A proxy server allows users to surf the Internet
anonymously. This is done either by forwarding the
connection to another computer. There are also websites
that offer proxy services so that users can mask their own
IP address. An IP address is a distinct address given to
computers connected to the Internet. A website’s IP
address (which is a sequence of numbers) is replaced by a
Domain Name Server (the website’s URL) which is easier
to remember. When people use a proxy server, only the
IP address of the proxy will reflect online.
Some proxy servers may not work if the user changes
connections. This is often the case with laptop users who
use their laptops in several settings. If a local network is
used to connect to the Internet, the administrator may
block the proxy server being used.
Create your own proxy server to prevent this problem.
Proxy servers need providers that offer CGI (Common
Gateway Interface) or PHP (scripting language). Some
hosts offer these free.
Being CGI-enabled is a feature of your web host that you
need in setting up cgiproxy. Preinstalled scripts will also
help. Check if the host is cgi enabled before installing.
Download cgiproxy and unload it to a local directory. Once
you have opened the file, you can modify a lot of settings.
One of these settings allows you to choose that only text
can pass through and no images will be displayed.
Change the necessary options and save. Next, upload the
script to the directory of your cgi.
Download phpproxy and save it in a directory in the hard
drive. Upload the script to your webspace.
Some filters forbid files that have ‘proxy’ in the file name.
You can rename the file to override this or change the
settings in the filter.
When you open your script, enter the IP address of your
client. This is to ensure that your client alone will be able
to append an .htaccess file to the directory. This will
require anyone to type in a username and a password to
begin the script.
If you open your browser, you can then surf the net
anonymously. Check your anonymity by using an IP check
website. Check if the IP address that reflects is different
from your computer’s IP address. If this is the case, you
can now browse the net in private.