What is a Web Proxy?
A web proxy is a script that is used request a page from another website.
For example, if you go on Proxy A, and try to get to Website B through it, you will see Website B, but you will still technically be on Proxy A.
Proxies are generally used for four reasons. First, they serve as a cache. Proxies are able to save website data onto their servers, so that next time you visit the website, it will be already loaded for you. This will make the loading time much faster.
Proxies are also used to unblock websites in places like schools, work offices, and libraries. Because you are technically still on the proxy when sending a request to another website, it will appear ‘unblocked’ for you.
People that wish to browse the internet anonymously tend to use proxies. These people can range from free speech activists, criminals, to teenage boys looking on porn sites without getting caught. Proxies are able to scramble the information your computer releases.
Finally, proxies are also used to browse the internet safely. Because proxies are able to remove or encrypt web pages and certain scripts, they lower the chances of you contracting a virus while viewing a web page.