What comes to your mind when a proxy is mentioned? Have you been wondering how to use a proxy? Or basically what a proxy server is? Well, worry no more, we have you covered!
We live in a world of hackers and online predators. Online security has become a growing concern for many individuals, companies, and organizations. Due to the rising cases of insecurity, surfing anonymously has grown in popularity over the years. A proxy server offers a secure way to browse online content.
So, what is a proxy server?
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What Is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server acts as the gateway between the internet and you. It is basically an intermediary server that separates end users from the sites they access information from. Proxy servers will produce different levels of privacy, functionality, and security, depending on various aspects such as user needs, user case, and company policies. One of the newer types of proxies is static residential proxies by Oxylabs which offer the best benefits of both data center and regular residential proxies.
So, let say you are using a proxy server. When you request a particular address, internet traffic flows through the server to the address in question. The requested information then flows back from that address through the same proxy server to you (please note that there are exceptions when it comes to this rule).
If that’s all that a proxy server does, why shouldn’t we just access the website straight away? Why should we bother using a proxy server?
How to Use a Proxy
When we hear about proxies, we often think about bypassing restrictions and filters. Well, that true. There are many little known ways to use proxies.
Here are our top 5.
1. How to Use a Proxy: Proxies for Netflix
Netflix is one of the top brands when it comes to online streaming (Movies and Shows). However, Netflix offers different numbers of titles based on your region. For instance, Netflix offers approximately 6,000 titles to US residents, while Australians have about 1900 titles to enjoy. For other countries like Russia, it’s even worse…they can only watch about 620 titles! Netflix will always deny you access to stream libraries that are outside your region.
You can be able to access the Netflix library of your region of interest using a proxy server. Once you log in to Netflix, they usually check your IP address to determine your zone. So, using a proxy server with an IP address from your region of interest, you can be able to access the Netflix library of that region.
2. How to Use a Proxy: Proxies for Sneaker Copping
Have you ever wondered why you see certain people with fresh kicks while you are still walking on your old sneakers? If you have ever been in the shoe game, then you probably know how hard it can be to buy a large number of shoes. Many stores won’t sell you say 20 pairs of shoes.
What then can you do to make sure you get what you want? Many stores’ websites use cookies to operate. They will detect your IP address and won’t allow you to buy more shoes than the required number. When you use proxies and different IPs, they will think that you are purchasing from different locations and thus, you can purchase as many sneakers as you wish.
3. How to Use a Proxy: Proxies for Youtube Unblocking
YouTube is one of the best video hostings globally. Imagine a world without YouTube. Youtube can, however, be blocked by system administrators, especially in schools or in companies. A DNS server failure can also cause Youtube blocking. Governments such as Pakistan, China, Iran, etc. have blocked youtube. So, what can you do when you find yourself in such a situation?
The answer is simple, use a proxy server. A proxy server will act as the intermediary between you and youtube. So, when you request the forbidden source, it simply means you are using the proxy server to access youtube and not directly. Thus, you can be able to access any youtube content.
4. How to Use a Proxy: Proxies for Web Crawling
A web crawler is a bot that assists in web indexing. A web crawler helps collect information concerning a website. Once a website detects numerous requests from one IP, the website will block that IP address. A proxy will allow you to crawl a site reliably. The server will provide different IP addresses for you to use. This reduces significantly the chances of your spider getting blocked or banned.
5. How to Use a Proxy: Social Media Unblocking
We live in a world of post, re-post, like, comment, etc. You will agree with me that social media sites are very addictive. Many organizations, companies, and schools block social media access through their local networks for purposes of control and to increase productivity.
If you are a victim of social media blocking, I have good news for you. You can still check your Facebook, or like that photo on Instagram using a proxy. Proxies will allow you to use a different IP to access the blocked social media sites so that you won’t have to miss a moment.
With these five tips on how to use a proxy, you realize that in today’s world, you don’t have to be limited irrespective of where you are or from. You can access almost everything online, thanks to proxies. No blocking, no restrictions!
