Proxy is a network computer that can serve as an intermediate for connection with other computers. They are usually used for the following purposes:
- As firewall, a proxy protects the local network from outside access.
- As IP-addresses multiplexer, a proxy allows to connect a number of computers to Internet when having only one IP-address.
- Proxy servers can be used (to some extent) to anonymize web surfing.
- Specialized proxy servers can filter out unwanted content, such as ads or ‘unsuitable’ material.
- Proxy servers can afford some protection against hacking attacks.
Anonymizers
- Anonymizers are services that help make your own web surfing anonymous.
- The first anonymizer developed was Anonymizer.com, created in 1997 by Lance Cottrell.
- An anonymizer removes all the identifying information from a user’s computers while the user surfs the Internet, thereby ensuring the privacy of the user.