What is a computer proxy?

A proxy is something that does something in place of something else. When it comes to websites, a proxy is a site or program that you use that connects to sites on your behalf. There are various different types and reasons for using such a program or website.

One implementation is a VPN. That is a website that you subscribe to that will go to other websites for you. A company may use such a site to protect themselves from certain types of hacking and snooping. So if someone tries to get in, they end up hacking into the VPN, not the company's site.

There is also the possibility of getting around firewalls. A firewall is a program or set of rules that prevents certain types of network traffic or prevents access to certain types of sites. Schools and workplaces often use them, but so do nations ran by fearful (and fearsome) dictators and governments. Some users will use proxies to get around firewalls. However, WikiAnswers does not provide the details on how to actually do so.