A proxy is simply another computer box that has an internet connection that you connect through using your computer and connection.

Here is an Example of How a Proxy Works

You have a computer connection in New York City, USA. It has it’s own IP address that websites can use to interpret that you are actually in New York City.

A company in London owns 100 computers with fast internet connections called servers. These servers are simply computer boxes that make up the internet. They could be being used to host part of the Wikipedia website or they could be used by other computers to connect through.

The company leases access to their computers and connections through their business. These leased computers are called a proxy service.

When you get access to their proxy, either by paying a monthly subscription or by viewing advertisements, you are given a password, username and location address which you can then take and set up your computer to access the internet with.

Even though you are located in New York City, every website you connect to will interpret your location as London, because you are ultimately connecting through a London-based computer with a London IP address.

Paid Proxies vs Free Proxies

Paid proxies are based on monthly subscriptions and are generally reliable and fast if you use a reputable company.

Free Proxies are generally web-based only. They are fine for surfing facebook and email but they do not support any type of video. Because they are free and many people are using them at the same time, video becomes a low priority and generally is not supported.

Free proxies are also ad-supported and can sometimes ask you to install programs (adware) where the Free proxy company makes money from every install. These can slow your computer. They also can be supported by advertisements which are based on scams. (Free trial offers that end up costing $70 or more)

If you want to use Netflix, Hulu and Youtube a lot, my advice is to get a cheap paid proxy service. It’s about $5-10 a month at most and once you install it, you don’t have to touch the settings again.

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