Proxy Checkers Explained

Let me explain what a proxy is before we talk about proxy checkers. A proxy is just what it says, a stand-in. When using your computer on the Internet, if you do not want the websites you visit to access the information on your local intranet or your individual computer if you are not on a network then you need a proxy server. Some web sites have the ability to access and use the information on your computer to send you spam or give you a virus or sell your information to others. Even hackers can get information from your computer just by you surfing different sites on the Internet.

Many individuals and system administrators have chosen to use proxy servers while on the Internet. Big companies may want to spy on their competitors without them knowing. You may not want your surfing to be traceable to your individual computer. Some websites may restrict access to their site from you. By using a proxy server, you can gain access to that same information.

You want to be able to check if the proxy you are using is actually a valid proxy. There are three types of proxies. The transparent proxy will not only inform the site you are visiting that it is a proxy server, it will also give that web site your information. There is the anonymous proxy server that will not give out your personal information but it may give the information that it is a proxy server. The elite proxy server will not give out your information nor will it identify itself as a proxy server at all. The elite proxy servers will usually cost you money to use.

You will want to be able to check the proxy server you use for which type of proxy server it is and if it is still a valid proxy server, which can be done on several sites. First, you set up your computer to use a proxy server through the Internet Options in control panel on the connections tab. Then you go to the Internet and type proxy checker into the search box and many proxy checker sites will come up.

Most proxy checkers have many options from free checkers to pay sites that offer more options. For example, on some sites, using the free version you can check up to 20 proxies at the same time, you get two retries and you can check and save up to 5000 good proxies. With the version you buy, you can check an unlimited amount of proxies at the same time with unlimited retries and you can check and save an unlimited number of good proxies. Whether you use a free version or a paid version, you can still check to see what kind of proxy you are using is and if it is a valid proxy for your purposes.

There are many different types of proxy servers: https, ftp, http and SOCKS, some in txt format and some in html. So whether you use a free proxy checker or you choose to purchase one, just make sure that it suits your needs.