Proxy Classification

There are several types of proxies. Proxy of each type is designed to solve its specific tasks, however they have much in common, and their abilities coincide in many features.

HTTP Proxy

It is the most widespread type of proxy servers and when you hear just "proxy", it means nothing, but this type of a server. Earlier with a help of this proxy it was only possible to view web pages and pictures and download files. Now, new program versions (ICQ, etc.) know how to work through the HTTP proxies. Browsers of any versions know how to work with this type of proxy.

SOCKS Proxy

These proxy servers know how to work practically with any type of information on the Internet (TCP/IP protocol), however for their use in programs there should be obviously indicated an ability to work with socks proxy. Some additional programs are necessary for using of socks proxies within a browser (browsers do not know how to work through socks proxy). However, any ICQ versions (and many other popular programs) can work perfectly through the socks proxies. At last, I want to pay attention, while working with socks proxies it is necessary to specify its version: socks 4 or socks 5.

CGI Proxy (anonymizer)

This type of proxy server could be accessed only with a browser. In other programs their using is complicated (and one does not need it, there are HTTP proxies). However as this type proxy is initially designed for operation through a browser, one can use it in a very simple way. Moreover, you can construct a chain from CGI proxies without any problems.