In an older post I talked about the differences between static IP address and dynamic IP address. The conclusion was that it’s much easier to change your dynamic IP address than the static one while you are connected to the Internet. In this post I will talk about two ways of changing the IP address, through proxy websites or using a software that hides IP address.

A proxy website is a website that allows you to visit specific websites that are blocked on your computer due to an Internet filter or parental control software. Proxy site are also providing you anonymity while surfing the Internet and prevents third-part applications to collect private information about you. The use of these proxy websites is legal and there are many free services available, providing proxies from all the World’s countries. The disadvantage is that being free, there are too many people accessing them and this might slow down your Internet connection. Some pages might load slowly and watching videos might be impossible. A good resource with proxy websites you can find on proxy.org.

Regarding the software that hides IP address, things are a little bit different. First of all, these applications have a specific proxy list embedded. The quality of the application is strongly related to the proxy list provided. Usually an application that had dedicated proxies will never be free. But the advantage of using a software like this, is that your Internet connection will not be slowed down as it might happen if you are using a proxy website. Another advantage of the software that hides IP address is that once you have bought a license you can use it as long as you want and there is no time lost in searching for proxies. Although, it is important to test the trial version to be sure that the application works fine and that you are pleased with the proxy locations embedded in the software and the Internet speed.

There are applications that more that the hiding IP address feature has other functionalities like cleaning your online tracks: Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, Internet History etc, providing in this way, complete anonymity.

If you have more advantages or disadvantages related to the use of a proxy website or of the software that hides IP address please let us know in the comments section below.