How to Use Proxy Lists
By Herman Cruz
There are various websites on the Internet that display proxy lists for users that need to find a proxy server. Proxy servers help people access websites that are being blocked by Internet filters, firewalls or IP-based blocks. Generally, websites are blocked by computer owners or network administrators because they display unsuitable content, take up too much bandwidth or because the traffic flow they receive is too high, which may consequently slow down the network. Fortunately, if you need to bypass these Internet restrictions, you can use websites displaying proxy lists to access these otherwise blocked Web pages.
Open your Internet browser---Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome---and on go to your preferred search engine. Type in the search text box the keywords "Proxy Server List" and then hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard. There are a large number of sites offering proxy lists free of charge. Some of these websites are: The Ultimate Unblocker, TopBits, Proxy 4 Free and Free Web Proxy List (see Resources).
Look through the search results list and select the proxy list option you prefer. You can select various options by right-clicking on the links and selecting the "Open Link in New Tab" option from the pop-up box. This will open all your selections in a new tab.
Browse through the list of proxy servers displayed on the proxy lists and select the one you would like to use by clicking on its link. The way proxy lists are displayed vary depending on the websites you chose to use. For instance, websites may display proxy servers by name, country, rating and by how long the proxy has been available online.
Select the proxy server that fits your specific needs. For instance, if you are in the United States, browse the proxy lists looking for a proxy server from the United States. Once you have selected the proxy server you want to use, type the URL address of the website you are trying to access on the text box displayed on the proxy server you chose and click on the tab that typically says "Browse," "Go" or "Surf." The proxy server will then redirect you to the previously blocked website.
References
Tips
- You may have to select several of the proxy servers being displayed on the proxy lists before you access one that is functioning. Occasionally, proxy servers that become too popular get blocked by network administrators or computer owners; therefore, the proxy server stops operating. However, proxy server lists are updated on a regular basis.
Writer Bio
Based in Orange County, Calif., Herman Cruz has been writing since 2007. His articles have been published in various content platforms and he also has written for Internet entrepreneurs who need assistance with writing sales letters and articles for their businesses. Cruz is pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in integrated composition, improvisation and technology at the University of California in Irvine.