Q: What are the different kinds of proxies?

Browser Proxies - Ports 8080, 3128, 80 - These can be use to browse the internet anonymously if you're paranoid about people tracking you down.

Here is a diagram to help describe what is happening when you use a browser proxy:

Your Computer -> Internet -=> Proxy Server (An Intranet) -=> The Internet You Visit

Socks Proxies - Port 1080 - Some need authentication, some don't. Sometimes people set up proxy servers, but allow outside access to them. These are your friends, they are kind enough to let you connect through them, even though they probably aren't aware. But beware, your IP is always in the log file, and can be passed along.  But remember to switch your browser back, don't surf with Socks proxies. They usually disconnect you if too many bytes are moved through them.

Here is what happens when you use a proxy to connect to two FTP sites and transfer files between the two:

     
      You
      |
      Commands
      |
      Socks Proxy Server
      /             \
      Commands          Commands
      /                       \
      FTP <=> Files <=> FXPable FTP

Q: How do I know if my proxy is anonymous?

A: The easiest way to tell is to plug it into you're browser and go to one of the many anonymous proxy checking websites.  I'll show you how to plug it into Internet Explorer 6, anything else and your on your own for now.  First load up IE and go to Tools -> Internet Options...  then switch it over to the "Connections" tab.  Here you will need to click one of two buttons depending on whether your on Dial-Up or a Broadband/LAN connection.  Look at the screenshot and click the correct button. Once in there it looks pretty much the same for both buttons.  Select the box in the "Proxy server" section that says "Use a proxy server for your...".  Then press the advanced button to right of the check box.  This brings us to the next screen shot and where you enter the actual proxy information.  If you have a Socks proxy leave everything blank except the "Socks" sections where you will enter the address and the port (usually 1080).  Now get out of all of those dialogs by pressing "OK" on each one.  You're now setup to browse the internet with a proxy. 

Q: How do I get proxies?

A: You can buy service from a proxy provider or obtain one that is less “legal” by using Proxy Hunter

Q: How do I use these things?

A: Many people think this is something complicated and painful but it is so simple you wouldn't believe it until you read this.  It's actually pretty much the same as using a Wingate except slightly different settings. All you need is a proxy capable FTP program. Now all you need to do is go into the options and to the "Proxy / Firewall / Ident" and enter in the correct information.  For the type select either "Socks 4" or "Socks 5" depending on what type of Socks proxy you're going to use.  Enter in your proxy address where it says "Host" and set the port number to 1080.  If you have a proxy on any other port it is most likely not Socks and not really what we want (and it will not work with the Socks settings).  Some pubs also want to request and Ident so enable this and just put "@msn" for the user id.  That's it, your now ready to connect to pubs anonymously and upload without fear.