in lamans terms, what is the definition and function of "proxies "?

Question

I need to know exactly what proxy settings and SSL (secure socket layering) what is their task or what are they needed for?

Answer 1

I hope the following 2 links will help you understand:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxy_server
http://www.governmentsecurity.org/archive/t15768.html

Answer 2

If you have a company that has 500 computers, it is impractical to have 500 lines go from individual computers to other networks or the Internet. So a proxie server is set up. It has one high speed (T1 or greater) line to it, and then it controls access between the 500 computer and the outside world (such as the Internet).

This reduces the number of lines needed (all 500 computers are unlikely to be accessing the Internet at the same time), it protects the IP and other information of the 500 computers (the outside world can only see the proxie server, not the individual PCs), it gives you only one PC you have to keep properly configured, outdated, and protected rather than 500.

And it gives you a central location where you can monitor Internet usage, block unwanted websites, block SPAM, and restrict things like IMs, streaming video, etc. that will use up all the companies bandwidth and crash the network.

Answer 3

One of the best places to help you learn about Proxy services is here,

http://proxy.org/

Have fun but be safe!