Use Proxy Server Linux Mint 20 Xfce

Greetings Dev! Are you running Linux Mint 20 Xfce and looking to use a proxy server for enhanced security and privacy? In this article, we will guide you through the steps to set up a proxy server on Linux Mint 20 Xfce.

What is a Proxy Server?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. It receives your requests and forwards them to the internet, returning the response to you. The primary purpose of a proxy server is to hide your IP address and enhance your online privacy and security.

How Does a Proxy Server Work?

When you make a request to access a website, the proxy server receives the request and checks its cache if it already has a copy of the webpage. If it does, it will serve the cached copy of the webpage, saving bandwidth and improving the loading time. If the website is not cached, the proxy server forwards the request to the internet, receives the response, and returns it to the original requester.

Proxy servers can be set up on your local network or on remote servers, and they can be configured to allow or deny access based on various policies such as IP address, user credentials, and content type.

Setting Up a Proxy Server on Linux Mint 20 Xfce

Step 1: Configure Proxy Settings in Network Manager

The Network Manager is the default network configuration tool in Linux Mint 20 Xfce, which allows you to configure network connections including proxy servers. Here are the steps to set up a proxy server using Network Manager.

1. Click on the Network Manager icon in the system tray and select “Edit Connections”.
2. Select the network connection you want to configure, and click on “Edit”.
3. Go to the “Proxy” tab, select “Manual” from the dropdown menu, and enter the IP address and port of your proxy server.
4. If your proxy server requires authentication, enter your username and password in the “Authentication” section.
5. Click on “Save” to apply the changes.

Step 2: Verify Proxy Settings

Once you have configured the proxy settings in Network Manager, you can verify if they are working correctly by opening your web browser and visiting a website. If the proxy server is working, your IP address should be different from your actual IP address, and the website should load normally.

You can also check the proxy server logs to see the requests and responses that are passing through the server.

Step 3: Configure Proxy Settings in Command-Line

If you prefer using the command-line interface to configure proxy settings, you can use the following commands.

1. To set the HTTP proxy server:

Command	Description
export http_proxy=http://proxy-server-ip-address:proxy-server-port	Sets the HTTP proxy server for the current session.
echo $http_proxy	Displays the currently set HTTP proxy server.

2. To set the HTTPS proxy server:

Command	Description
export https_proxy=https://proxy-server-ip-address:proxy-server-port	Sets the HTTPS proxy server for the current session.
echo $https_proxy	Displays the currently set HTTPS proxy server.

3. To set the FTP proxy server:

Command	Description
export ftp_proxy=ftp://proxy-server-ip-address:proxy-server-port	Sets the FTP proxy server for the current session.
echo $ftp_proxy	Displays the currently set FTP proxy server.

FAQ

What are the benefits of using a proxy server?

Using a proxy server can provide the following benefits:

• Enhanced security and privacy: A proxy server can hide your IP address and encrypt your traffic, making it difficult for hackers and eavesdroppers to intercept your data.
• Improved performance: By caching frequently accessed websites and filtering out unwanted content, a proxy server can speed up your browsing and save bandwidth.
• Access blocked websites: If a website is blocked in your country or organization, you can use a proxy server located in a different location to access it.

Do I need technical expertise to set up a proxy server on Linux Mint 20 Xfce?

You don’t need advanced technical expertise to set up a proxy server on Linux Mint 20 Xfce. The steps outlined in this article are easy to follow, and you can configure the proxy settings using the graphical user interface or the command-line interface.

Can I use a free proxy server?

While there are many free proxy servers available on the internet, we recommend using a paid proxy server that offers better security, privacy, and performance. Free proxy servers are often unreliable, slow, and may compromise your privacy by collecting and selling your data.

Can I use a proxy server with all applications?

Most applications that use the internet, such as web browsers, email clients, and instant messengers, can be configured to use a proxy server. However, some applications may not support proxy settings or may require additional configurations.

Can I use multiple proxy servers at the same time?

While it is technically possible to use multiple proxy servers at the same time, it is generally not recommended as it can lead to conflicts and instability. It is best to use a single proxy server that meets your requirements.

Can I create my own proxy server?

Yes, you can create your own proxy server using open-source software such as Squid, Nginx, or Apache. However, setting up and maintaining a proxy server requires advanced technical knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this article has helped you set up a proxy server on Linux Mint 20 Xfce. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Stay safe and secure online!