Information on Free Proxy Servers

Proxies create anonymity on the Internet, and they can be accessed for free.

There are two types of proxy servers that are free to use---HTTP proxies and CGI proxies. An HTTP proxy can have security features based on the "Secure Socket Layer" (SSL). These secure HTTP proxies are called "SSL proxies." "CGI" stands for "Common Gateway Interface." This is the name of a programming system in which these services were first written.

CGI Proxy Function

A CGI proxy is a website. The user types in the address of the website he wants to visit. The proxy displays that website in its own window. The address at the top of the browser remains that of the proxy website and not the target website. All communication with the destination website is carried out as though it originated with the proxy. The user's data is not passed on.

HTTP Proxy Function

A Web browser can be set to send all traffic to a proxy rather than to the addresses you type into your browsers. Those addresses are passed on to the proxy, which then communicates with the required website and returns its pages to your browser.

Purpose

Companies or governments may ban access to certain sites. A website might ban an individual because access is restricted to a particular region, or you may wish to see content intended for other nationalities. Proxies hide your origin from the contacted website. They circumvent bans by substituting your address or the destination address or both with its own.

References

• ROS Instrument: Hiding Your IP Address