Proxy??

[hwang]

What are "proxies" servers or something related??
Could you explain me this please??

 

[Bryce W]

A proxy is a server that sits between a application on a clients PC (such as a web browser) and the real server. It intercepts the requests to the real server and tries to fulfil it itself. If it cannot it'll forward it to the real server.

Proxy servers are generally used to block access to websites, such as porn sites from within a school network.
They also can be used for annoymity.

 

[hwang]

Thanks for your answer, I wanted to know more about Proxies in a easy way.
But I would like to know, how you can know or detect when a computer is under proxy server??
I mean, how can you detect a proxy server??

 

[Kiwwa]

If your sitting behind a proxy, a simple tracert to google will do the trick, if there are lots of address' in non-routeable ranges (10.*.*.* and 192.168.*.* for instance) then you are probably sitting behind a proxy... or a routed internal network...

For example;

(In a command prompt) tracert google.com

1. 10.35.64.1 (This is my router/modem, the ONLY non-routable address in this list)
2. meb1-ge2-1-3.gw.optusnet.com.au
3. etc
4. etc
5. ad nausium
...
17. 72.14.207.99 (which is our google.com)

If this is the kind of tracert you see, you are more than likely NOT behind a proxy, however!...

1. 10.1.1.1 (Non Routeable)
2. 10.2.2.1 (Non Routeable)
3. 10.3.2.1 (Non Routeable)
4. 192.168.0.1 (Non Routeable)
5. meb1-ge2-1-3.gw.optusnet.com.au
6. etc
7. etc
8. ad nausium
...
17. 72.14.207.99 (again, google.com)

If this is the type of responce you get, you are probably sitting behind some sort of proxy server (or Content Network as their referred to professionally).

Typically, the rule of thumb I use is; If I'm at a school or large business, i'm sitting behind some sort of proxy, if i'm NOT at either of those places, i'm probably not behind one.