Blocked by Google

Now this may seem like such a big deal however it is not that big of an issue.  Let me further explain.  

When I received the message:

We're sorry...

... but your computer or network may be sending automated queries. To protect our users, we can't process your request right now.

See Google Help for more information.

According to the website and help documentation I should check for Viruses, Malware and Spyware using a whole list of software they recommend to use.   I however know 100% prior to this my computer was clean.  So then why did I get this message.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)  only have a number of Internet Protocol  (IPs) addresses they can use.  Thus they do not give you an internet address you can use on the internet.  However one address that is used on the intranet.  Then once you go out the internet you share your IP with 100's of other people on the internet.  This is know as being behind a proxy.

So how do you check if you are behind a proxy or actually assigned an IP address.  Well the process is very simple.

If you just type into Google what is my IP it will give you what your IP address is.    Then you will have one or two things you must do.

If you are connected through a router go to the router admin page and look for the WAN IP.  If that number is the same as the IP given on Google then you are not behind a Proxy.   Now if you are not behind a router and connected directly you will go to your   Windows start icon and type in the search for programs type "CMD".  (no "").   A box will appear and inside the box you will type ipconfig /all.  Look for IPV4 address and that will either match or not.   If it does not match then you are behind a proxy server.   Proxy address normally begin with either 192 or 10.

Simple and if you are unsure if you are clean from viruses, spyware and malware please read my tips on keeping your computer clean.

Related articles

• Keep your Computer Running at Optimal Condition
  

Proxy Server and You

What can done with a Proxy Server

First what is a proxy server:

Quote
In computer networks, a proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application) that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource available from a different server. The proxy server evaluates the request according to its filtering rules. For example, it may filter traffic by IP address or protocol. If the request is validated by the filter, the proxy provides the resource by connecting to the relevant server and requesting the service on behalf of the client. A proxy server may optionally alter the client's request or the server's response, and sometimes it may serve the request without contacting the specified server. In this case, it 'caches' responses from the remote server, and returns subsequent requests for the same content directly.
Click here for more

Is this not what you talked about in your article about VPN's?  No a VPN is different then a proxy server for the primary reason your data is encrypted prior arrival and when it is sent back.  Thus what actual traffic is being sent is unknown to the internet service provider and the world.  This is an just sending your data via another route.  This is just sending your data via an unsecured means through another computer so your location is unknown.

What can you do with a proxy server.

Primarily a proxy will hide your location on the internet. So if not knowing your location is important then a proxy server is the way to go. I use a proxy server to stream media from the internet. I use a pay service to do this with Hide My Net. It cost $5 a month and works with Hulu and other restricted data. As Videos from Youtube, Itunes Amazon and many others restrict your ability to go on those sites.

Where can I get a Free Proxy Server.

Remember that if you use a free proxy server they may be capturing your data. This is a risk. However if it is just to see Videos or surf geo restricted sites. Then there are sites out there you can set up a free proxy server through.

Here are a few lists of free proxy servers:
Proxy-Ip-list
IP List by Country


How do I set-up Proxy server with Browser.

IE
FireFox
Chrome


For Browsers I like to use programs that Automatically switch between the Proxy and the Direct Connection.

In FireFox I use:
FoxyProxy

In Chrome I use
Proxy Switchy

In IE I use
Proxy Switch

Last thing;

Is what to do about desktop applications that need access to the internet. What can I do about those applications that do not have have way to setup a proxy. I use a program called Proxifier to route all traffic through this. http://www.proxifier.com/

However remember that with free proxy servers you do not know who is capturing your data. This is not a secure way to send any data. It is highly not recommended. USE ONLY FOR SURFING AND STREAMING...


Internet blog