When you are accessing or visiting a website or a service that is hosted on an external network like the World Wide Web or an internal one which is local then your computer or terminal will be communicating directly with that server on which the service or webpage is hosted.
Because a proxy performs the function of an intermediary between the two ends it is an extremely important network component.
With the help of a proxy server it is possible to ensure that one’s computer is not in direct communication with the server that is hosting the website that is to be accessed. All communications would instead reach the server through another computer which acts as the proxy. This server in turn would communicate with the host server and relay all the information requested or required back to the person who has asked for it.
Many people hesitate to use the proxy server as the process seems to be slower. But using such a server is highly beneficial although the concept has acquired a bad image due to its facilitating illegal activities. At first proxy servers were so designed so as to hide the identity of the computers belonging to an internal network.
Not only does it protect the computer from prying eyes but also helps to increase the speed of certain web resources and network by means of caching. Caching is imperative because it serves as a content filter and scans inbound as well as outbound data for potential leaks and viruses. Over the past few years there has been a tremendous increase in the number of people using proxy servers because people are becoming more and more net-savvy.
In schools and work places proxy servers have become inevitable. It helps in prohibiting individuals from accessing questionable and forbidden websites, watching impermissible videos, engaging in unproductive work while at work like going to social networking sites, connecting with friends through chat, playing online games and many others. Hence using proxy servers in the professional areas has proved to be extremely beneficial.
If an individual wishes to mask his own identity in the internet, proxy server can help. This can be ensured by masking the IP (Internet Protocol) address of their computers. Further if required an individual has the option of creating innumerable identities or proxies and communicate through them.
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