A proxy refers to a proxy server which is essentially another computer device that serves as a hub or center by which the internet requests are being sorted out. By hooking up via any one of these servers, a computer device transmits requests to the proxy server which in turn manage the request and give back what is being requested. By doing this, it acts as an intermediary or “middle man” between your home device and the rest of the computers hooked up on the internet. Proxy servers are often used for a lot of reasons like filtering web content, going around restrictions like parental blocks, screening downloads and uploads. Proxies are also used to give anonymity and provide privacy when surfing the internet. Proxies can also be used to hide your IP address if you do not want to be tracked on the web while browsing various websites.
Basically, proxy servers have to major purposes. First of all, proxy servers help enhance performance particularly for a group of users. This is due to the fact that proxy servers save all the previous results for a specific period of time. Another vital purpose of proxy servers is for filtering requests. For instance, if you do not want certain websites to be accessed at home or in the office, a proxy server can be used. In essence, a proxy server is point to point connection between a remote location and your computer device on the internet.
And while proxies can provide better security for your computer, there are certain things you need to remember when using proxy servers. First of all, a proxy server needs to decode the traffic you create before sending it through which means it can vie all the things you are doing on your server unless you are using SSL connections. This is why you need to have a trusted proxy server otherwise all your work and browsing activities can be snooped. But on the other hand, if you are going to set up your own proxy server, you can modify the level of security you want to ensure that you maintain your privacy and anonymity.