A proxy site is a web page that will allow you to access websites without restrictions or content filters. These sites allow you to bypass your own Internet Service Provider and browse through the proxy website. Simply type the address of the website you’d like to visit in the form provided and start browsing.

They not only allow you to visit blocked sites; they also allow you to have privacy online. The website you visit can detect your IP address and then use it to find more information about you. Free web-based proxy sites allow you to hide your IP address by acting as an intermediary between your computer and the websites. When you use one of these, the websites you visit will see a different IP address that cannot be used to track you.

These sites are one of three proxy tools. The other two are desktop software that requires download and installation; and virtual private network (VPN) services that also require installation. Proxy sites are the easiest of the three to use, as no configuration is required. However, the drawback is that most of these sites have traffic limits and are easily blocked. Because proxy sites are so easily blocked, there is a constant need for new ones. As such, there are numerous websites from which users can search and stay updated on active free proxy sites.

Proxy lists are the easiest way to keep track of free proxy sites. However, be careful when getting the right list, as there are some proxy lists that do not have fresh, up-to-date, legitimate lists. A genuine proxy list contains a list of proxies that are new and have been constantly maintained and updated for their users.

The best way to find a legitimate proxy list is to check the credibility and do random checks on the proxies on the list. Therefore, it is advisable to bookmark a proxy server list and check it periodically for updates to your favorite proxy servers. This also makes them readily available when the need to use them arises.