ip address problem:any help

[jjavc]

is there any way to hide my ip address while on the internet so it cant be seen?
some type of a seccurity patch for windows explorer or some thing along thoes lines?

[T-rex]

Yes , It's called a proxy server .

[jjavc]

i dont know what you mean by proxy sever.is it some software i use along with the cable modem to hide the ip address?
please excuse my stupidity.
thanx for your help sofar

[socalgal]

Hi jjavc

Here's a good basic description.

From http://www.vineyard.net/vni/faq/proxy.shtml#about

"When you use a web browser (such as Netscape's Communicator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer) to view web pages from the Internet, the browser uses HTTP (Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol) to request the text and images from the remote server. These requests are made directly from your browser to the remote machine. HTTP also allows you to use an intermediary to make the requests on your behalf. Such an intermediary is known as a proxy server.

"When configured to use a proxy, your browser makes HTTP requests to the proxy instead of going directly to the remote host. In turn, the proxy makes the same request on your behalf. The idea was developed originally to allow folks working on a private network hiding behind a secure firewall egress through the firewall to HTTP servers on the outside. The proxy was part of the firewall and its use would further enhance security by disguising the origin of the HTTP request."

A proxy, per se, is not software, it is an address that you manually configure into your browser.

In IE5, look in Tools/Internet Options/Settings/Proxy Server.

In Netscape 4.6, Edit/Preferences/+Advanced/Proxies/Manual Proxy Configuration.

These are where you enter your proxy address.

[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 11-08-1999).]

[ktwebb]

If you have only one PC then you dont need a proxy server. What you need is a firewall, not proxy software. Most proxies do have a firewall as a feature but again you dont need proxy software. There is software firewall called Black Ice that I have read and heard good things about. Unfortunately I cant remember a URL. Go to Yahoo and type in BLack Ice or BlakIce in a search window. Tucows.com may also have it. Tucows will definitely have firewall software that you can download and try out to see if you like it. A firewall is a safeguard from hackers and the like that try to get onto and into your system. Black Ice for example will let you know when you are under attack. If you share your internet connection with more than one PC, by all means get some proxy software. Winproxy and Sygate are the most popular. If you only have the one PC, a proxy would be silly. You would still have one real IP open to the internet.

[This message has been edited by ktwebb (edited 11-09-1999).]

[reddog4629]

http://www.networkice.com/Products/BlackICE/blackice%20defender.htm

[This message has been edited by reddog4629 (edited 11-10-1999).]