How to Connect via Free Proxy Servers

Connect anonymously by using a proxy server.

Used to break or mask the connection between host and server, a proxy server is often used to protect or hide an individual's identity. A proxy server allows you to connect to a host on behalf of an anonymous client without binding your own identity to the connection. There are many proxy servers available to choose from, most of which are free to use. Adding or configuring a proxy server can be done from within any Web browser, including Internet Explorer.

Instructions

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click "Tools," and then click "Internet Options." This opens a dialog box that displays configuration settings for Internet Explorer.

3. Click the "Connections" tab, and then click the "LAN settings" button at the bottom.

4. Click to uncheck the box next to "Automatically detect settings."

5. Click to place a checkmark in the "Use a proxy server for your LAN" box.

6. Type the proxy IP address into the "Address" box and type the port number into the "Port" box. If you do not have any proxy server information, refer to a list of free proxy servers you can use (See Resources).

7. Click "OK" and then restart Internet Explorer.

References

• PC Magazine: Proxy Server Definition
• Microsoft: Internet Explorer Quick Reference Guide
• Microsoft: Internet Explorer 8: Help and support
• Microsoft: How to Configure Internet Explorer to use a Proxy Server

Resources

• XROXY: Open Proxy List
• AliveProxy: Proxy List on Port 8080