In very simple words, a proxy server is a computer which provides a computer network service to allow the users to make indirect network connections to other network services. The user connects to the proxy server and requests a connection, file, or other resource available on a different server. Then, either by connecting to the particular server or by serving it from a cache, the proxy server provides the resource. However, in some cases, the proxy may modify or change the user’s request or the server’s response for various purposes.

We all have our personal choices and taste that differs from one another. In case your favorite sites are blocked in your organization and you want to access them, what you need to do is to use your favorite search engine and search for proxy server list. A number of sites with lists of proxy servers will be found along with their IP addresses. Thus, by using those free proxy sites, you can get access to all your favorite sites.

There are various types of proxy servers available, such as: Transparent Proxy, Anonymous Proxy, Distorting Proxy, and High Anonymity Proxy etc.

In Transparent Proxy, the server identifies itself as a proxy server and through the http headers, it creates the original IP address accessible. These proxy servers are generally used for their capacity to cache websites that do not successfully give any anonymity to those who use them. But the use of a transparent proxy will help you avoid the IP bans. These proxy servers are called transparent as, your IP address is uncovered and not transparent in the terms that you do not know that you are using it.

Anonymous Proxy is another kind of proxy where the server indentifies itself as a proxy server, but it does not allow the original IP address available. Thus, anonymous proxy server is detectable, but offers reasonable anonymity for most of the users.

While in Distorting Proxy, the server identifies itself as a proxy server and creates an incorrect original IP address accessible through the http headers.

In High Anonymity Proxy, the server neither identifies itself as a proxy server nor makes available the original IP address.