Anonymous browsing has become the desire of many people. Proxies offer a secure way to view online content that may be blocked by your network or government. Follow these steps to start browsing anonymously.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Understanding Proxies
Step 1. Understand the basic concepts of proxies
A proxy is a server that lets you connect to and "out" your network. You connect with a proxy and direct your data traffic through that proxy, so your IP is masked and data traffic is read as traffic from the proxy server.
Step 2. Know the different types of proxies
There are different types of proxies that you can come across as you browse the proxy list. Each type offers a certain level of anonymity, and some types of proxies are more secure than others. There are four main types of proxies:
- Web-based proxies: These proxies are the most common and easy to use. You connect to this server via a web browser to browse anonymously.
- Open proxies: These proxies are proxies that were accidentally opened or hacked. Usually these proxies are not secure and may contain malware. You are advised not to use it.
- Anonymity network: This network is a private network run by users contributing bandwidth. These networks are usually very slow and because anyone can donate, the network becomes less secure.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): This network is a private network where you connect to a proxy server maintained by a service provider or organization.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Web Based Proxy
Step 1. Find the list of proxies
Web-based proxies are especially useful if you're not using your computer, as all methods run through your browser, and can work on any operating system.
- There are several sites that list proxies that you can use. Proxy.org is a good site to start with because the list is always up to date.
- It is possible that proxy listing sites like Proxify will be blocked by the school or work network. Visit the site at home and make a list of 10-15 sites to try on the blocked computer.
- Proxies that are used too often will be detected and blocked, so change the proxy you use every day.
- Using a proxy will make surfing much slower, because the data traffic is routed to the proxy, retranslated, and sent to your location. Keep in mind that videos and web pages may take longer to load.
Step 2. Choose a proxy site
If a site is blocked, try another site. When selecting a site from the proxy list, try to use a site that is geographically closer to your location. This will reduce the speed drop.
Step 3. Select the URL box
Enter the address of the site you want to visit. Since proxy sites retranslate data from the sites you visit, there is a chance that the sites might not load properly. Often, the video cannot be loaded. If a site won't load, try another proxy site.
Method 3 of 3: Using VPN Software
Step 1. Download and install the VPN (Virtual Private Network) software
You will need administrator access on your computer to do this. Most VPN software requires a subscription, but as an advantage, you can access thousands of anonymous IPs at your disposal.
- VPNs offer a much higher level of encryption than web-based proxies.
- A VPN works with any internet traffic on your computer, as opposed to a web-based proxt that only works through the browser. VPNs also work with messaging and file transfer apps.
Step 2. Set the VPN settings manually
If you don't want to download VPN software, and prefer to enter connection details manually, you can set it up via the Windows Control Panel. Select Internet Options. You still need to get an IP to connect.
- On the Connections tab, click Add VPN. This will open a new VPN creation window. Enter your VPN IP address.
- If the VPN requires a username and password, you will be asked to enter it.
