What Is A Free Proxy Server?

Chances are that at some point you might have heard about free proxy sites. In most cases, these types of sites get a bad rap as they can allow people to bypass Typically, we hear about people using them at schools or work to visit some of their favorite sites such as MySpace, Facebook, etc.

But even though that there is a dark side to proxies, there is also a good side as well. In fact, they are something that all of us should be using to protect ourselves (and our identities) while we are online.

But, I guess I haven't even gone as far as defining what a proxy site is - so let me do it for you right here:

A free proxy server acts as an intermediary between you and the website you wish to visit. This means that any of your private information (such as cookies, passwords and sites you visit) are not stored on the computer that you are using which in turn, minimizes the chance of your private information being stolen.

Well, that was a mouthful ;) In a nutshell, it is a lot easier: basically, you tell the proxy site which site you want to visit, and it shows it to you, but it doesn't leave any trace of the sites you visited on the computer.

Now, this works well on your behalf for a number of reasons:

1. We are so used to using our own computers at home that we usually forget to clear our history and cookies while using a public computer.  This puts you at great risk since there is the chance that the next user takes advantage of the information that you have left there.
2. Most proxy sites disable scripts on the websites that you are visiting so that it limits your exposure to spyware and viruses, though you still need to be careful.
3. Lets you access information that may not be allowed in your country.  A good example is checking out the preview for the next One Tree Hill episode - for some reason we cannot watch it in Canada, but a proxy site would make it possible for you to watch it.  This ability can also be abused, so I guess I would consider it a double-edged sword.
4. Most proxy sites are free and in this time of recession, it can certainly be a good thing.  Also, you don't have to try to remember some cryptic password or username to use them.
5. Easy to use:  even my grandma (who is 84) can use a proxy, so it is basically accessible to everyone.

So, should you be using a free proxy server while surfing the Internet?  You bet.  You will be doing yourself a favor by protecting your information and identity from thieves.