How to Proxy.Pac Multiple Proxy Listings

PAC stands for proxy auto-config file. The purpose of a PAC is to update proxy settings in each application accessing the Internet without having to open the settings of each application and enter proxy data. The PAC file is a program. This gives the possibility of creating instructions to change proxies, working down an associated list. The easiest way to work with a PAC file is to acquire a pre-written file. You will need to download a list of proxies. Most services providing lists also provide the PAC file and a switcher, which is a user interface to the PAC file.

• 1

  Download your chosen switcher and follow the installer steps. The download and install process will also install the PAC file and modify the proxy settings of your browser. Open the switcher, which is a user interface to the PAC file.

• 2

  Download a list of proxy servers (see Resources) and load the list into the switcher. The switcher provider will also provide lists and the switcher will have an option to download lists directly into the interface. This will only allow you to get lists from the switcher provider and this will probably be a subscription server. In order to use a different source for the list, look for listing services that allow lists to be downloaded as a text file. Another option is to cut and paste a list from the web browser showing the list into Notepad. Use the "Import" function of the switcher to load the list. Each entry in the list shows an IP address and a port number.

• 3

  Use the switcher's proxy tester facility to check that all the proxies in the list are working. The tester will also report back on the speed of the proxy and its level of anonymity. Some switchers also report on other attributes, such as the country of the proxy. Delete non-responding or slow proxies.

• 4

  Select preferred proxies from the list. Not all proxies being used need to be listed together. Non-activated proxies in the list will be skipped by the PAC file. You will need to activate at least 50 proxies.

• 5

  Instruct the PAC file what period to use as a delay before switching to the next proxy. This is done by accessing the "Settings" menu of the switcher.

• 6

  Mark each proxy entry and activate it for autoswitching. You can instruct the PAC file to use one proxy in the list and to only switch to another when you double-click on the entry of the new proxy. Autoswitching is a facility of the PAC file that removes the necessity to manually choose the changeover. The PAC program will work through the list of activated proxies in the list (skipping over the non-active entries), changing proxies at the instructed delay.