Requesting an overview of using proxy servres

Hi - I've been considering purchasing a proxy service - does anyone know details of how these work?

I know that they basically mask your IP replacing it with one of their addresses, but do the proxy providers keep any kind of data on your surfing habits, and will they actually hide that same data from your ISP?

Also, how do P2P networks relate to this issue? Is traffic on a network such as Gnutella monitored by your ISP, and would a Proxy aslo prevent this?

Many thanks

T

Good question!

Hope some "Guru" will take the time to answer!
I have tried proxy services, but it tends to slow my connection down too much. But this was on a free proxy service. I guess paid are better.

Anyone out there would like to enlighten us. I say us because I have been pondering the same questions myself.

I would be grateful for a respone. Thanks in advance

try looking on this forum.

http://connect.to/DigitalDigest

there are some real security experts who have covered all the questions you could dream of.

then check your proxy here

http://www.stilllistener.com/checkpoint1/

Both of these links are from

http://www.stilllistener.com

which is a great site and has been going for years. Don't forget to check out the newsboard.

For proxys to put straight into firefox go to

h**p://www.steganos.com/?area=updateproxylist

Also if you have about £5.95 a month to spare try COTSE. anon news p2p surfing and email. Read this. http://www.cotse.net/servicedetails.html

I hope this is some help.

I have subscribed to the proxy service GUARDSTER. It only cost me $35 per year. They will mask your IP address. They do NOT keep logs or records of sites you visit. This service does NOT slow your surfing speed down. You can access sites your were previously BANNED from with this GUARDSTER proxy service. You can adjust cookie/activeX/java/etc. web settings with this program also.
There is a FREE VERSION also available, but the surfing speed is slower than the paid version.
Check it out at: http://www.guardster.com
Their homepage also gives advice on the best software programs to use for FIREWALL, ANTIVIRUS, SPYWARE, NEWSGROUP READER AND SERVICE, etc. etc.
Also they have a FAQ section to provide you with answers to many questions concerning use of this proxy service.
Hope this helps.