In this article we will cover:
- What is a proxy server and why do you need one
- How to set up a proxy server on Windows 10
- The benefits of using a proxy server
- How to choose the right provider for your needs
- How to get started with your first proxy
What is a proxy server and why do you need one
A proxy server is a computer that acts as an intermediary between your computer and your target destination on the internet. Many professionals are interested in learning about different proxy types to help their businesses better compete.
Proxies allow you to browse the web anonymously, helping to protect your privacy. In addition, a proxy server can improve your internet speed and security by caching content that is being requested regularly.
There are many reasons why you might want to use a proxy server. Perhaps you are concerned about your privacy and want to protect your data.
Or maybe you are trying to collect open source web data, and want to circumvent website geo-restrictions, and rate limitations. Proxies can enable you to appear as if you are accessing a website as a local user, and therefore obtain accurate information such as:
- The price of a competitor’s product
- The content of a company’s advertising campaign
- The user-generated search trends on engines like Google
How to set up a proxy server on Windows 10
When your computer is connected to a company server or network, it requires a more manual setup process. You can typically go about doing this by getting a ‘script address’ from the person regulating your local network [usually the network administrator at your company’s Information Technology (IT) department]. A configuration address will look something like this:
my_proxy_server.com:9367
Here is a complete step-by-step guide for your convenience:
Step One: Click on ‘Settings’
Step Two: Hit ‘Network & Internet’
Step Three: Click on ‘Proxy’
Step Four: Toggle the ‘Use Setup Script’ to ‘on’
Step Five: Copy, and paste the script address, then hit ‘Save’
Now close ‘Settings’, that’s it – your proxy is all set up.
Alternatively, if you would like to manually add an IP address and port number then you could scroll down in the ‘Proxy’ section to where it reads ‘Manual proxy setup’. Here you will want to add your desired target IP address, and port number as follows:
The benefits of using a proxy server
There are many benefits of using a proxy server. Some of the most important benefits include:
Increased privacy and security: A proxy server will allow you to browse the internet anonymously, enabling you to collect open-source web data for your business.
Bypass censorship restrictions: A proxy server can help you bypass censorship restrictions and access blocked websites.
Improved internet speed: A proxy server can improve your internet speed by caching websites.
Increased security: A proxy server can help improve your security by filtering out malicious traffic (utilizing a script that runs on ‘above’ the proxy).
How to choose the right provider for your needs
When choosing proxy services, there are many things to consider. Some of the most important factors include:
- The quality of the IP addresses being offered
- Trustworthy network security
- Ensuring the company you decide to work with employs ethical practices so that data points maintain their long term value for your business.
How to get started with your first proxy
When looking to buy a proxy, Bright Data is one of the most trusted names in the field, especially when it comes to data collection.
Here’s why:
One: Best in class network security
One of Bright Data’s top priorities is keeping its networks clean from illegal activity. In order to accomplish this, Bright employs real-time network compliance measures, including a dedicated compliance team and ongoing log checks. Bright also allows third parties to perform audits to ensure everything is operating at the highest objective standard.
Two: An international pool of real user IP addresses
Bright Data has one of the largest peer-to-peer networks in the world. This means that real people readily consent, and allow businesses to collect data and route traffic through their devices. So instead of routing traffic through shared or compromised IPs businesses can now gain access to real user IPs in their target GEO of choice. This helps ensure higher than average success rates as well as reliable information retrieval.
Three: Ethical data collection
All Bright Data activities are GDPR and CCPA compliant, which means that the data you collect using Bright networks will maintain its value over time. This is key, especially for businesses that are building data-based revenue models. Additionally, all peers in our IP network are properly reimbursed and can opt-out at any time, ensuring traffic is routed at the highest ethical standards.
The bottom line
While setting up proxies on Windows 10 is an important endeavor, it belongs to an age of timely, labor-intensive and manual data collection. Bright Data’s fully automated solutions offer tools which either take care of integrations/setup on your behalf or simply deliver the data you need directly to your inbox.
Using Windows 11? Read our How To Set Up a Proxy in Windows 11 guide.
