(SOLVED) Is it ok to change proxy server settings?

[ecoalex]

They say it is advised to check,and possibly make changes to the proxy server settings to maximize speed and efficiency.Is this a good idea? What settings are the best for a satellite ethernet connection? I use Firefox,Konqueror, Opera browsers.

[muungwana]

who said that and where? why do you access the web through a proxy server?

Two things i am aware of that are set by default by your internet service provider(ISP) is DNS IP address and default gateway IP address. You do not have options with the latter because your computer has to be a part of their network and you must go through them on your way to the open web but you do with the former and you can use google's DNS servers or openDNS servers if you dont like their DNS servers for what ever reason.

So what do you mean by "proxy server". If you did not set up to use one in your browsers or somewhere on your system above the network stack, you are not using one.

[ecoalex]

Wild Blue offers an "Optimiser".It isn't compatible with Linux platforms.I chatted with a rep, who confirmed their "Optimiser" would not speed up Linux platforms.She then offered to help change my proxy server settings,after seeing how I have them set over the phone.She explained that I may have slower speeds as I'm not as targeted as I could be, that when I send out to the web, my desired location may not be found as quickly as with  more focused server settings.Since I don't know squat,but would like faster speed i thought I'd ask those who would know,here.If I can't speed up my browsing more than I have now with default settings,then I'll let a sleeping dog lie. Thanks

[muungwana]

A bit of googling and this page showed up: http://www.expertsatellite.com/blogs/internet/optimize-your-wildblue-experience

This "optimizer" seem to be some sort of a program installed on the system. The page is vague on detail hence not much can be learned on how it actually worked. If i can speculate, i think they have a bunch of servers at their disposal and this tool check which one is fastest from where you are and then set your browser to access the web through them.

You can ask them for a list of these proxy servers IP addresses and see which one is closest to you and try to use it or try them at random and see which one loads pages fastest. There are websites that will allow you to find a location of where an IP address is located.

[Ramchu]

If you are using FireFox set your browser to auto detect proxy settings for this network.

Then you can check on your Wildblue start page and your linux system will show up as Optimized

to get to this setting in the upper tool bar click on edit>Preferences>Advanced>Network>Settings>Auto-Detect proxy settings for this network.

Unfortunately that will be as good as it gets using wildblue.

[vjeko]

by the looks from the link you supplied, muungwana, it could as well be the composite of what you already said, namely:

application/script similar to pclos repo speed test with built in list of servers, so which ever has the smallest ping, the settings are amended by the application system wide. since its all default access points, link wont break on the next dial in, so the day after once you start the connection, it will most probably work not with the original settings, but the ones applied the previous day, as found by the optimizer software.

btw, maybe it could be possible for the code folks to disect the optimiser for macosx, since that would be easy to translate to linux terms- i know i sorted out my trouble with the 3g umts stick, talking to poor tech guy for an hour, till he gave me ALL the settings, including the modem calls

there is one more thing affecting the sat internet access users:

overcast and bad weather conditions in general, been reported elsewhere and know it from friends experience, took me a while, but proved to be affected really.

btw: the closest physical location not necessarily translates as the fastest one- ping time rules

[ecoalex]

From Wild Blue:

      About

The WildBlue Optimizer is a tool that makes key setting changes in selected browsers so that you have the optimal web surfing experience with your WildBlue Service. In general, the Optimizer:

    * adds a proxy server to the browser configuration
    * sets the browser home page to www.wildblue.net

In Firefox
The server settings are set in this window, but the portals etc I don't have a clue.Wild Blue would have them.
Auto detect server, or proxy settings which would be better?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28920384@N05/5043387574/#

[YouCanToo]

A proxie server which purpose is to relay different requests and maintain a cache of answers. Its main functionalities are : caching, request logging, local network security, filtering and anonymity.  It does it job only after you visit any website the first time. If you are loading dynamic information than a proxie server is of little use.

[ecoalex]

I tried to Modify the thread Title to [Solved], but can't,I can add only one character.Thanks to all who contributed.

[Old-Polack]

I tried to Modify the thread Title to [Solved], but can't,I can add only one character.Thanks to all who contributed.

Don't write an epistle when writing a Subject line.  

[ecoalex]

I just tried to write solved as you did.I was able to before in my posts.I'm still in the dark as why I couldn't. Cheers.

[Old-Polack]

I just tried to write solved as you did.I was able to before in my posts.I'm still in the dark as why I couldn't. Cheers.

I cut your subject line in half.