How to setup a proxy server in Netscape and Internet Explorer
Table Of Contents
(instructions provided by Bernhard van Staveren,
madcat@xirian.demon.nl)
[ A Short Introduction ]
[ The setup for Netscape ]
[ The setup for Internet Explorer ]
Introduction
This document provides a step-by-step explanation on how to set up the proxy
server from within Netscape and Internet Explorer. Let me explain some
things first.
A proxy server is a piece of software that acts as a pass-through window
between your browser and the site you are visiting. The benefit of a proxy
server is that every site you go to, the proxy caches. That means it keeps a
copy of everything on the proxy server's disk. The next time you access the
site, the proxy will feed you the cached copy. This, obviously saves on
time. Also, any other person will benefit from this, since it lowers the
load, hence, it makes everything go faster.
The other advantage of a proxy server is that generally response times are a
great deal faster. A proxy server usually runs on the ISP's network and will
be able to retrieve pages much more quickly then your own browser.
Below you will find step-by-step instructions on setting up your browser to
use a proxy server. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer are covered.
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Netscape
The setup for Netscape is quite easy, follow these steps for the best
result:
- Since you are viewing this page, I assume you have Netscape started,
if you use Internet Explorer, go here.
- Now click on the Options menu. You should see at least the
following choices:
- General Preferences
- Mail & News Preferences
- Network Preferences
- Security Preferences
- Now select Network Preferences.
- A window should pop up, with a few pages. Now look for a tab called
Proxies.
- Click the Proxies tab.
- Another window should pop up, here, select manual proxy
configuration.
- Depending on the type of OS you are using, either you have to press
the View button, or you are already in the configuration window.
- Here you will find 3 buttons, labeled No Proxies, Manual
Proxy Configuration and Automatic Proxy Configuration.
- Now choose for Manual Proxy Configuration.
- A window will pop up with some fields, I will describe each setting.
The Http/Ftp/Gopher Proxy Fields
Put the name of the proxy in this field, say "www-proxy.peacefire.org"
(this host doesn't exist though, but you get the meaning). In the port
field, enter the port the proxy is listening to. The port number is usually
in the same place as all other information you got about the proxy. If you
can't find it, enter 8080 as port.
The Socks Field
This is used to get around firewalls, from the inside. Usually you won't
need this. If you do need it, ask your system administrator for the correct
settings.
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Internet Explorer
Setting up Internet Explorer to use a proxy is quite easy, follow these
steps to get the best result:
(this section under construction)
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