Just like their counterparts in the real world, virtual proxies act as intermediaries to perform network activities. For example, if you print a document in a busy office environment, you probably use a proxy (in this case a print server) to simplify the task. A print server is a good example of a proxy because you simply tell the proxy to print—and while you’re off doing something else, the proxy selects the printer, queues your document, reports any errors, and tells you when your document is printed. Another common proxy is an Internet content filter, which parents use to prevent their children from accessing inappropriate websites. Yet another type of proxy is a firewall, which protects your computer from unwanted access. Regardless of the proxy’s name or function, it is important to understand that the proxy intercepts your network communication and performs a specific task on your behalf.
As you can see, proxies are useful in a variety of environments. Now let’s look at the specific proxies that webbot developers use.