up a proxy from within Edge:
In Microsoft Edge, at the top-right corner, click the Menu button. Select Settings.
Scroll down to the Advanced settings section and click the View advanced settings icon.
Click the Open proxy settings button.
Next, go back to the instructions for Windows 10 listed above, then follow them to configure your proxy server settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Firefox
Unlike other web browsers, Firefox doesn’t default to using your system’s proxy settings. You’ll need to change your proxy from within Firefox:
Open the Firefox menu and select Options.
Click on the Advanced icon.
Select the Network tab.
In the Connection Settings, select, Auto-detect proxy configuration for this network. When prompted, enter the proxy address.
Alternatively, in the Connection Settings, you can select, Use system proxy settings. If you choose that option, Firefox uses the proxy settings in your operating system.
Click OK to save your settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Internet Explorer
Please keep in mind that Internet Explorer is an outdated web browser. Instead, switch to a browser that’s still receiving regular updates and support, such as Avast Secure Browser, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Though since quite a few people and companies still use Internet Explorer (IE), you should know how to set things up when necessary.
As with other browsers, IE defaults to using your Windows proxy configurations. Here’s how to set your proxy up from within IE.
Open the IE toolbar and select Internet Options.
Open the Connections tab.
Select LAN Settings.
Check the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box.
When prompted, enter the proxy server name and port number.
How to set up a proxy server in Android
With Android, you must configure proxy settings for each network you use. In addition, the proxy will only be used by your web browser. Other internet applications may choose to use or ignore the proxy based on their own internal settings. This is another reason why VPNs tend to be better choices — when you use one, it covers all the internet traffic from your device.
Open Android’s Settings and tap Wi-Fi to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the Wi-Fi network name for which you want to change the proxy settings. Tap Modify Network.
Tap Advanced Options.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your hostname and proxy port.
OR
If you have a Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file, select Proxy Auto-Config and Android will prompt you to enter the PAC address.
Tap SAVE.
How to set up a proxy server in iOS
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Select the active Wi-Fi connection.
Under HTTP proxy, click Configure Proxy.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your host name, proxy port, and, if needed, your authentication username and password.
If your provider supports Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD), tap Automatic. If required, enter the Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file location.
Tap back to the Wi-Fi selection window.
Protect your online anonymity the easy way
Proxy servers have their uses, particularly within large organizations. However, setting one up requires a bit of work, and this is a job typically entrusted to network administrators and other IT professionals.
Avast SecureLine VPN is an internet privacy solution that’s both simpler to use and far more protective of your identity and online activities. A single click or tap of a button gets you encryption that keeps you anonymous online and prevents anyone from snooping on your sensitive personal info, such as your online banking, health info, or private photos. Enjoy true online privacy on your desktop, laptop or mobile device with a VPN that’s as convenient as it is secure.
How to Connect to a Proxy Server – wikiHow
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Proxy servers are computers or applications in the network that act as gateway to a larger network structure such as the Internet and larger servers for increased efficiency and reliability. Connecting to a proxy server is done by getting the protocol address and setting it on the web browser you’re using.
1Launch your Google Chrome web browser. Do this by clicking on its shortcut icon from your desktop.
2Go to Settings. Click its menu button at the top-right corner of the browser window to open a pop up menu. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu to open Google Chrome’s browser settings.
3Go to Advanced. Click on “Show advanced settings” to reveal additional browser settings.
4Open the “Internet Properties” window. Scroll down the Settings tab to the “Network” section and click the “Change proxy settings” button to open a small “Internet Properties” window.
5View the current LAN settings. Click “LAN Settings” inside the small window to view the current settings of your local area network.
6Enable the proxy settings. Do this by putting a check mark on the box beside “Use a proxy server for your LAN. ”
7
Enter the IP address and port number of the proxy server you want to connect to. Do this on the respective text fields.
Contact your firm’s IT personnel if you don’t know the IP address and port number of the proxy server you want to connect to.
8Save. Click “OK” to save the changes made on Chrome’s proxy server setting.
9Test the connection. Enter the web address of the server you want to connect to on the address bar of Google Chrome to test the connection.
1Launch your Mozilla Firefox web browser. Do this by clicking on its shortcut icon from your desktop.
2Open the menu. Click its menu button at the top-right corner of the browser window to open a pop up menu.
3Access the Options menu. Select “Options” from the drop-down menu to open Mozilla Firefox’s browser settings.
4Go to Connection Settings. Click the “Settings” button listed along the “Connections” section on the “Network” tab of the Options window to open your browser’s connection settings.
5Enable “Manual proxy configuration. ” Click the radio button beside “Manual proxy configuration” to enable the option.
6
Enter the IP/HTTP address and port number of the proxy server you want to connect to. Do this on the respective text fields.
7Save. Click “OK” to save the changes made on Firefox’s proxy server setting.
8Test the connection. Enter the web address of the server you want to connect to on the address bar of Mozilla Firefox to test the connection.
1Launch your Safari web browser. Do this by clicking on its shortcut icon from your desktop or the app dock (if you’re using a Mac).
2Go to Preferences. Click on “Safari” at the top-left corner of the menu bar and select “Preferences” from the drop-down list to open Safari’s Preferences window.
3Go to Advanced Settings. Click the gear icon on the right side of the Preference window to view the advanced settings of Safari.
4Click the “Change Settings” button. Now you can begin adding or editing any current proxies used within the browser.
5
Select a proxy. Select the kind of proxy you’re about to use from the list of options available under the “Select a protocol to configure” list.
Ask your firm’s IT personnel if you’re unsure what kind of protocol the proxy server you’re about to connect to is. If you’re just using a basic proxy server to connect to the internet, you can just select “Web Proxy (HTTP)” from the list.
7Save. Click “OK” to save the changes made on Safari’s proxy server setting.
8Test the connection. Enter the web address of the server you want to connect to on the address bar of Safari to test the connection.
1Launch your Internet Explorer web browser. Do this by clicking on its shortcut icon from your desktop.
2Open the Internet Options menu. Click “Tools” from the menu bar at the top left section of the window and select “Internet Options” from the drop-down list.
3Go to your LAN settings. Go to the “Connections” tab inside the Internet Options window, and click the “LAN Settings” button at the bottom. This will open a smaller window for your local area network settings.
4Enable the proxy settings. ”
6Save. Click “OK” to save the changes made on Internet Explorer’s proxy server setting.
7Test the connection. Enter the web address of the server you want to connect to on the address bar of Internet Explorer to test the connection.
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I am so confused about proxy servers, I have AT&T internet and Microsoft keeps wanting me to use Explorer. I use Google Chrome as default; how do I set the proxy server, different for each?
First you should go into Chrome’s settings and make Chrome the default browser. Then, go into both browsers and set your proxies manually as you see fit.
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About This Article
Article SummaryX1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Click System Preferences.
3. Click Network.
4. Select a connection type.
5. Click Advanced.
6. Select a protocol.
7. Enter the proxy server info.
8. Click OK.
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 239, 863 times.
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How do I use a Proxy Server? – What Is My IP Address
Please be aware that the use of proxy servers without the express permission from the owner of the proxy server may be illegal in some states and/or countries. Use them at your own risk.
Use your favorite search engine and search for ‘proxy server list’. You’ll find many sites with lists of proxy servers, their IP address, the port they listen on, and usually what country they are in. Write down a few of them.
You may see references to four different types of proxy servers:
Transparent Proxy
This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server and also makes the original IP address available through the HTTP headers. These are generally used for their ability to cache websites and do not effectively provide any anonymity to those who use them. However, the use of a transparent proxy will get you around simple IP bans. They are transparent in the terms that your IP address is exposed, not transparent in the terms that you do not know that you are using it (your system is not specifically configured to use it. )
Anonymous Proxy
This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server but does not make the original IP address available. This type of proxy server is detectable but provides reasonable anonymity for most users.
Distorting Proxy
This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server, but make an incorrect original IP address available through the HTTP headers.
High Anonymity Proxy
This type of proxy server does not identify itself as a proxy server and does not make available the original IP address.
Please make sure to read about anonymous proxy risks before using a proxy server.
If you need further assistance using proxy servers please post a question in the proxy server forum.
Browser Settings
The following are instructions to configure various browsers to use an HTTP proxy server.
Internet Explorer 6
FireFox
Netscape 8
Opera
Instructions for Internet Explorer 6. 0
On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options, click the Connections tab, and then click LAN Settings.
Under Proxy server, click to select the Use a proxy server for your LAN check box.
In the Address box, type the IP address of the proxy server.
In the Port box, type the port number that is used by the proxy server for client connections (by default, 8080).
You can click to select the Bypass proxy server for local addresses check box if you do not want the proxy server computer to be used when you connect to a computer on the local network (this may speed up performance).
Click OK to close the LAN Settings dialog box.
Click OK again to close the Internet Options dialog box.
Instructions for Internet Explorer 5
Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Internet.
Click the Connections tab, click LAN Settings, and then click to select the Use Proxy Server check box.
In the Address box, type the appropriate proxy server information, and use the following format:
Instructions for Firefox 3. 0
Select the Tools Menu
Select Options
Select the Advanced Icon
Select the Network tab
Under connection select Settings
Under Settings you can chose “Auto-Detect Proxy setting for this network” or “Manual Proxy Configuration”
If choosing “Manual Proxy Configuration” Enter the IP address for the HTTP proxy server
Enter the port of the HTTP proxy server
Click Okay
Instructions for FireFox 2
Select Connection Settings
Select Manual Proxy Configuration
Check Use the same proxy for all protocols
Enter the IP address for the HTTP proxy server
Instructions for Netscape 8. 1
Select General
Select Connection Settings…
Check Manual Proxy Configuration
Enter the proxy server’s IP address in the HTTP Proxy field and the proxy’s port into the Port field.
OK your way out
Instructions for Netscape 7. 1
Select the Edit Menu
Select Preferences
Maximize Advanced
Select Proxies
Choose Manual proxy configuration
Enter the proxy server’s IP address in the HTTP Proxy field and the proxy’s port into the corresponding Port field.
Opera 8. 5
Select Advanced Tab
Select Proxy Servers
Check the box next to HTTP
Enter the proxy server’s IP address in the first box and the proxy’s port in the box after “Port”
Safari 2. 0. 3
Select Advanced
Select Proxies: Change Settings
Check the box next to Web Proxy (HTTP)
Enter the proxy server’s IP address in the first box and the proxy’s port in the box after the “:”
Select Apply Now
Get hidden now. »» I want to hide my IP
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