2006-12-01 08:03:42 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
A proxy server is simply a "gateway" that controls and monitors what you do on the Internet.
When you use the Internet, the request is sent to that server, which then determines if you have access to view the web page. If you do, the request is sent out to the Internet. It also works as a "firewall", mainly something that helps to protect you from hacking and viruses coming in from the Internet.
The server's role is to control Internet access, log the activity, and protect the network by letting legitimate traffic in.
Hope this helps.
2006-12-01 08:13:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A proxy server caches data from the internet for use within a local network.
For example, a company might have a proxy server for web surfing. When somebody visits a website, the proxy saves a copy of that web site. And later on, when somebody else in the company tries to visit that same web site, the proxy just checks on the internet if the website has changed since it saved a copy. If not, it just sends the local copy to the user. This is generally faster than retrieving the website from the internet again.
Another use for proxies is for anonymity, if that's what your asking. The proxy does exactly the same thing like above, but the purpose is different. The original website only sees the proxy in their own logs, so the real user who requested the webpage remains hidden.
2006-12-01 08:16:02 · answer #2 · answered by Nick B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ms. Balls assumes you are speaking in terms of computers and internet, correct? If that is so, then a proxy server could be viewed as a separate server in which to connect and access or download data or programs, i.e., software and gaming programs, in the event the primary server is busy or if the "proxy" server can serve your purpose with greater speed.
Much like if you visit Microsoft to download any particular update or software thingy they will provide links to other servers from which to download from.
Hope this helps.
.
2006-12-01 08:17:03 · answer #3 · answered by Ms. Balls 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a proxy server is a server that makes the request on your behalf. In the case of a web proxy server, for some reason, you/your computer may not be able to make the web request yourself (technical limitations, policy, etc.). So your browser is configured to talk to a proxy server. Your browser tells the proxy server what site you want to reach, the proxy server talks to that site, gets the data and returns it to your computer.
2006-12-01 08:11:07 · answer #4 · answered by Tim M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A proxy is a server that connects to the internet via - it's basically 'bouncing' all the traffic to and from your computer.
2006-12-01 09:46:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In corporations? A proxy is a written card that carries your choices in a vote of shareholders in a corporate vote of stockholders. A proxy "Server" is the person who carries the paper to the corporations directors to have it tallied.
2006-12-01 08:07:18 · answer #6 · answered by stick man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All very good responses, just to say same in simple terms: simply some third party server which places itself between you and final destination (wherever you are connecting to) and passes (and/or filters) communication in both directions.
2006-12-01 09:34:45 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋