Proxy Servers Explained

A server(a program which provides services/a computer running that program) which comes between an user and any network or website ensuring the user security.It intercepts all kinds of requests sent by the user to the real server which he wants to access(for eg:- the server of google).It just acts like a default gateway changing the identity of the user when he accesses some kind of Internet resource.When the user requests some service(songs,videos,etc.) from a server,the proxy intercepts the user's request and then acts as a proxy(on behalf of the user) for the user throwing upon the request to the real server.The proxy may not also request to the real remote server if the service which the user has asked for is present in the proxy server's cache.
Main functions of a proxy server are as follows :-

1.Ensuring Security - A user can become anonymous on the Internet while surfing or chatting using a proxy as the proxy requests to the real remote servers on the behalf of the user.It alters the IP address of the user by assigning him a random IP address.Thus,our Ip address is hidden and so nobody can retrieve any information about us.

2.Caching - A proxy server has a cache in which it stores the services by saving them when it retrieves them from the specific server from frequent requests.Therefore,whenever a user asks for a service and is that service is present in the cache of the proxy server then the proxy server need not contact to the real remote server and provide the service from its cache only leading to fast accessing and surfing.

3.Filter requests - Sometimes teachers in school block certain websites,resources or services on the net to prevent the students from accessing those.At those times proxy servers can be used to filter out requests leading to the accessing of those resources.

Just perform a search at google for a list of proxy servers.