Common goal
Proxies and VPN (Virtual Private Network)
are two technologies that let you surf the internet anonymously; protect your
privacy by hiding your IP address. For the record, an IP address is a number
assigned by your ISP to your computer when you connect to the web. This number
is identified and provides contact you left your ISP.
What is a proxy?
A proxy server is a computer that provides
the customer with an internet connection indirect, which prevents those who use
it to go through its own internet connection. Instead, the user connects to the
proxy server.
What is a VPN?
It is a technology that creates a secure
connection to the user, using sophisticated encryption means. The goal is to
prevent malicious interception of internet and data. VPNs are often used to
disseminate information to a large population.
Proxies paid or free?
We speak here of pay and proxies private
proxies free public not that you can find on the internet but are sometimes of
poor quality:
1 / they do not always work and are not always
reliable
2 / many users around the world can use
them, what makes them so "toasted" by some internet sites that
recognize immediately and can be banned.
Compare VPN and proxies
If you just want to remain anonymous on the
internet, both methods are valid and will provide the same security. Both
methods hide your real IP address. Your traffic will be coming from another server;
the real source (your computer and your internet connection) can not be raised.
However, some differences:
1 / A proxy must be configured within the
application that you use to connect to the internet (eg you must enter its
references within your web browser or other software that connects you to the
web ). This leads to three consequences:
- First, all software cannot use a proxy.
- Then all the other applications that will
access internet outside the proxy will reveal your real IP.
- Finally, even inside the web browser using the proxy, Flash applications, Java, JS and Active X will not be taken
into account by the proxy and show your true identity.
2 / A VPN, conversely, made him go through
all of your traffic, which does not restrict you to a particular application.
All your applications will access the Internet via the VPN configured in your
OS, so it is a complete system. A VPN is also a bit more secure because
encrypts the traffic through a tunnel 128-bit (256-bit depending on the VPN)
between your computer and the server. The VPN also protects against all
malicious attacks: it is a filter.
Conclusion
1 / it all depend on the use you want. If
you only want to remain anonymous, a proxy may be sufficient and it is easier
to use since there is nothing to install: only returning the proxy address in
your web browser or software that accesses internet.
2 / by cons, if you want to be anonymous,
but at the same time protect all your data, a VPN is required. It is also
useful for users who often connect to public Wi-Fi spots.
Another advantage of proxy in relation
to the VPN
It is easy to use multiple proxies and not
just one: whether free public proxies or other private pay, it is best to
always have a dozen available. Therefore, it is not difficult to switch
proxies, especially the lists of public proxies are changed every minute, and
you will find thousands of internets. The advantage is: your IP address will
never be the same because you will change regularly proxy. This can be useful
to prevent a site ban you because you do not recognize.
