A proxy server is a server application that acts as an intermediary between a client requesting a resource and the server providing that resource. Instead of connecting directly to a server that can fulfill a request for a resource, such as a file or web page, the client directs the request to the proxy server, which evaluates the request and performs the required network transactions. This serves as a method to simplify or control the complexity of the request, or provide additional benefits such as load balancing, privacy, or security.

Proxy settings are the settings that allow a user to configure a proxy server for their internet connection. These settings can be used to control and monitor how employees or children use the internet, to browse the internet more privately, to improve security, to balance internet traffic to prevent crashes, to control the websites employees and staff access in the office, and to save bandwidth by caching files or compressing incoming traffic. Proxy settings can be found on a computers settings app or control panel, and can be configured manually or automatically using a configuration script.

Proxy servers can raise privacy concerns, as they can monitor and log a users activity, storing lots of information about their browsing habits. However, they can also provide a valuable layer of security for a computer, protecting it from internet threats like malware.