10 Aug

How to Set Up a Proxy Server: The Most Suitable Programs

To work with a proxy, it is actually easy to do without specialized software. You just need to go to the settings, enter the host address and port in a special field, and then check the work in real mode. But sometimes you have to use proxies to work with applications that do not have the option of working with a server of this type. There is also an option to work with two or more servers at the same time, when you need to quickly switch between them. This requires software that can ensure the transmission of traffic to the desired IP address. Such a program is especially relevant if there is no initial option for working with proxies (for example, in a messenger). And you don’t have to configure each browser in turn. There are many programs for proxy servers, they do not differ much in configuration and appearance, but work according to the same scheme. First of all, we should highlight ProxyCap and Proxyfier, which show the best results in testing. In many ways, they are similar, you can use a trial version, but these are paid programs. To understand them better, you need to familiarize yourself with the signs common to each.

What you need to get started

First of all, the proxy server itself. There are free hosts (for the purpose of periodic use, viewing sites and videos and other simple tasks). For more complex tasks (for example, online gaming applications), well-protected social media accounts are needed to eliminate the possibility of blocking and stealing payment card data. An individual proxy server will be the best. You will need an IP host and a port number, and for a private server, you will also need an account with a password. And additional software is not needed to check the proxy server, because the applications that are in demand are themselves configured to work with such hosts.

Proxifier

The program can be used free of charge for 30 days. You can download it from the official page. It allows you to work with all applications that do not support proxy connection (Proxifier supports software designed for FTP, well-known web browsers, instant messengers, Kazaa, Skype, IRC clients). In addition, it is compatible with Webmoney, and system administrators speak positively about the SSH protocol and telnet. Thanks to it, you can scroll through videos, listen to audio recordings, etc. The best option seems to be the Portable Edition (you only need to download the program, you do not need to install it). And you won’t need to control the validity of the proxy.

In terms of disadvantages

It is said that the IPv6 protocol is supported (whether this is true is unknown). Not in all cases with the SOCKS5 protocol functions correctly. Configuring the program for both Windows and MacOS is very simple.

Instruction

On the left, click Proxy server (the same as when selecting in Profile). For those with a Macintosh, choose Proxies.

A form appears, click Add… (adding a proxy address)

And then the setup is quite simple. You need to fill in the displayed fields (address, port, protocol, account, password).

Click Check at the bottom to test the proxy server.

The program allows you to create a chain of proxy servers (of course, you should buy them in advance). In the same way, they are added to the list.

Next, click on Proxy chains, click on Create. Using the mouse, drag the proxy lines into the window below, creating a new chain.

Go to the Profile menu, select Proxification Rules, find the proxy (or chain) you are looking for for a future connection. By the way, here you can configure the application to your taste.

By default, the rule is set to Default. It cannot be changed. In general, if there are no other rules, the connection takes place through a standard proxy server.

Each profile has a preset (localhost). If this rule is active, the application does not provide a tunnel local connection on the PC.

Keep in mind that for Firefox and similar connections, these connections can make a difference.

This rule can either be changed or deleted, but you should do this only if you are completely sure that you need a proxy for a tunnel connection to the local PC. Rules in Proxifier are applied from top to bottom, so it is important how they are arranged (in the list, you can change the order of the rules using the arrows on the right).

To activate or deactivate a rule, use the check boxes. You can also change actions. To add a condition, click Add…, copy (Clone button), edit using Edit… The Remove button (or Del on the keyboard) deletes it.

If you take actions to add or change conditions, a form appears with the following fields:

• Name (the name of the condition, filled in arbitrarily);
• Enabled (shows whether the rule is enabled or disabled);
• Applications (a list of applications for working with the rule, the division is done using “;”);
• Browse (helps you find a file that is then added to the list).
• Target hosts (DNS hosts are listed here).

Now we can move on to the practical part. Let’s try to connect the World of Warcraft toy through a proxy (with a minimum number of settings).

Go to Proxy Settings (Options menu), click Add…

Enter the host (address) and port number.

In the Protocol section, check the radio button on the required item. If authorization is required, you need to enable Use authentification, enter the Username and Password.

Next, check the validity of the proxy (the line in Proxy Settings). If Testing failed, then the test failed (as a rule, the proxy type is specified incorrectly).

When purchasing a proxy from us, the buyer receives all the necessary data, as well as advice on setting up the server.

If the test is passed, the form is closed. Then, through the Options menu, go to Proxificatin Rules.

The radio button toggles to Process Only the following + manually proxified, then press Add…

Give a name to the rule (any rule), click the Browse button in the Applications section.

In the folder with the game, select the executable file (name).exe.

Confirm and close all windows. That’s it, you can start the game.

ProxyCap

It is downloaded from the official page. The advantage of the program is that here the validity of the proxy server is checked (you just need to download the program itself). Allows you to run any programs, including those that do not support proxy.

Suitable for SOCKS4, HTTPS, SOCKS5 protocols. The verification period is 30 days (after expiration, the program must be purchased). A plus is the ability to specify for applications whether they work with proxies or not.

Configuration is done in the same way as Proxifier.

Find Preferences, click New prosy server at the top left.

In the Server column, you need to fill in the following fields: IP address, port number, authorization data (the latter is optional).

Click OK (to save changes)

To check the validity of the server, click Check in the right corner. A field appears in which we enter the Internet address (of our choice), after which we start testing. If the test is successful, go to the Rules section, where you create a rule to redirect traffic. In the case where a proxy server is required for all applications, the Rule Type list is set to Tunnel through proxy, and the Resolve names remotely field is checked. You also need to check the TCP and UDP checkboxes. As a result, the passage of traffic through the proxy is ensured (install programs to work with the server yourself).

Proxy Switcher

In many ways, it is similar to ProxyCap. The program is free, but it is limited in functionality. Therefore, it is better to buy it. It differs in that it becomes possible to work with the proxy server configuration, proxies responsible for testing performance and maintaining anonymity are automatically loaded. You can play any online games, personal data is protected as much as possible. There is an option to switch between servers at a certain moment.

To configure the program, click + (red) on the toolbar. A window appears in which the proxy server data is entered.

Click OK (to save the settings).

Go to the toolbar, select the green icon (white triangle inside), and start testing the connection that you added.

Once verified, the proxy is ready to use.

Right-click on one of the added proxies, and then select Switch to this Server. This is the method of switching between proxy servers.

Linux: What Programs Work with Proxies

The programs mentioned earlier are designed for Windows. And in terms of Linux? It turns out that there are a large number of programs for this OS as well. But almost all of them do not have a graphical shell, the configuration process is carried out through the command line.

Browser extensions

This doesn’t seem to be particularly relevant, since most web browsers support proxy configuration. True, not all. For example, Chrome (Google) does not provide this process. Other Internet browsers also do not support all settings. What to do? Exit in extensions that complement proxy explorers. The most popular are FoxyProxy and Proxy For Chrome. They connect without any problems. To install the first of them, you need to go to the official resource, find the “Add to Forefox” line and click it. The installation begins, after which the browser is restarted and, if necessary, proxy servers are prescribed. You can find out how the operation is performed in the article that describes configuring FoxyProxy for Forefox.

Mozilla and other Web browsers configure proxy servers in the same way.