What is a proxy server?

Answer 1

http://www.webopedia.com/term/p/proxy_server.html

Answer 2

Hi there,
A proxy server is a server which works for proxy purpose. A proxy is an internet tool which is used widely nowadays to unblock the filters in order that one can access websites which are blocked for some reasons. Another function a proxy has is it will protect your online privacy, your IP adress and any other personal infos won't be delivered to the website you are browsing.
If what you mean is a web proxy, then I would suggest you to take a look at http://www.browse-more.info/, and try it. Then you can get a better view of what it is.

Regards,

Answer 3

Anytime you "hook up to the Internet", what you are actually doing to hooking up to an Internet server. The server takes your request, sends them to the Internet, and then returns the results to you (such as the web page you requested to view).

By having a proxy server, you save on the number of cables that have to be strung for the Internet. Instead of every computer in the world having to have a cable to the Internet, you share one high capacity cable. You also are shielded (to some degree) from hackers, viruses, spyware, etc. by having a proxy server in between you and the Internet which can montior (firewall) traffic and refuse to allow through anything harmful.

Public proxy servers can also be used to get around company and school firewalls. You connect to the public proxy server, and then allow it to sent request and replies for sites that would otherwie by banned by the companies proxy server and firewall.