Anonymous Proxy Server Lists . com

WHAT IS AN ANONYMOUS PROXY SERVER?

If setup correctly, an anonymous proxy server acts as a buffer between you and the websites that you visit. As data is relayed between you and the Internet, websites only see the IP address of the proxy server, making you "anonymous". However, not all proxy servers strip IP information, so it is important to confirm that your IP address is not being displayed when using a proxy.

Anonymous proxy does not transfer the information about the IP-address of its user, and thus effectively hide the information about you and your surfing interests. In addition, some proxies (the so-called elite proxies) can also hide the fact that a user surfing through a proxy server. So there are two types of anonymous proxies (see below).

Anonymous Proxy server does not send HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR variable to host, this improves privacy since your IP address cannot be logged.
Elite proxy (high anonymity) does not send HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR, HTTP_VIA and HTTP_PROXY_CONNECTION variables. Host doesn't even know you are using proxy server and of course it doesn't know your IP address.

TYPES OF ANONYMOUS PROXY SERVERS

Type: Advantages: Disadvantages:
Web proxies Easy to find, since most are ad supported Often lack support for SSL and scripts, making them buggy.

HTTP proxies Surf anonymously with your regular browser Very difficult to find; usually slow; often not fully anonymous.
Private proxies Same as above with better reliability & speed Costs money.
Setup your own Vert fast and you get your own IP address Costs money, and requires a little time to setup.
Warnings Legal and security issues.

WHY USE AN ANONYMOUS PROXY SERVER?

Some examples:
You are a student that wishes to access websites that are blocked by your school.
You wish to view your online advertising as it appears to people in other countries.
You wish to post in forums or bulletin board without displaying your IP address..
There are many reasons for wanting to use anonymous proxy servers. The first time I became interested was when I was being blocked by a website because of "abuse" - a website that I had never visited before in my entire life! This was on a dynamic IP address while using AOL, so obviously someone who had previously been assigned that IP address had abused the website, and then I was being blocked because of their actions.