Proxy settings are configurations that allow a computer or device to connect to a proxy server, which acts as an intermediary between the computer and the internet. Proxy servers can provide varying levels of functionality, security, and control over internet usage. Some common reasons for using proxy servers include:
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Control and monitoring: Organizations and parents can set up proxy servers to control and monitor how their employees or children use the internet. For example, they can configure the proxy server to deny access to specific sites or filter content.
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Bypassing internet censorship: Users in countries with internet censorship can use proxy servers to circumvent the censorship and access blocked websites and services.
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Improving security: Proxy servers can act as firewalls and filters, examining the data going in and out of a computer or network and applying rules to prevent unauthorized access.
To use a proxy server, the computer or device needs to be configured with the appropriate proxy settings. In most cases, browsers will use proxy settings that are set on the computer, but each browser also has a settings page to configure proxy settings. Proxy settings can be found in the Settings app or Control Panel on Windows, or in System Preferences on macOS. There are two types of proxy settings: automatic and manual. Automatic proxy setup detects the proxy server settings automatically, while manual proxy setup requires entering the IP address and port of the proxy server.
