Proxifier 3.21

Overview

Proxifier is a software package for Windows that allows the user to access an internet proxy server from a general proxy application rather than use individual application settings in each internet-connected application they use.

It is often, but not always, possible to add proxy server connection information to a web browser or other application that accesses the internet. This can re-route the internet traffic sent and received for this particular application. Any other applications that lack this level of internet access specificity are left out in the cold and their internet traffic runs over regular channels which may not be desired by the user.

With Proxifier, the user can specify that all internet traffic will run over a specific proxy server instead of via the usual domain name server that the internet server provider uses. Both HTTP and SOCKS proxy server types are compatible with this software.

A good proxy software package can help re-route around internet communication blockages, deal with local censorship by re-routing internet traffic, and address geo-location tracking issues with web site access by hiding the IP address.

Installation

The installation proceeds normally. The software offers the option to immediately check for updates.

The software requires Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 or 8 (desktop applications only). It also supports Windows Server 2003 and 2008. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported for applicable operating systems.

There is a 31 day trial period with a nag screen to confirm the days remaining each time the application is launched.

Interface

The interface is pretty basic. It has a menu at the top with the options: File, Profile, Log, View and Help. There are some truly tiny button icons under the menu which when hovered over display easily readable information about that button.

The Connections pane sits below the toolbar. There are columns for Application, Target, Time / Status, Rule: Proxy, Sent, and Received.

Below the Connection pane is the Information pane with tabs for Connections, Traffic, and Statistics.

The interface itself is somewhat reminiscent of a FTP program so anyone who deals with FTP uploading or downloading will probably adapt to the new interface the fastest.

Pros

• Global proxy package to connect to proxy servers via HTTP or SOCKS for all internet traffic
• Tunnel through the internet for private surfing
• Get around local internet access blocks, geo-location restrictions on web sites, and firewalls
• No longer worry whether a software package includes a proxy setting to configure its traffic to run through a proxy
• Simple interface with everything needed
• Mac OS X version also available

Cons

• Toolbar icons are a bit small.

Conclusion

Proxifier is a good application to be able to set all internet traffic to run through a SOCKS or HTTP proxy server instead of only being able to re-route traffic with web browsers and other applications that support proxies.