How to Use a Windows Proxy

The setting of a proxy server controls the connection between the user's computer and the Internet. Frequently visited Web pages are stored on the computer to improve Web performance. These stored files allow the Web browser to pull up a copy of the page instantly while the connection to the website is completed in the background. The settings of the Windows proxy server can be changed to prevent too many copied Web pages from being stored.

• 1

  Acquire the address of the proxy server that will be used. Administrators of company Internet connections have this information. If setting a proxy server on a home computer, a proxy address will be needed (see Resources).

• 2

  Click the "Start" button at the bottom left of the computer screen. Click on "Internet Explorer" from the program list.

• 3

  Select the "Tools" menu at the top of the Internet Explorer window and click on "Internet Options" from the Tools drop-down menu. The Internet Options window will appear.

• 4

  Click on the "Connections" tab located at the top of the Internet Options window.

• 5

  Click on "LAN Settings" in the Internet Options tab and select the check box next to the option "Use a proxy server for LAN."

• 6

  Enter the address of the proxy server to be used in the Address box.

• 7

  Enter the port number in the Port box.

• 8

  Click the "OK" button until the screen returns to the Internet browser window. The changes will be saved automatically.