Proxy Servers and Anonymizers

Proxy is a network computer that can serve as an intermediate for connection with other computers. They are usually used for the following purposes:

• As firewall, a proxy protects the local network from outside access.
• As IP-addresses multiplexer, a proxy allows to connect a number of computers to Internet when having only one IP-address.
• Proxy servers can be used (to some extent) to anonymize web surfing.
• Specialized proxy servers can filter out unwanted content, such as ads or ‘unsuitable’ material.
• Proxy servers can afford some protection against hacking attacks.

Anonymizers

• Anonymizers are services that help make your own web surfing anonymous.
• The first anonymizer developed was Anonymizer.com, created in 1997 by Lance Cottrell.
• An anonymizer removes all the identifying information from a user’s computers while the user surfs the Internet, thereby ensuring the privacy of the user.