How to Make a Connection to a Free Proxy
An Internet proxy allows users to connect to the Internet via a server and IP address different from that of the computer they're using. Users connect to the proxy server, which makes requests for pages and files on their computer's behalf. Proxies are often used as a security measure when direct connections to the Internet would be inadvisable, such as in large corporations where computers that may store sensitive data must connect to the Internet. Proxies can also be used by those trying to circumvent Internet filtering software installed by their parents, business or government. While most good proxy services are paid for, there are free proxies available online.
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Instructions
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Using a Web Proxy
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1
Enter the URL (Web address starting with http://www) for the free Web proxy of your choice (such as HideMyAss or Kproxy) into your browser's address bar. When the site loads, you should see a place to enter in another URL: the one you want to browse anonymously.
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2
Enter the URL of your choice into the proxy window and press the "Surf" or "Hide My Ass" button.
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3
Your requested Web page should load in a new window under an ad bar. If the site doesn't load, you might be browsing a site prohibited by the proxy, such as YouTube.
Using FoxyProxy
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4
Download and install the Firefox browser on your machine if it is not already installed.
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5
Browse to one of the lists of free proxies in the Resources section below and choose a proxy that has recently been reported as working. Bookmark the page or write down the details. You will need them later.
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6
Install FoxyProxy. Browse to the FoxyProxy download page and click the "Install Now" button. Choose "Accept and Install" and then "Install Now" in the successive dialog boxes. You will need to restart Firefox to complete the installation.
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7
Choose "No" when Firefox asks you to configure Tor. Choose "Tools" > "FoxyProxy" > "Options" and click "Add a New Proxy." Add a name on the General tab and enter the proxy details you wrote down in Step 2 in the Proxy Details tab. Be sure to choose "Manual Configuration." Press "OK," and then "Yes."
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8
Use your new proxy. FoxyProxy will appear in the lower left hand corner of Firefox. Click on it and choose your proxy's name whenever you want to use it. The rest of the time, set it to "Default."
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Tips & Warnings
Most free proxies block high-bandwidth sites such as YouTube and the BBC iPlayer. You'll need to buy a proxy subscription if you want to access many of these sites.
Be sure you research the proxy you want to use before configuring it in FoxyProxy. Some scammers will use proxies to gather information about your browsing habits. A quick search on Google will warn you if your proxy is one of these.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit the key to internet image by Alexander Kosenkov from Fotolia.com
