Computer Gurus: What is a proxy server

[bigun]

Firefox saying it can not connect because it proxy server is refusing connections? How do I fix? ARRRGG

[fulsizjeep]

You are posting so something is working.

[bigun]

Two lap tops and one smart phone!!! One laptop is suddenly not connecting to net, it was working then all of the sudden message appeared and now it won't connect.

[will e]

proxy servers are one type of device that is used to control access from one network to another. Typically companies use them to block some or all internet access. A proxy server might block specific sites, it might block groups of sites (like sides identified as gambling or port). There is a lot of configurability to most proxy servers but generally we like to keep the rules simple.

Proxy servers can also be used to block specific types of access. For example, ftp or telnet might be blocked but http isn't.

[bigun]

proxy servers are one type of device that is used to control access from one network to another. Typically companies use them to block some or all internet access. A proxy server might block specific sites, it might block groups of sites (like sides identified as gambling or port). There is a lot of configurability to most proxy servers but generally we like to keep the rules simple.

Proxy servers can also be used to block specific types of access. For example, ftp or telnet might be blocked but http isn't.

OK Why does my personnel computer have one and how do I find change or eliminate it. I was listening to Iheart when it shut down

[carnuck]

Your access point has it.

[will e]

Each computer might have a proxy server configured. If you go into your web browser tools you will see where it can be configured.

[bigun]

Each computer might have a proxy server configured. If you go into your web browser tools you will see where it can be configured.

Thanks, back working set it to find proxy and now it is working,. Oddly enough the proxy it was showing was the same as the other computer.

Thanks to everybody who replied

[fulsizjeep]

I say be careful... Proxy is an NSA agent.

[bigun]

I say be careful... Proxy is an NSA agent.

So speaketh the man who worketh for the government!!!!

[Tatsadasayago]

Another example of a proxy is a local one used by anti-virus/Internet Security suites like the *Gasp, Barf, Growl* Norton 360 and others.
The software tells windows to direct all network traffic through it's own proxy server then sends the traffic out to your network card/port and on to your modem/router.

If your trial or subscription runs out the proxy no longer works fully and you can get those messages and/or lose internet access via your browser(s).

Yes, a bad proxy can be installed on your computer which allows virii, trojans and malware to do their evil to your computer and others.

[bigun]

Another example of a proxy is a local one used by anti-virus/Internet Security suites like the *Gasp, Barf, Growl* Norton 360 and others.
The software tells windows to direct all network traffic through it's own proxy server then sends the traffic out to your network card/port and on to your modem/router.

If your trial or subscription runs out the proxy no longer works fully and you can get those messages and/or lose internet access via your browser(s).

Yes, a bad proxy can be installed on your computer which allows virii, trojans and malware to do their evil to your computer and others.

Interesting I also had something show up called "internet port 3" not sure what it is doing other than if I shut it off computer won't connect to the net. Hopefully running Malware bites every few days will keep the bad things away

[carnuck]

I'd also run Ccleaner too. Linux only has issues when the surrounding net is slow due to hacker traffic and slaved Microsoft powered computers.

[Tatsadasayago]

Agreed! A good Anti-virus such as Kapersky, Avast and AVG (Not Norton and definitely not MacAfee) Ccleaner and Malware-Bytes are a good trio to keep your machine clean and happy. Internet Security suites are often cause more harm to the PC than the virii hehe.

[Tatsadasayago]

Interesting I also had something show up called "internet port 3" not sure what it is doing other than if I shut it off computer won't connect to the net. Hopefully running Malware bites every few days will keep the bad things away

Well, Port 3 is a CompressNet port.
I would suspect you are referring to Connection #3 which refers to your Ethernet port. If you take your machine elsewhere (A different network) then return home, Windows will create a new network connection setup even though there was one previously. Was probably the little white text balloon notification on the taskbar that told you that. One other reason for that is when a proxy server is installed between you and the internet. Could be good, could be bad.

If you think your computer may have cooties, I suggest you get the Kapersky Rescue Disk ISO image download, burn it to e CD/DVD or flash drive, boot the machine from it, install updates and let it run a FULL system scan. You might be surprised at what it finds where your anti-virus, Malware-Bytes and CCleaner finds nothing.

Seriously, lately internet and computers have become more problematic than our FSJs!