Proxy servers play a crucial role in the modern network infrastructure by acting as intermediaries between clients and servers. They provide various benefits such as improved security, caching, and network performance. In the Windows environment, proxy servers are widely used to control and monitor internet access for clients within an organization.

Examples:
1. Configuring Proxy Server Settings in Windows:

• Open Internet Explorer and go to "Internet Options" from the Tools menu.


• In the "Connections" tab, click on "LAN settings".


• Check the box for "Use a proxy server for your LAN" and enter the proxy server address and port.


• Click "OK" to save the settings.

2. Using Group Policy to Configure Proxy Settings:

• Open the Group Policy Management console.


• Create or edit a Group Policy Object (GPO) that applies to the desired clients.


• Navigate to "User Configuration" > "Preferences" > "Control Panel Settings" > "Internet Settings".


• Right-click and select "New" > "Internet Explorer 10" (or any other version you are using).


• Configure the proxy server settings in the created GPO.


• Link the GPO to the desired Organizational Unit (OU) containing the client computers.

3. Proxy Server Authentication in Windows:

• Open Internet Explorer and go to "Internet Options".


• In the "Connections" tab, click on "LAN settings".


• Click on "Advanced" and enter the proxy server address and port.


• If authentication is required, click on "Proxy Authentication" and enter the credentials.