As the name implies, a proxy server stands between your
browser and the sites you surf, in effect ???hiding??? you from prying sites.
Once you set up a proxy server, all information you send and receive with
your browser goes through that server (email and other programs must be
configured separately to use the proxy). Most large companies use their own
proxy servers to help protect the data on company PCs from prying eyes,
but you don??™t have to work at a big company to get the same protection.
Start by visiting http://annoyances.org/ip to view your IP address as web sites
see it. Then, go to http://www.proxy4free.com/, click page 1, and find any
server marked ???anonymous.??? Highlight its IP address and press Ctrl-C to
copy it to the clipboard; also note the Port shown in the adjacent column.
Next, configure your browser to use that proxy server.
Web and Email | 445
Networking and
Internet
What Can They Find Out About You?
Your IP address is sent to every web site you visit. While no one can determine
your exact street address directly from your IP address, there are ways to infer
this information with elaborate tracking schemes. Think of your IP address as a
serial number, a unique identifier some web sites can use to identify you when
you visit.
For instance, let??™s say you make a purchase from an online store that sells
toasters. As soon as you pay for that fancy new four-slicer, the store records
your name, street address, credit card information, and your IP address.
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