Option #1 Web Anonymizers (Public Proxies)
Web Anonymizers are the most common form of anonymous web proxies. They're commonly referred to as public proxies and are by far the easiest method for surfing the web without detection. The best anonymizers are the websites theverylastproxy.com and vtunnel.com. Users can go to proxy4free.com for a list of hundreds of free public proxies. To use them, surfers simply enter the URL of the website they wish to visit into the URL bar on the anonymizer's website. The proxy will take care of the rest. The only drawback to public proxies is that they're often unreliable and shut down without notice. But dozens of public proxies pop up every week so finding new sites won't be a problem as long as you are okay with the constant search for
new proxies.
Option #2 Private Proxy Servers
Surfers that need serious privacy protection and anonymity should look to private
proxy servers. There are a number of services on the internet like yourprivateproxy.com, limeproxies.com, or xroxy.com where users pay a monthly fee to use their own private proxies. Pricing depends on how many proxies the user needs and the level of security that the proxy provides.
There Are 2 Major Types Of Proxy Servers:
1. Fully Anonymous Proxies. These are the top of the line model so to speak. They offer the user total security and anonymity when browsing online. These proxies are typically only used by professionals at institutions like the Department of Defense to hide their tracks.
2. Anonymous Proxies - These servers will hide the users IP address and personal information but websites will still recognize that the user is using a proxy server when browsing. For most users however this fact does not matter.
How To Configure Your Browser for Using a Proxy Server
Every internet browser is different when it comes to setting up a proxy server. Mozilla Firefox users should download and install the SwtichProxy Tool. The plugin comes with detailed instructions that will make setting up multiple proxies fairly easy.
Internet Explorer users should go to Internet Options - Connections - LAN Settings - Click "Enable Proxy Server". Enter the proxy name and port number. The browser will notify the user if it's connected properly.
Common Problems When Using Proxy Servers
Some proxy servers can be painfully slow when browsing the web. Unfortunately this cannot be fixed by the user as it's determined by the host server. The best way to avoid is to use services with Sock5 proxies. Sock5 proxies are the gold standard in terms of speed. Shoppers should ask proxy providers if they offer Sock5 before buying.
