I for some reason am having trouble understanding the reason to use a Proxy. I understand that a VPN basically changes your IP address and lets you connect your device to a different one, but I don’t understand what a proxy does. I have googled it and for some reason the explanations I am reading are still not making that much sense to me.
Thanks!
VPN’s purpose isn’t to change your ip address which it does, but it’s primary function is to encrypt your communication or data so no one can see or know what’s being communicated. Think of a traffic tunnel or a conduit, where you don’t want anything getting into it.
A proxy just masks your location, so they can’t pinpoint where you are. It’s best suited for anonymity. They both can work together but vpn provides encryption. I hope that helps. I use proxies to mask my location but I necessarily don’t need it to encrypt anything. Like if I wanted to buy a merchandise and I can only do that from using my main ip address, then I’ll mask it with a proxy.
Ok that clears it up a bit, I use a VPN a lot to “hide” my location which I guess I could be using a Proxy to do that as well.
Helped a ton though, thank you!
You could still use a it as VPN services are easily attainable. Like the purpose of my vpn is to get a straight connection to my home network when I’m at work, this is another purpose for a vpn.