VPN（虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Networks)）和代理服务器都旨在让您在互联网上保持匿名。他们还可以帮助您访问由于审查或各种限制而并非所有人都可以使用的网站和服务。代理和VPN(VPNs)各有优缺点，在某些情况下有些比其他的更好。你知道什么时候选什么吗？您应该使用代理服务器，还是需要VPN连接？什么时候最好使用一个与另一个？您可以同时使用代理和VPN吗？本指南解释了您需要了解的有关VPN与代理服务器的所有信息：
什么是代理服务器？
代理服务器是您的计算机或设备与 Internet 之间的中间路径点。代理以您的名义向网站、服务器和各种互联网服务发出请求。
例如，如果您的网络浏览器被配置为使用代理服务器，并且您尝试访问 www.digitalcitizen.life，则该请求不会直接发送到我们的网站。相反，它会转到代理服务器。代理服务器收到您的网络浏览器的请求后，会将其转发到托管Digital Citizen的服务器。(Digital Citizen)然后，我们的服务器响应并将Digital Citizen主页发送回代理服务器，代理服务器又将其发送到您的网络浏览器。
代理服务器的工作原理
因为发出直接请求的不是您的网络浏览器，而是代理服务器，所以我们的网站不会将您的计算机或设备视为访问者。相反，它将代理服务器视为访问者。
如果您想了解有关代理服务器及其工作方式的更多详细信息，您应该阅读这篇文章：什么是代理服务器，它是什么意思？(What is a proxy server, and what does it mean?). 有关如何在您的设备上设置代理的更多信息，请查看此列表：
使用代理服务器的优缺点
使用代理服务器具有以下优点：
- 您正在对基本检查隐藏您的 IP 地址。如果您想在此类基本检查期间查看有关您的哪些信息的示例，请访问此网页：查找 IP 地址位置(Lookup IP Address Location)。
- 使用代理服务器意味着您还隐藏了您的地理位置。您访问的网站和服务会看到您正在使用的代理服务器的位置。
- 根据它们的配置方式，代理服务器可以通过阻止分发恶意软件的恶意网站来提高您的安全性，因为它们可以在将恶意内容发送到您的计算机之前对其进行检查。
- 代理服务器可用于访问受地理限制的互联网服务。
- 互联网上有许多公共免费代理服务器，其中一些提供可靠的服务。
另一方面，您还应该考虑一些负面的方面：
- 代理(Proxy)服务器不会加密您的互联网流量。
- 您的 IP 地址和您的真实位置都不会被更先进的检测技术所隐藏。您可以在此处获取有关如何借助浏览器及其位置服务检测您的位置的示例：W3C 浏览器地理定位(W3C Browser Geolocation)。
- 使用代理服务器时，您的所有互联网流量都会通过它。这意味着恶意代理服务器可以查看和控制您在互联网上所做的一切，从而损害您的隐私和安全。
- 代理服务器通常会在使用它们时监控并记录您的活动，从而识别您的身份。这在某些情况下可能是有害的。
- 尽管您正在访问安全的加密网站或 Internet 服务，但如果代理服务器配置不正确，它可能会将未加密的数据传输到您的计算机。简而言之，其他人可以嗅探您可能不想要的未加密信息。
- 互联网上有许多可用的公共免费代理服务器，其中许多都不可靠。一些免费的代理服务器甚至是彻头彻尾的恶意。
什么是 VPN？
虚拟专用网络(Virtual Private Network)或VPN是您的计算机和来自 Internet 的VPN服务器之间的安全网络。通过此连接的所有网络流量都经过加密，因此只有您的计算机和VPN服务器知道您访问和使用的网站或互联网服务。
例如，如果您使用VPN并尝试访问 www.digitalcitizen.life，请求会被加密并发送到VPN服务器。VPN服务器收到您的请求后，会对其进行解密，以便知道您想要什么。在这种情况下，它会向托管Digital Citizen的服务器发送加载请求。我们的服务器通过将Digital Citizen主页发送回VPN服务器进行响应，然后将其加密并发回给您。
VPN的工作原理
因为每一点数据都是加密的，没有人可以看到你访问了哪些网站以及你使用了哪些互联网服务。这包括您的政府和您的互联网服务提供商(Internet Service Provider)( ISP )。
如果您想了解有关VPN(VPNs)及其工作原理的更多详细信息，请阅读这篇文章：什么是 VPN？VPN有什么作用？(What is a VPN? What does a VPN do?). 有关如何在您的设备上设置和配置VPN(VPN)的分步指导，这些教程应该会有所帮助：
VPN的优点和缺点
使用 VPN 带来很多好处：
- 您和VPN(VPN)服务器之间的所有网络流量都是加密的，因此任何人几乎不可能看到您访问的网站或您在互联网上使用的服务。
- VPN 会(VPNs)隐藏您的真实 IP 地址。网站和互联网服务只能看到VPN服务器的 IP 地址。
- VPN(VPNs)隐藏了您的真实地理位置。互联网认为您的位置是您正在使用的VPN服务器的位置。
- 使用VPN服务器可以帮助您绕过地理限制。如果您从这些地区连接到VPN(VPN)服务器，您可以访问仅适用于某些国家或地区的内容。
- 您的网络流量无法被嗅探，因为它都是加密的。
- 有许多提供付费服务的VPN提供商以及免费的VPN服务器。
尽管VPN(VPNs)有很多优势，但您也应该考虑一些不太积极的功能：
- VPN服务器必须加密通过它们的所有互联网流量，这可能会影响性能和速度。
- 当您连接到VPN服务器时，您和服务器之间的每一点数据都会被加密。但是，该数据在VPN服务器上被解密，因此它知道您在互联网上做什么。VPN提供商不得保留有关您的活动的日志。否则，VPN提供商会知道您如何使用其服务。这些日志也可以被其他获得授权或未经授权访问它的组织使用。
- 值得信赖的 VPN(Trustworthy VPN)服务的成本往往高于您为优质代理支付的费用。所有这些加密意味着VPN服务器必须拥有强大的硬件来满足需求。
- 许多免费VPN(VPNs)不值得信赖，在某些情况下甚至可能很危险。
在本节的最后，我们想指出一些我们测试和喜欢的VPN(VPNs)，以便您做出明智的选择：CyberGhost(NordVPN)、NordVPN(CyberGhost)、F-Secure Freedome VPN。
VPN还是代理(Proxy)？比较代理与VPN(VPNs)的优缺点
为了让您更轻松地了解使用代理服务器与使用VPN服务的所有优点和缺点，我们创建了这个比较表：
代理与 VPN 比较
此外，总而言之，您应该记住的主要事项是：
- 与代理服务器不同，VPN(VPNs)对您通过 Internet 发送和接收的数据进行加密。
- 良好的VPN服务往往会保护您的隐私，并且不会保留有关您的在线活动的日志。
- 虽然总的来说，VPN(VPNs)比代理服务器更好，但它们也往往会花费你更多的钱。
- 如果您只想隐藏您的 IP 地址，代理可以完成这项工作。如果您还想隐藏您传输的数据，只有VPN可以帮助您。
- 在我们互联的世界中，使用VPN或代理服务器都无法为您提供完全的安全保障。最好还安装和使用良好的安全解决方案来保护自己免受勒索软件攻击、键盘记录程序、病毒和其他类似威胁。
何时使用代理，何时使用VPN？
我们认为VPN(VPNs)在几乎所有方面都优于代理。VPN(VPNs)更擅长为您提供匿名性，而且它们当然更擅长为您提供安全性。您在使用VPN(VPN)服务时在互联网上所做的一切都是加密的，没有人可以监控或跟踪您的活动。VPN(VPNs)的唯一主要缺点是它们的成本往往比代理高得多。如果您只想对仅进行基本检查的网站或 Internet 服务隐藏您的 IP 地址或物理位置，那么代理服务器可能对您来说已经足够了。如果您想要匿名、安全和保密，请订阅VPN服务就是你所需要的。但是，请仔细检查它是否不存储您的活动日志，并且如果它们被存储，它们不会与第三方共享。
最后，如果您想知道是否可以同时使用代理和VPN，答案是肯定的。但是，我们不建议这样做，因为VPN已经完成了代理的工作，同时还加密了您的流量。此外，即使您可能会认为代理服务器比VPN更快，但如果您同时使用两者，您最终获得的互联网速度实际上是较慢的服务之一：无论是您的代理服务器还是你的VPN。
VPN与代理：哪一个适合您？
代理服务器和VPN(VPNs)都是有用的工具，毫无疑问。既然您已经了解了有关使用代理与VPN的所有信息，我们想知道您更喜欢什么？代理是否足以满足您的需求？您愿意为您的在线安全付费还是免费服务对您来说足够了？让我们在评论中知道。
Proxy vs. VPN: When to use a proxy server and when to use a VPN? -
Both VPN (Virtual Prіvate Networks) and proxу servers are designed to keep you anonymouѕ on the internet. They can also help you access websites and services that are not avaіlable to everyone because of сensorship or νarious restrictionѕ. Proxіes and VPNs each have their advantages and weaknesses, and sоme are better than others in certain situations. Do you know what to choose when? Shоuld you use a proxy server, or do you need a VPN connectіon? When is it best to use one versus the other? Can you uѕe a proxy and a VPN together? This guide explains everything you need to know about VРN νѕ. proxу servers:
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is an intermediary waypoint between your computer or device and the internet. The proxy makes requests to websites, servers, and all kinds of internet services in your name.
For instance, if your web browser is configured to use a proxy server and you're trying to visit www.digitalcitizen.life, the request is not sent directly to our website. Instead, it goes to the proxy server. Once the proxy server receives your web browser's request, it forwards it to the server on which Digital Citizen is hosted. Then, our server responds and sends back the Digital Citizen homepage to the proxy server, which in turn sends it to your web browser.
How a proxy server works
Because it's not your web browser that makes the direct request but the proxy server, our website does not see your computer or device as a visitor. Instead, it sees the proxy server as a visitor.
If you want more details about proxy servers and how they work, you should read this article: What is a proxy server, and what does it mean?. For even more information on how to set up a proxy on your device, check this list too:
Pros and cons of using proxy servers
Using a proxy server has the following advantages:
- You are hiding your IP address from basic checks. If you want to see a sample of what information about you goes out to the world during such a basic check, visit this webpage: Lookup IP Address Location.
- Using a proxy server means that you are also hiding your geographical location. The websites and services you access see the location of the proxy server that you are using instead.
- Depending on how they are configured, proxy servers can improve your security by blocking malicious websites that distribute malware because they can check for malicious content before it is sent to your computer.
- Proxy servers can be used to access geographically restricted internet services.
- There are many public free proxy servers available on the internet, and some provide reliable services.
On the other hand, there are also some negative aspects that you should consider:
- Proxy servers don't encrypt your internet traffic.
- Neither your IP address nor your real location is hidden from more advanced detection techniques. You can get an example of how your location can be detected with the help of your browser and its location services here: W3C Browser Geolocation.
- When using a proxy server, all your internet traffic goes through it. That means that a malicious proxy server can see and control everything you do on the internet, compromising your privacy and security.
- Proxy servers usually monitor and log your activity when using them, which can identify you. This can be harmful in certain situations.
- Although you're accessing a secured encrypted website or internet service, it can transfer unencrypted data to your computer if the proxy server was not configured correctly. In simple words, others can sniff your unencrypted information, which you probably don't want.
- There are many public free proxy servers available on the internet, and many of them are unreliable. Some of the free proxy servers are even downright malicious.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network or VPN is a secure network between your computer and a VPN server from the internet. All the network traffic through this connection is encrypted, so only your computer and the VPN server know what website or internet service you access and use.
For instance, if you use a VPN and try to visit www.digitalcitizen.life, the request is encrypted and sent to the VPN server. Once the VPN server receives your request, it decrypts it so that it knows what you want. In this case, it sends a load request to the server on which Digital Citizen is hosted. Our server responds by sending back the Digital Citizen homepage to the VPN server, which then encrypts it and sends it back to you.
How a VPN works
Because every bit of data is encrypted, nobody can see what websites you visit and what internet services you use. That includes your government and your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
If you want more details about VPNs and how they work, read this article: What is a VPN? What does a VPN do?. For step-by-step guidance on how to set up and configure a VPN on your device, these tutorials should be of help:
Pros and cons of VPNs
Using VPN brings many benefits:
- All the network traffic between you and the VPN server is encrypted, so that makes it almost impossible for anyone to see what websites you visit or what services you use on the internet.
- VPNs hide your real IP address. Websites and internet services can only see the VPN server's IP address.
- VPNs hide your real geographical location. The internet thinks that your location is the location of the VPN server that you are using.
- Using a VPN server can help you bypass geographical restrictions. You can access content available only for some countries or regions if you connect to a VPN server from those regions.
- Your network traffic can't be sniffed because it's all encrypted.
- There are plenty of VPN providers that offer paid services, as well as free VPN servers.
Although VPNs have lots of advantages, there are also some not-so-positive features that you should consider:
- VPN servers must encrypt all the internet traffic that goes through them, which can take a toll on performance and speed.
- When you connect to a VPN server, every bit of data between you and the server is encrypted. However, that data is decrypted on the VPN server, so it knows what you do on the internet. VPN providers mustn't keep logs about your activity. Otherwise, the VPN provider knows how you are using its service. Those logs can also be used by other organizations that get authorized or unauthorized access to it.
- Trustworthy VPN services tend to have higher costs than what you'd pay for a good proxy. All that encryption means that VPN servers must have powerful hardware to keep up with the demand.
- Many of the free VPNs aren't trustworthy and, in some cases, can even be dangerous.
At the end of this section, we’d like to point out a few of the VPNs we tested and liked, so that you can make an informed choice: CyberGhost, NordVPN, F-Secure Freedome VPN.
VPN or Proxy? Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of proxies vs. VPNs
To make it easier for you to see all the advantages and disadvantages of using a proxy server versus using a VPN service, we created this comparison table:
Proxy vs. VPN comparison
Also, to sum everything up, the main things you should keep in mind are:
- Unlike proxy servers, VPNs encrypt the data you send and receive over the internet.
- Good VPN services tend to protect your privacy and don't keep logs about your online activity.
- Although, in general, VPNs are better than proxy servers, they also tend to cost you more money.
- If you only want to hide your IP address, a proxy does the job. If you also want to hide the data you transmit, only a VPN can help you.
- Neither using a VPN nor a proxy server can offer you complete security in our interconnected world. It would be best to also install and use a good security solution to protect yourself from ransomware attacks, keyloggers, viruses, and other similar threats.
When to use a proxy and when to use a VPN?
We consider VPNs better than proxies in almost all respects. VPNs are better at providing you with anonymity, and they are certainly better at providing you with security. Everything you do on the internet while using a VPN service is encrypted, and nobody can monitor or track your activities. The only major downside of VPNs is that they tend to cost a lot more than proxies. If all you want is to hide your IP address or physical location from a website or internet service that only does elementary checks, then maybe a proxy server is good enough for you. If you want anonymity, security, and confidentiality, then subscribing to a VPN service is what you need. However, double-check that it doesn't store logs of your activity and, if they are stored, they are not shared with third parties.
Finally, if you're wondering whether you can use a proxy and a VPN together, at the same time, the answer is yes. However, it's not something we recommend because the VPN already does the proxy's job, while also encrypting your traffic. Furthermore, even if you might be tempted to think that a proxy server is faster than a VPN, if you use both, the internet speed you get in the end is actually the one of the slower service: either that of your proxy or that of your VPN.
VPN vs. proxy: Which one is right for you?
Both proxy servers and VPNs are useful tools, no question about it. Now that you know everything there is about using proxy vs. VPN, we want to know what do you prefer? Is a proxy enough for your needs? Are you willing to pay for your online security or is a free service enough for you? Let us know in the comments.
