When it comes to surfing the world wide web, anonymity can be a good thing. So how do you guarantee anonymity when surfing the internet? Well, there are several ways, but the most known and probably the best is by use of proxies. By definition, a proxy is a sort of a virtual buffer than can be erected between you and the internet. In this regard a proxy hides your IP address, thereby making it invisible to the internet. Apart from the IP address, an anonymous proxy can also protect your browsing habits, location, and even online preferences. In addition to all this, a proxy can give you access to a website that is firewall protected. Thus, a proxy can be an invaluable tool to have if you rely on the internet in your work, or for shopping purposes.
Types of Proxies
A quick search on any search engine reveals that there is almost an endless selection of proxies. However, all the proxies available online can be categorized into two, shared and private or dedicated. The proxy you choose to buy between the two shared and private proxies will depend largely on your intended use and budget. For most people shared proxies are the best thanks to their affordability, in particular microleaves shared proxies
What is a shared proxy
As the name suggests a shared proxy is a proxy that is used by multiple internet users. Therefore, if you get a shared proxy, you will be sharing it with other people. According to most experts, shared proxies are not recommended due to their shared nature. Nonetheless, as an individual, there are some benefits that come with getting a shared proxy.
Advantages of shared proxies
One of the main advantages of shared proxies is that they are easy to use and access. Since they are made available to multiple users, shared proxies are designed to be easy to access from anywhere. Thus, you can use your shared proxy anytime and anywhere. Also, the shared proxy can be of the same quality as private proxies. However, to get high quality shared proxies it is recommended to work with reputed proxy providers such as microleaves.
One of the main advantages of shared proxies is that they are easy to use and access. Since they are made available to multiple users, shared proxies are designed to be easy to access from anywhere. Thus, you can use your shared proxy anytime and anywhere. Also, the shared proxy can be of the same quality as private proxies. However, to get high quality shared proxies it is recommended to work with reputed proxy providers such as microleaves.
Another major benefit of shared proxies is that they are affordable. Compared to dedicated proxies, shared proxies are relatively cheaper. Thus, they can be used by small businesses and online traders. If you are starting out, then the shared proxy will be the best and most pocket-friendly option for you.
Shared proxies are compatible with both HTTP and SOCKS5 service. Additionally, they are good for people who want to use different proxies. Shared proxies are also great for people who transact with minimal data online.
Disadvantages of shared proxies
Unfortunately, the affordability of shared proxies does not come without a price. In this regard shared proxies have some disadvantages. The main disadvantage is, of course, the fact that they are shared. Due to them being shared, other users who you are sharing the proxy with can gain access to your computer network. This can be risky especially if you have stored sensitive data such as financial information on your computer.
Unfortunately, the affordability of shared proxies does not come without a price. In this regard shared proxies have some disadvantages. The main disadvantage is, of course, the fact that they are shared. Due to them being shared, other users who you are sharing the proxy with can gain access to your computer network. This can be risky especially if you have stored sensitive data such as financial information on your computer.
Secondly, since shared proxies are used by multiple users, they can interfere with your internet speeds. Therefore, using shared proxies can result in frustratingly slow internet speeds. This is because as more people use the proxy the more the bandwidth is overloaded, resulting in slow Internet speeds.
Another disadvantage is that they can be accessible to third party users. Since they are easy to access, shared proxies can be accessed by spammers and programmers with bad intentions. Thus, sometimes you can find yourself with an inaccessible shared proxy.
Differences between shared and private proxies
As already stated, the second type of proxy that you can buy is the private or dedicated proxy. This type of proxy differs with the shared proxy in many ways. For starters, while a shared proxy is used by multiple users a private proxy is only accessible to one user. Therefore, if you have a private proxy, only you can access it.
Secondly, while shared proxies can result in slow Internet speeds, private proxies have no effect on speeds. This is because the private proxy is only used by one person. Thus, your bandwidth remains consistent since it is not being overloaded.
Getting a shared proxy
When you are thinking of getting a shared proxy there are several things you should note. First is that shared proxies affect internet speeds. Therefore, do not go for free shared proxies, which usually have thousands of users. Instead, go for a shared proxy from a proxy provider. With such a proxy you will know the speed of the server. High-end shared proxies will come with a number of useful features such as unlimited bandwidth. Thus, you will enjoy high-speed internet speeds even when using the shared proxy. Bottom line, the number one thing to consider is the speed of the server.
Security will be another important factor to consider. While shared proxies do not offer comprehensive security as private proxies do, some proxy providers offer proxies with great security features. Thus, with regards to security stay away from free shared proxies.
When using shared proxies it is important to remember that they are great if you are on a budget. Therefore, they cannot offer you the same levels of reliability as private proxies. Nevertheless, you should go for a shared proxy that is reliable. In essence, go for a shared proxy that requires some kind of authentication before granting access to new users. This way you will be protected from potential spammers and hackers.
Conclusion
Granted shared proxies are not as secure as their private counterparts, but they do make a great option as a starter option. Also, shared proxies are preferred by internet users who are on a tight budget. When using shared proxies always remember than your personal information and date is not protected 100%. As such, there are some risks involved in using a shared proxy. Nonetheless, with the right proxy provider, you can get a good shared proxy that will be more secure than the many free proxies available online.