When it comes to proxies, they usually mean a direct proxy. Imagine that we are making a request. The proxy does not connect us directly to the site, but intercepts the connection and updates the content of the request, removing the incoming IP and changing the header. As a result, the site thinks that the request came from another computer, and sends the necessary data not to us, but to the proxy server. The proxy accepts the information, validates and sends the data to our computer.
The main difference between a proxy and a VPN is that a VPN protects all network traffic, while a proxy only protects Internet traffic. A proxy relays requests, acting as an intermediary, while a VPN tunnels all network activity down to the operating system level.
Companies use VPNs to give employees access to corporate resources without worrying about traffic being intercepted or dumped by the ISP. If it gets a usage history, it will only show that you are connected to the VPN. Nothing about traffic can be found.
Despite all the advantages, a VPN has some disadvantages compared to a proxy from Fineproxy.de:
- VPNs are more expensive;
- the connection is usually slower.
- For many purposes, VPN security may be overkill. If you just want to mask actions in your application, a proxy server is worth considering.
How to set up a simple proxy server
Creating your own proxy server is easier than it seems. A proxy server can be located anywhere, it can even be a home computer. On a Linux server, you can install Squid and set the necessary settings. It is possible to block certain websites or require authentication before a client connects to a proxy server (step by step guide to configuring Squid).
Proxy checker for web privacy.
