How to Setup a Windows Proxy Server

A Windows proxy server is the intermediary between your computer and the Internet. Proxies receive requests from applications and then submit them to the web, and then connect the servers to the applications submitting the requests. The Windows proxy server can also be used as an administrator to block illegal domains and allow access to others. Proxies can cache specific and regularly visited sites for quicker accessibility. Setting up a Windows proxy server requires a few simple configurations.

Instructions

1. Install SSHWindows installer (see Resources). Accept all defaults that are prompted. Enter the command prompt "(start>run>cmd)." Then type:

   cd\program files\openssh

   mkgroup -l >> etc\group

   mkpasswd -l -u %username% >> etc\passwd

   net start opensshd.

   This will start SSH, create an SSH user group and give you the ability to use the same password as your Windows login.

2. Download and install SpoonProxy (see Resources). Allow it to configure and leave it open.

3. Right-click on "My Network Connections" and hit "Properties." Right-click on your main network card and then click on "Properties." Click on the "Advanced" pane and hit "Settings" within the "Windows Firewall" tab. Click on "Add Port" and type this in: "22 (TCP)." Click on "Ok" three times. Open the port on your broadband router by tunneling external port 22 to the IP address of your home computer port 22.

4. Download and save puTTy to your desktop (see Resources). It is a single executable. Open puTTY by double-clicking on it. Click on "Connections," then click on "SSH," then hit "Tunnels." Add three ports to be forwarded. Enter "80" under "Source Port", type "localhost:8080" under "Destination," then, click on "Add." Type in "443" next under "Source Port," enter "localhost:8081" for the "Destination." Enter "1080" for "Source Port" and type in "localhost:1080" in the "Destination" box.

5. Click on "Session" at the top of the puTTy box. Type in your home computer's external IP address or dynamic DNS name under the "Host Name or IP Address" box. Enter "SSH Home" under "Saved Sessions." Hit "Save." Click on "Open," accept the agreement and type in your Windows login and password. Minimize the box.

6. Set-up Firefox to recognize your proxy. Click on "Tools," then click on "Options," then hit "General." Click on "Connection Settings." Enter your HTTP and SSL connections. Configuring one browser for your proxy allows you to use other browsers and sites without your proxy.

References

• The Web Page of Kristopher Linquist: Setting Up a Proxy Server at Home

Resources

• OpenSSH for Windows
• SpoonProxy
• puTTy