Surfing anonymously is a growing concern for a large number of people. Proxies offer a safe way to view content online that may be blocked by your network or the government. Follow these steps to start anonymous browsing.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learn about Proxies
Step 1. Try to understand the basic concepts of a proxy
A proxy is a server that you connect to and that allows you to leave your network. When you connect to the proxy, your traffic is also routed through it: this way your IP is masked and the traffic appears to be coming from the proxy server.
Step 2. Distinguish between different types of proxies
There are different types of proxies that you will find with the proxy search. Each offers some degree of anonymity, and some are safer than others. There are four main types of proxies:
- Web proxy: the most common and easiest to use. They are servers to which you connect via browser, thus being able to visit a website anonymously.
- Open proxies: these are servers that have been accidentally left open or that have been "pirated". They are often unprotected and may contain malicious software. It is recommended that you avoid this type of proxy.
- Anonymity networks: These are private networks used by users sharing a bandwidth. They are often incredibly slow, and since anyone can accommodate the bandwidth, they are downright insecure.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): these are private networks where you connect directly to a proxy server, managed by a specific organization or company.
Method 2 of 3: Use Web Proxies
Step 1. Find a list of proxies
A web proxy is useful if you are not on your computer, because all the work has been done through the browser, so the method works regardless of the computer's operating system.
- There are several sites that list proxies you can use. Proxy.org is a great place to start that keeps its list constantly updated.
- There is a good chance that sites containing a proxy list, such as Proxify, are blocked by a school or business network. Visit the site at home and make a list of 10 - 15 proxy sites to try with your computer locked down.
- Over-exploited proxies are detected and blocked, so try to change the ones you use daily.
- Using a proxy will make browsing significantly slower. This is because the traffic is redirected through the proxy, reinterpreted and then sent to your location. Be aware that videos and websites can take longer to load.
Step 2. Choose a proxy site
If the site is blocked, you need to try a different one. When choosing sites from a list of proxies, try to use the ones that are geographically closest to your location - it will help you minimize speed loss.
Step 3. Check the URL box
Enter the address of the site you want to visit. Since proxy sites reinterpret the data of the site you are trying to access, there is a possibility that the site will not load correctly. Usually it is the videos that do not get uploaded. If this happens, try again with a different proxy site.
Method 3 of 3: Use VPN Software
Step 1. Download and install the Virtual Private Network (VPN) software
To do this, you will need to log on to your computer as an administrator. Most VPN software requires a subscription. In return, you will be able to access thousands of anonymous IP addresses that you can use.
- Virtual private networks offer much higher levels of encryption than a web proxy.
- They work with all internet traffic passing through your computer, as opposed to a web proxy, which only works through your browser. This includes file transfers and messaging.
Step 2. Manually set the VPN settings
Perhaps you prefer to avoid downloading the software and want to manually enter the connection details for the VPN instead - in that case you can install the VPN from the Windows Control Panel. Select Internet Options. You will still need to get an IP address to connect to.
- On the Connections tab, click Add VPN. The VPN window will open. Enter the IP you intend to connect to.
- If your VPN requires a username and password, you will be asked to enter them.
