Setting up a proxy in Debian OS

Debian OS is regarded as one of the most time-tested Linux distributions, especially due to its stability and security. It is also well known for being open source, making it ideal for programmers, system admins, and all sorts of users who like to be able to control every aspect of their computer environment.

Adding proxy servers on Debian helps improve the level of privacy and security of internet connections. Proxies mask user traffic, provide an additional level of protection against network-based threats, and help overcome geographical usage limits. Moreover, the new version of Debian OS has a very intuitive graphic interface that makes it easy to configure the proxy settings and therefore makes it easier for the users to enhance their system network security and privacy.

Step-by-step process of installing a proxy server on Debian OS

1. The first step is to click on “Show applications” on your desktop and then click on “Settings”.

   

2. Next, select the “Network” tab, then click the icon that corresponds to the proxy settings as shown in the screenshot below.

   

3. In the proxy settings window, choose the manual configuration option. Enter the proxy details in the fields provided based on the protocol your proxy server supports. Once you finish this, go ahead and close that window.

   

4. Launch an internet browser of your choice from those present on your machine. Type your proxy username and password in the login window which will appear. Press “Sign in” to submit these details.

   

5. Visit any website to check your current IP address and determine whether it has changed or not.

   

Your proxy server configuration is done now and from now on all your work will be done through a new IP address.

Troubleshooting potential errors in proxy settings configuration on Debian

Several troublesome situations may come to light when working with proxy servers in the environment of the De­bian systems:

• Connection issues: ensure the IP address and port are correctly entered in the proxy settings.
• Poor performance: if the speed in connecting to the proxy server is abnor­mally slow, first check the speed of your primary connection. If your primary connection remains unre­marked, the weakness lies with the proxy server.
• Access to resources: In rare cases, when there are prohibitory sites, a proxy server will be unable to reach the assigned resources because its IP address may have been banned. Always check that the IP address of your proxy is not blocked on the sites of your destinations.
• Authentication problems: in case of receiving an authentication error after inserting credentials, authentication will also be unreachable in case a valid username hasn’t been verified.

To mitigate these problems, it is advisable to use private proxies provided by well-established providers. Choose proxies that are ISP, residential, or mobile because these have a higher level of trust and are likely to be less targeted and blocked by the relevant authorities.