Proper use of a proxy server. What is a proxy? How to set up a proxy server

The Internet in the local network of any organization is a double-edged weapon: as they say, you both want and prick. On the one hand, it is now almost impossible to work without “communication with the outside world”, and there is a lot of useful information on the global network, on the other hand, connecting to the office Internet network drastically reduces its information security, and negligent employees will not fail to immediately use it " freebie."

Therefore, the decision to include a proxy server in the local network of the enterprise remains the only correct and most economical one - it will perform the functions of a kind of security guard on the way to the global information web.

Practice has shown that free proxies are very slow and not suitable for such purposes. Therefore, we decided to buy a couple of elite proxies on, where the speed of the Internet channel is 100 Mbps.

And in this article we will look at the proxy server settings on a computer with Windows 7, and also touch on the question of how to connect the Internet through a proxy server on the local network.

We’ll make a reservation right away that do-it-yourself proxy installation is considered here, while using all kinds of software for these purposes is the topic of a separate very informative article.

What is a proxy server for?

To begin with, let's briefly consider how a proxy server works, and why this device is needed in a simple local network

So, a proxy server is a set of software that regulates the settings for access to external resources (in the general case, to the global Internet).

Essentially, a proxy server indicates that one of its network connections is external and the other is internal.

At the same time, for the internal connection, it assigns certain access rules to the external connection.

The reverse function of the proxy server is also important for the office: to prevent overly curious hackers from the “outside world” (from the vast expanses of the Internet) from accessing information stored on the local network.

How to use a proxy server?

Using a proxy server is available for static IP addresses (that is, manually registered in the network card settings) from the selected range.

So, if the external network has the address 192.168.X.X, then the internal network should not intersect with it in addressing (for example, 172.16.X.X).

The end device settings are set from the appropriate range: that is, 172.16.0.16 or 172.16.230.175 - the main thing is that the first two pairs of digits match (when using the netmask 255.255.0.0).

How to set the proxy server address?

It is better to immediately determine what the IP address of your proxy server will be (usually 172.16.0.1 is used).

It should be noted here that both the address of the end device and the address of the server itself depend on the selected network mask.

So, the mask 255.255.255.0 will give you only 256 addresses like 172.16.0.X, the mask 255.255.0.0 already provides 65536 addresses like 172.16.X.X, and the mask 255.0.0.0 gives you 16777216 addresses. And the proxy server address can be any of the selected range.

How to set up a proxy server?

Let's make a reservation right away that the use of all kinds of programs developed for the MS Windows family, partially or completely performing server functions, is not the best solution for the office. Ideally, the server is a separate computer and exclusively on a Unix system.

However, here we will consider the "classic" option: setting up a proxy server based on standard Windows functions.

So, to install a local proxy server on your computer (all options are considered for Windows 7):

1. Go: "Start" -> "Control Panel" -> "Network and Sharing Center" ->

2. In the list that appears, select the shortcut to connect to the Internet, right-click on it once and select "Properties"

3. Here in the "Access" tab:

Check the box "Allow other network users to use this computer's Internet connection."
- Next, a system warning may appear that the settings will change - confirm this action;

4. In the "Network" tab, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP)" and click the "Properties" button

• - Select "Use the following IP address";
• - Specify the IP address of the proxy server;
• - Specify the selected netmask;
• - Leave the "Main Gateway" field blank;
• - Click "OK" and again "OK"

On this, the minimum proxy server settings are completed, then, if desired, you can separately set authorization (login / password), content filtering, usage monitoring, and so on (this is additional software).

How to connect to a proxy server?

After setting up the server itself, you must also set up a connection to it on all computers in the local network.

So, to access the proxy server on a computer with Windows 7:

1. Go to: "Start" -> "Control Panel" -> "Network and Sharing Center" -> "Change adapter settings".

2. In the list that appears, select your connection, right-click on it and select "Properties":

In the "Network" tab, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP)" and click the "Properties" button.
- Select "Use the following IP address".
- Specify the IP address of this computer from the selected range.
- Specify the selected netmask
- In the "Main Gateway" field, enter the IP address of our proxy server

Click "OK" and again "OK"

3. Go to your browser options.

This requires the following data to be set:

Go to: "Connections" -> "Network settings" -> "Use a proxy server for local connections";

Write down the address of your proxy server (leave port 80)

Also, these parameters can be registered through the windows 7 control panel:

Failed to connect to the proxy server: what to do?

Often, when connecting through a proxy server, a connection error occurs (the server refuses to accept the connection).

As a rule, the reason lies either in the communication line itself, or in the installed settings.

The "ping" command will help you check the connection with the server at the physical level. If the line is OK - restart the server (still on MS Windows) and check the settings of both the server itself and the client.

Traveling across the Internet using your computer, laptop or even a mobile device, each user sooner or later faces the problem of access to some resources. Of course, the question immediately arises, what is the reason for this and how to get rid of such troubles. Or, for example, in the office of the company there are many computers and one access to the global network. How, in this case, to connect all workplaces to the Internet, so that at the same time it remains possible to control the use of traffic by each employee? And the security issues of the office network from external influences (hackers) in this case immediately come to the fore. Using a specific type of connection in such situations seems to be the most reasonable solution, so let's take a closer look at all aspects of setting up a proxy server on Windows 7.

Let's make a reservation right away that for faster and anonymous work on the Internet, it is better not to save money using any kind of free proxy. They are very slow, because a lot of people are already sitting on them. Therefore, we decided to take a few private proxies to set up a proxy server on Windows 7 as part of this article.

What is it and what functions does it perform

Everyone has an idea about mediation in one way or another. Usually this concept is associated with trade. A proxy server is also a kind of intermediary. But it has nothing to do with trading. Through a proxy server, which is a set of networked computer programs, a client (software or hardware system component) requests data from various network services.

For example, an Internet browser through which a user browses global network resources (websites) first connects to a proxy server that makes external requests. The web server on which the desired site is located sends an information packet in response. The proxy server generates this packet in accordance with its settings and sends it to the client (Internet browser). As a result, the user sees the site he needs on the screen. In this case, a visit to the resource is associated with a completely different address than the IP of the computer from which the request was made.

In an office network, a proxy server is connected through a router, which in this case represents an access point. A single computer is connected directly through its network card.

Connecting and configuring a proxy server on Windows 7

Suppose a user wants to anonymously visit a site or cannot get to it due to blocking the ip-addresses of the network that his computer belongs to. You must correctly create a connection, that is, configure a proxy server. Depending on the Internet browser used, this process can be multidirectional, but only until the proxy server settings are opened through any browser. If earlier it was possible to use mismatched ip-addresses for different browsers, now it will not work, except maybe Mozilla Firefox. Connecting and configuring a proxy server affects the settings of all Internet browsers used in Windows 7.

How to configure the system browser Internet Explorer

Specialized resources where you can view the necessary data for free are easy to find through an Internet search. At the same time, it is enough to enter a request, for example, of the form “List of proxies”. Some resources that host such data:

• foxtools.com/Proxy
• proxy-fresh.ru/proxy/
• spys.ru and others.

Setting up Opera on your computer

In the latest versions of the browser, the proxy server settings are tied to the system ones. From this it follows that the process of setting up a proxy server is the same either through the browser or using the Windows 7 control panel. The same LAN settings window will open as in the case of Internet Explorer. To verify this, select in Opera "Menu//Settings//Browser//Change proxy settings".

How to register in Google Chrome

We carry out work with Yandex

Setting up Mozilla Firefox

How to set up Safari

Select the settings tab from the drop-down list of the browser's main menu, then in the window that opens, go to the "Add-ons" menu item, where click the button for changing proxy settings.

Video: Properly Setting Up a Proxy Server on Windows 7

How to disable proxy

To disable the proxy server in browsers, it is enough to uncheck the box in the network settings that allows its use. In Mozilla Firefox, individual settings can be applied.

Installing browser add-ons

To connect to Internet resources through a proxy server, browser plugins are often used to bypass blocking sites by redirecting traffic. These are add-ons such as ZenMate, friGate, Web Proxy and many others. For each browser on the Internet you can find more than one option.

Consider the friGate application for Mozilla Firefox as an example. After installation, a plugin icon appears in the panel opposite the address bar, by clicking on which you can select the necessary settings, for example, enable a proxy server for all sites or select resources from the list.

How to connect via VPN

When using a virtual private network (VPN), all personal computer traffic is routed through a proxy server. At the same time, a high level of anonymity is guaranteed, and the connection speed does not drop. To use a VPN connection in Windows 7, you can install the CyberGhost 5 program, the free version of which is enough to provide an anonymous user surfing the Internet.

When protection is enabled, the program will advise you to upgrade and switch to a paid version. If you want to get additional functionality, you can use the offer. Otherwise, the request should be ignored.

When you install CyberGhost 5, the program settings are set automatically. This creates a virtual TAP-Windows Adapter V9 and a new network connection going through it. In the properties of the Internet protocol component (TCP / IPv4) of the used network card, the DNS servers of the VPN connection are automatically registered.

Why the proxy does not work and how to fix it

Sites may not open if the proxy is unavailable. This means that the server has stopped working. This often happens when using free servers, which can be created temporarily. Also, failures are possible during peak loads on the server. In this case, you should use other addresses from free or paid proxy lists. What else? If the proxy server is configured incorrectly, the Internet will also not respond, so you should pay special attention to these questions. Follow the setup method suggested in the article and the “Unable to connect to the proxy server” problem can be avoided in most cases.

A proxy server is a computer that is connected as an intermediate link between your computer and the Internet. As a rule, powerful stationary computers equipped with a reliable security system and independent power supply are used as proxy servers.

Scopes of proxy servers

To understand what a proxy is for, it is necessary to simulate a few common situations. The first is speeding up the Internet. For example, your computer is quite "old" and cannot work fast. To speed up the search, it is enough to contact an intermediary (proxy-intermediary), who, at your request, will quickly find the required information and transfer it to your computer. It will “shovel” a lot of sites in a few seconds, and you just have to go to the required one.

The second situation is that your account is blocked by a certain site on which you need to work. You need to go to the proxy, and he will open the page already at his IP address. This ability to work anonymously can also be useful for surfing the net, especially if you are not using a personal computer.

It will not hurt the information why a proxy is needed and the heads of firms and departments. If you use one of the computers on the internal network as a proxy server with exclusive access to the Internet, and connect the rest to it, then it is very easy to control the use of the World Wide Web by employees. If you receive some corporate information from the central office or partner offices, it is enough to register the IP address of your proxy there. All employees will be able to receive the necessary data without straining the security system of the storage medium.

You can also configure the proxy server to restrict access to certain sites. This is especially true in schools or computer clubs. If your family uses multiple computers, you can also use a proxy system.

Proxy settings in different browsers

Not everyone, even a fairly experienced user, knows how to use a proxy in a particular computer or laptop. You need to remember one thing - the setting does not depend on the type or brand of computer. You need to focus on the browser that the user is using. If you managed to set up one browser, then you will immediately understand how to use a proxy using others. The settings are not too different, but some can be stopped separately.

One of the popular browsers Mozilla Firefox is configured using the "Tools" button. You need to select “manual proxy settings” in the “connection settings” item, enter the proxy port number and server name in the required fields and click “OK”. Then restart your browser by turning it off and on again.

In the equally well-known browser Opera 5.X - 7.x, work on setting up a proxy begins with the "File" button. Then select "settings" - "categories" - "connections". In the window that appears, click on the "Proxy Servers" button. Then indicate the appropriate protocols for using the proxy (HTTP, HTTPS ...) by ticking the appropriate boxes. "OK" and reboot.

In the address bars, you can specify England proxy servers, thus gaining access to many English-language sites in Europe and America.

Most of all, you need to know how to configure a proxy in the Internet Explorer browser, which is standard on almost all computers. Even when working on someone else's computer, where an unfamiliar browser is installed, you can safely switch to Internet Explorer and use the necessary functions.

First, in the "service" menu, select "Internet Options" and the "connection" tab. Then "configuring the local network" and select the desired connection. In the box before the option "use a proxy server" put a tick. Enter the port number and server name in the required fields. Next, we specify the parameters for various protocols. After closing the windows, restart the browser.

The article was written based on materials from the site https://proxyelite.ru

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Apparently, many users of modern computer systems have heard of the concept of "proxy server". However, not everyone clearly understands what it is and for what purposes it can be used, not to mention setting up a proxy server on a local network or on a single PC. Let's try to broaden the horizons of such users somewhat by offering the simplest possible explanation with a detailed description of the simplest settings.

What is a proxy server and why is it needed

First, a little about the term itself. In general, it is generally accepted that a proxy server is one of the types of software installed on a remote computer terminal, which, in a certain sense, is a kind of link between a user computer or a group of computers connected in a local or virtual network and the Internet. resources that are accessed through the browser or when accessed by installed programs.

A request specifying a regular URL from a computer is sent first to the remote proxy server, and only then is redirected to the requested site. The server itself checks for the presence of the page components in the browser or system cache (if the request is made by another program), and only then downloads the content to the local terminal. The server itself has its own IP address. Thus, the concept of a proxy server can be considered both as software and as the most common remote computer.

The main advantages of such access include ensuring the anonymity of users on the Web, since the request to the resource is made solely on behalf of the server, and not the local computer, as well as the ability to organize access to the Internet for a larger number of PCs on the network.

Default proxy setting in Windows 7 for all users and other operating systems of this class

All the parameters to be set are quite simple both for setting them on individual computers and for local networks. True, in the second case, setting up a proxy server on Windows 7 on a local network is best done not on every PC in a network environment, but on a central server through which all terminals are connected and controlled. In this case, the settings will be applied to all user machines without exception.

Now let's go directly to setting up a proxy server in Windows 7 "Maximum", since it is this modification that has become especially popular and is used most often today. Immediately note that the options below are equally valid for system versions higher or lower.

First of all, you need to call the active connections section (ncpa.cpl), select it and go to the properties item through the RMB menu.

Since we are talking specifically about setting up a proxy server in Windows 7 for all users, the access tab is used in the settings window, on which the items for setting permissions for accessing an Internet connection and managing connections by other users are activated.

Then, through the “Control Panel”, you need to call the browser properties window and on the connections tab, click the network settings button, and then set either the automatic settings item to active, or specify the necessary options manually.

In particular, you will need to enter the proxy server address yourself and assign the desired port. Ports are set to 80 or 3128 in most cases, and the system usually detects them automatically, so you don't have to change the default port. Then it remains just to save the changes and, just in case, perform a full restart of the terminal.

Preferred settings on the local network for individual users

As for setting up a proxy server in Windows 7 on individual PCs, networked or not, the steps here are completely similar to those described above. However, if we are talking specifically about local networks, it is undesirable to set the active point for using a proxy for local connections, since the proxy servers themselves are quite slow, and when making requests between computers on the Network, these operations may take more time than with a normal connection ( sometimes the connection may be lost altogether).

Note: You can also use the registry editor (regedit) to activate the use of proxies with automatic settings.

Setting up a proxy server in Windows 7 in this case comes down to getting to the Internet Settings directory in the HKCU branch and through the Software section. On the right side of the window, find the ProxyEnable key, double-click to open the parameter editing window and set the current value to one. Upon completion of work with the registry, restarting the computer must be performed without fail.

Setting up a proxy server in Windows 7 for browsers

In principle, you can activate the use of a proxy not in the system settings, but directly in browsers.

However, even when accessing such an item in the settings, you will be redirected to the Internet properties.

Another point is that enabling the use of a proxy when activating an additional extension in the form of a VPN client will not work solely for the reason that both proxies and VPNs are a kind of anonymizers and work according to similar principles (only in a VPN, all encrypted traffic is transmitted through a special tunnel).

Connection errors

Despite the ease of setting up a proxy server in Windows 7 or any other operating system of this class, sometimes you can encounter unauthorized failures. As mentioned above, you should not use a proxy server for local connections. On individual terminals (especially when using modems from mobile operators), it is often necessary to enter only those server addresses that are provided by the provider, and then only if the operator supports the use of such a connection.

Finally, to eliminate failures, you can also use additional addresses of free proxy servers posted on the Internet for free access.

Note: for local networks, the problem can be eliminated by using static IP addresses on user machines, but the settings of the main gateway must necessarily intersect with the proxy server options.

Brief summary

That's it in a nutshell and that's it for the main points related to setting the proxy server settings. As for the advisability of using such a connection, in most cases it is recommended to use it only if such support is declared by the operator or provider or there is an urgent need for it. If you wish, of course, you can make the settings yourself, but be prepared for the fact that the speed of access to Internet sites can drop quite a lot, not to mention the download speed of any type of content.

Using a proxy server allows you to ensure anonymity on the network and, in some cases, speed up file downloads. For comfortable work, you need to be able to find a high-quality proxy and properly configure your computer.

Instruction

When working through a proxy server, you leave exactly its ip-address on all visited resources - provided that it has the ability to hide IP. When choosing a proxy, you should look at its characteristics and check whether it provides hiding your real address.

To search for a suitable proxy, go to this resource: http://spys.ru/proxies/ On its pages you can not only choose the appropriate option, but also check the server's performance - to do this, copy its data and paste it into the field in the "Check proxy" tab server". If you have several options at once, use the "Check proxy lists" tab.

When choosing a proxy, pay attention to its response speed - the lower it is, the better. Look also at the Anm column, it shows if the server is anonymous. Highly anonymous proxies are listed as HIA. To work with a browser, you will need an HTTP proxy.

Now set up your browser. If you have Internet Explorer, open in sequence: "Tools" - "Internet Options" - "Connections" and click the "Settings" button. Check the box "Use a proxy server", then specify the necessary data - the address and port number. For example, if the proxy information is 85.214.84.104:8080, enter 85.214.84.104 in the address field and 8080 in the port field.

In the event that you are working with the Mozilla Firefox browser, open: "Tools" - "Settings" - "Advanced" - "Network". Click "Customize" in the "Set Firefox Internet Connection Options" section. In the window that opens, select "Manual proxy server configuration", specify the address and port number, save the changes.

If you have Opera, open in sequence: "Tools" - "Settings" - "Advanced" - "Network". Click the "Proxy servers" button, check the types of connections you need, usually HTTP, HTTPS, FTP. Enter the address of the proxy server and its port in the lines of these protocols. Click OK.

To check if the proxy server provides anonymity, go to any network IP check service. For example, here: http://www.ip-ping.ru/ Check the displayed ip-address with and without a proxy - the addresses must be different.

Tip added September 15, 2011 Tip 2: How to set up a server on your computer In some situations, to create a home network in which several computers will access the Internet at once, you can do without the use of complex expensive equipment. All you need to do is set up your computer as a server.

You will need

• - network cables.

Instruction

First, determine which computer will act as a server on your network. It must be powerful enough not to be heavily affected by the load resulting from the distribution and transmission of Internet traffic. If only one network card is installed in this computer, purchase an additional similar device.

Connect the purchased network adapter to the selected computer. Now, using a network cable, connect this adapter to the network card of another computer. Now configure this network adapter so that other computers can access the Internet through it. Open the properties of this network card. Select the Internet Protocol TCP/IPv4 and click the Properties button.

Enter the numbers 155.155.155.1 in the "IP address" field. Leave the other fields of this menu unchanged. Save your adapter settings.

Create and set up an Internet connection on this computer. Naturally, use another network card for this purpose. Open the properties of the new connection and go to the "Access" menu. Check the box next to "Allow other computers on the local network to use this Internet connection." In the next paragraph, specify the network that includes the second network adapter.

The server setup on the computer is now complete. Now change the parameters of the network card of the computer connected to this PC. Open the properties of the network connection and go to the TCP / IPv4 protocol settings.

Taking into account the value of the IP address of the server computer, enter the following numbers in the required items of the menu that opens: - 155.155.155.2;

155.155.155.1;

155.155.155.1;

155.155.155.1.

Save the settings for this menu. Make sure your computer has access to the Internet.

How to set up a server on a computer - printable version