What is a proxy server?

[GreenLantern]

Just wondering what exactly a proxy server is? My default settings at work use a proxy server, but it doesn't seem to matter if I turn it on or off.

In other words.....
In firefox I have two options "direct connection to the internet" and "automatic proxy configuration URL" but it doesn't matter if I use either one?

[prstudio]

I'm pleased to announce we have a very special show tonight - take it away Sen!

[GreenLantern]

:h:

[prstudio]

Scroll down...and look at who is viewing the thread.

Sen make that varmit spin the wheel faster!!! -

(sometimes its fun to see how long his dial-up takes to do things :P )

[GreenLantern]

ah, I see. Then I shall await his reply.

[h88]

PR - lol.

[prstudio]

It's 11:36 - he's got 4 minutes before I use my mad copy and paste skills.

[GreenLantern]

11:38

I'm growing old over here.

[GreenLantern]

11:40 and sen is gone :(

[prstudio]

A server between a client application, such as a Web browser, and a real server. It intercepts all requests to the real server to see if it can fulfil the requests itself. If not, it forwards the request to the real server. Proxy servers have two main purposes: improve performance and filter requests.

:)

[GreenLantern]

So, if I choose not to use this proxy, then I am choosing to bypass any filters is this a correct assumption?

[prstudio]

yes - however most companies won't allow you to do that if the proxy is setup correctly...

it acts as "border patrol" for the servers... some have it setup to where you have to go through them, others leave it as just an option for "certain accounts" or "certain websites."

[GreenLantern]

Well this one must not be setup right, because I can turn it off.

If I check the option "Direct Connection to the Internet" that is effectively turning it off right?

:lol:

[prstudio]

My official suggestion is to set it up via proxy and enter in the server address that is in your other configuration -

some websites that you access from work may use that address for verification while other sites (i.e. cnn.com) you can access without it.

to be safe and "compliant" set it up with the proxy information.

(ooo sen is back)

[senocular]

I was going to be a jerk and post an easily searched link to an explanation but I decided against it :P

[SeiferTim]

Depending on the company, the IT department will usually choose to block certain sites from going through the Proxy, and others just simply see what it was that people were trying to access.
At one company I worked at, there were 392 hits per day for something called: "tripleXbarnanimals.com"
I don't think the person who was accessing that site worked there for very long...

[GreenLantern]

But my point is this....

People who are not using the proxy at my company are sort of under the radar right? I mean if you are not using the proxy then nobody can filter what you are doing right?

Not that I really am worried, I stick to my kirupa and msnbc, but I am just curious as to what other people might be getting away with.

[jw06]

Yes, that is true. The proxy server is picking up all you do pretty much.. or logging activity to certain sites. Those who arent using the proxy can almost get away with anything.