What is Proxy? What is the Difference between Proxy and VPN?

What is Proxy?

A proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. Basically, it is another computer which serves as a hub through which internet requests are processed. By connecting through one of these servers, your computer sends your requests to the proxy server which then processes your request and returns what you want. In this way it serves as an intermediary between your personal machine and the rest of the computers on the internet.

Why use Proxy?

Proxies are used for a number of reasons such as to filter web content, to go around restrictions such as parental blocks, to screen downloads and uploads and to provide anonymity when surfing the internet.

What is the difference between Proxy and VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

The main purpose of using both VPN and proxy servers is to conceal the users identity, or to spoof a certain geographic location. For example many TV streaming websites, such as Netflix, are banned outside their country of origin. Using a VPN or Proxy service will enable you to access these websites.

VPN is superior in almost every way to proxies. It provides vastly improved online anonymity, and protects your entire online life because, unlike a Proxy, a VPN service provider encrypts all of your traffic, replacing your ISP and routing traffic through the VPN server, including all programs and applications. This also will use all benefits of the VPN server such as (Speed, Geographic Location, and Security).
The VPN can be easily connected or disconnected with the click of a button. So in conclusion VPN is a more effective means of bypassing ISP or geo-IP blocking.