Features

• When users want to talk with servers, they need an application to act like a mediator to protect their own system. Network security is often enhanced by these mediators. These proverbial interceptors are often called "firewalls." Application proxies and firewalls can also direct a communication to a certain portion of a network, too. They also enhance a system's protection.
  
  

Dangers

• Just because your system has firewall protection, doesn't mean you are completely protected. There are some dangers with using an application proxy. Your computer can get viruses much more quickly, as your IP address is readily accessible to unscrupulous network administrators or unrelenting marketers.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Combat problematic proxies using a very simple method--change your IP address. Visit the What Is My IP website (see Resources). Click on the link that reads "How to Change your IP," located on the left-hand side of the Web page.