What does a proxy server do?

A proxy server is a computer that works in conjunction with your browser. When you load a web site into your browser the software on the proxy server checks to see if the web files requested have passed through it previously.

If the requested information has previously passed through the proxy, it checks the date, time stamp and number of bytes of the files on the web site. If the information matches with that stored on the proxy, it downloads the previously stored data directly from the proxy to your modem.

If the server hasn't got a local copy of that site, or it is out of date, then it saves the files on it's hard disk as it downloads them to you direct from the web site.

Why should I use a proxy server?

A proxy server makes browsing the net a lot faster and it also conserves bandwidth. There is no point in downloading something that has been downloaded 5 minutes earlier.

Can passwords and secret information be seen buy others?

No, the proxy keeps all its data in a closed database that is not visible to anyone. Passwords and secret information will never be seen buy anyone else.

How do I set up my browser to use proxies?

You may already be using proxies as the software we supply is set up to use them by default. You can check if you are by clicking on one of the following links. This can be done while you are online as it will only take a couple of minutes at the most.