iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with full root access, unlimited traffic on a 1 Gbps port and a 14-day free trial.
The safest way to run a private proxy is to deploy a supported Ubuntu VPS, restrict the proxy port to known client addresses, require authentication when addresses can change, and verify that an unlisted client is rejected. Install one purpose-built daemon—Squid for HTTP filtering and caching, 3proxy for a compact HTTP/SOCKS service, or Dante for SOCKS4/SOCKS5—then harden the host, configure access rules, and monitor its logs.
A VPS gives the service a stable public IP address. The proxy daemon accepts client connections and makes outbound requests, while its ACLs, authentication settings, and the VPS firewall determine who can use it. An internet-reachable listener without those controls is an open proxy and can quickly be abused.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhat you are building
A forward proxy sits between a client and the internet. The client sends an HTTP or SOCKS request to your VPS; the daemon makes the external connection and returns the response. This can centralize outbound access, apply filtering, or provide a consistent egress address. It does not automatically encrypt every application, make the client anonymous, or protect an incorrectly configured host.
The design has four separate controls:
- Listener: the address and TCP port on which the daemon accepts connections.
- Authorization: source-IP/network rules, usernames and passwords, or certificates.
- Host firewall: the VPS-level and cloud-provider rules that decide which packets can reach the listener.
- Operations: updates, logs, bandwidth monitoring, credential rotation, and abuse response.
Apply all four. A username/password prompt cannot compensate for an unrestricted firewall, and a narrow firewall rule cannot protect credentials that are reused elsewhere.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
Choose the proxy daemon
| Daemon | Best fit | Protocol and features | Access control and operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squid | HTTP forward proxying where filtering or caching is important | HTTP proxy; Canonical describes it as a filtering and caching mechanism that can optimize bandwidth and performance | Network ACLs and ordered allow/deny rules; established Ubuntu package and service; detailed logs |
| 3proxy | A small service that must offer HTTP and SOCKS from one daemon | HTTP and SOCKS services, ACL matching by client, destination, port, and time; TLS-encrypted proxy connections and mTLS are documented | auth iponly for address-based authorization or auth strong for username/password authentication; configurable logfile or syslog output |
| Dante | SOCKS4/SOCKS5 clients, including deployments that need SOCKS UDP behavior | SOCKS-oriented routing with separate client and SOCKS rule stages | clientmethod and socksmethod choose authentication; username, PAM, and none are documented methods; logging destinations and rule processing are configurable |
Use Squid when clients speak HTTP and you want its mature filtering model. Choose 3proxy when protocol variety and a compact configuration matter. Choose Dante when SOCKS semantics are the primary requirement. Do not install multiple daemons unless you have a specific reason: each additional listener is another surface to secure and monitor.
Prepare the VPS before opening a proxy port
Choose a supported operating system and record addresses
Select a currently supported Linux release from your provider. The commands below use Ubuntu’s package manager; package names, service units, firewall syntax, and default paths differ on other distributions. Record the VPS public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and decide which client addresses may connect. If your clients are in offices or fixed networks, collect those CIDR ranges now. If they roam, plan strong authentication or certificates instead of relying only on source IP.
Create an administrative path
- Create a named administrator with
sudorights and keep root login for emergency use only. - Install an SSH public key for that administrator. Disable password SSH authentication only after key login has been tested in a second session.
- Apply the distribution’s security updates before installing the proxy. Keep a second SSH session open while changing firewall rules so a mistake does not lock you out.
Ubuntu’s server guidance groups firewall, AppArmor, authentication, and user/group management with its proxy-related material. Use those controls rather than treating the proxy as an isolated application.
Install one daemon
Squid on Ubuntu
Squid is available from Ubuntu’s repositories. Install it with:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install squidBefore editing, preserve the packaged configuration:
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
sudo cp -p /etc/squid/squid.conf /etc/squid/squid.conf.origThe Ubuntu documentation identifies TCP port 3128 as Squid’s documented default and uses http_port 8888 as an example replacement. Pick an explicit port that matches your firewall and client configuration; changing a port is not an access-control measure by itself.
3proxy
Install a distribution package when one is available, or follow the project’s release and build instructions for your distribution. Keep its configuration and credential files in a root-owned directory with permissions that exclude ordinary users. The project explicitly warns that if no internal interface is specified, the proxy acts as an open proxy.
Dante
Install the distribution’s Dante server package where available and confirm the name of its service unit and configuration file. Dante’s reference divides the file into server settings, rules, and routes. Keep the file root-owned and validate it with the package’s documented checker or a foreground start before enabling it at boot.
Configure the listener and authorization
Squid: bind a port and allow only your clients
Edit the preserved configuration with the editor of your choice. This minimal pattern illustrates the security order; retain any required distribution defaults, but ensure your specific allow rule appears before a final deny:
http_port 8888
acl trusted_clients src 203.0.113.10/32
http_access allow trusted_clients
http_access deny all203.0.113.10/32 is a documentation address representing one permitted client. Replace it with the real address or network. Add separate ACL entries for additional offices or devices. If client addresses change, use a strong authentication design supported by your chosen deployment and protect its credential store. Do not leave a broad “allow all” rule above the deny.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Squid’s stock file can contain distribution-specific ACLs and comments. Read the complete rule order after editing; Squid evaluates access directives in sequence, so an early allow can make a later restriction ineffective.
3proxy: set both internal and external addresses
3proxy separates the client-facing interface from the outbound interface. Configure its internal (or -i) address for the interface that accepts clients and its external (or -e) address for outbound traffic. Do not omit the internal setting: the project’s documentation states that omission creates an open proxy.
A conceptual configuration has this order:
internal <client-facing-address>
external <VPS-public-address>
auth strong
allow <approved-user-or-network>
proxy -p<http-port>
socks -p<socks-port>
flushUse the exact user, password-file, and service syntax from the installed 3proxy version. Place specific allow rules before a deny or flush, and restrict destination ports when your use case permits it. For fixed client networks, auth iponly can pair ACLs with source addresses; for roaming users, auth strong provides username/password authentication. The documentation also describes TLS-encrypted proxy connections and mutual TLS; certificates should contain Subject Alternative Names for the proxy hostname or IP when that mode is used.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDante: separate client and SOCKS decisions
Dante’s configuration has distinct server, client-rule, and SOCKS-rule stages. Set the internal listening interface and external route explicitly, then define:
clientmethod, which controls how a connecting client is authenticated;socksmethod, which controls authentication for SOCKS requests;- client rules that allow only approved source addresses; and
- SOCKS pass rules that limit destination addresses and ports where practical.
Dante documents username, PAM, and none authentication methods. “None” should be reserved for a deployment whose firewall and source ACLs provide the complete trust boundary. Configure a logging destination and inspect the rule order. The reference warns that some compatibility settings can have security issues; leave such settings disabled unless a specific client requirement has been evaluated.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Close the network perimeter
Apply restrictions in both your cloud provider’s security group and the VPS host firewall. The two layers should agree:
- Permit SSH only from administration addresses, not from the whole internet.
- Permit the selected proxy port only from approved client networks when possible.
- If you intentionally support IPv6, create equivalent IPv6 rules; otherwise disable or block an unintended IPv6 listener.
- Deny unrelated inbound ports. Outbound access should remain only as broad as the proxy’s purpose requires.
Ubuntu commonly uses UFW, but exact syntax and interface names vary. Before applying a rule, identify your SSH port and administration CIDR. A typical workflow is to allow SSH from that CIDR, allow the proxy port from client CIDRs, review the rules, and then enable the firewall. Never enable a firewall with no tested SSH exception.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Binding a daemon to 0.0.0.0 or every IPv6 address is not automatically wrong, but it means the firewall and daemon ACLs must be correct on every interface. Binding to a specific address reduces accidental exposure when your network design allows it.
Start, enable, and inspect the service
- Validate the edited configuration using the daemon’s documented check mode or a foreground start. Fix syntax errors before restarting a production listener.
- Start the service with the distribution service manager. For the Ubuntu Squid package, the unit is normally named
squid; verify the actual unit for 3proxy or Dante with your package. - Enable the verified unit at boot so a reboot does not silently remove the proxy.
- Check the listening socket with your system’s socket-inspection tool and confirm that only the intended address and port are present.
- Read the daemon log immediately after startup. 3proxy supports configurable logfile or syslog output, and Dante documents configurable logging destinations and rule processing.
sudo systemctl status squid
sudo systemctl enable --now squid
sudo ss -lntpUse the corresponding unit name in place of squid for another daemon. If the service starts but no socket appears, inspect the configuration path, bind address, port conflict, and service logs before changing firewall rules.
Test from both sides of the access boundary
Test an approved client
- From a client whose address is explicitly allowed, configure an HTTP client for the Squid or 3proxy HTTP port, or configure a SOCKS5-capable client for the Dante or 3proxy SOCKS port.
- Supply credentials if authentication is enabled. Request a harmless HTTPS site and confirm that the destination sees the VPS egress address rather than the client’s address.
- Check the proxy log at the same time. Confirm the client address, requested destination, authentication result, and response or denial status are recorded without exposing passwords.
Test rejection
- Repeat the request from an unlisted source address. It must fail at the firewall or proxy ACL.
- From an allowed address, retry with an invalid username or password. It must be rejected and logged as an authentication failure.
- Probe the VPS from an unrelated network and verify that only SSH (from its administration range) and the chosen proxy port are reachable.
Testing only the happy path is how open proxies survive deployment. Keep evidence of both successful and denied tests whenever you change ACLs, listeners, or firewall rules.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Troubleshoot the common failure modes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Client receives a timeout | Cloud security group, host firewall, wrong address family, or daemon not listening | Socket output, provider rules, host rules, and whether the client is using IPv4 or IPv6 |
| Connection is refused | No process is bound to that port, or the service failed validation | Service status, startup logs, port conflicts, and the configured listener |
| Authentication always fails | Wrong method, protected credential file, or credentials sent to the wrong protocol port | auth strong or Dante method settings, file ownership, and client protocol selection |
| An unlisted client succeeds | Allow rule precedes the restriction, a broad source network was used, or another daemon is listening | Full ACL order, every listening socket, IPv4 and IPv6 rules, and provider firewall rules |
| Requests work but destinations cannot be reached | Destination-port ACL, DNS behavior, or outbound firewall policy | Allowed destination ports, resolver configuration, and outbound policy; do not simply permit everything |
| Service disappears after reboot | Unit was not enabled or configuration is outside the package’s expected path | Enabled-unit state, package documentation, and boot-time logs |
Operate the proxy without creating a liability
- Patch regularly: update the operating system and daemon, then rerun both allowed and denied tests after changes.
- Watch capacity: monitor bandwidth, concurrent connections, CPU, memory, disk usage, and log growth. The official material reviewed here provides no universal performance or adoption benchmark, so size the VPS from your observed workload rather than a generic claim.
- Review security events: investigate repeated authentication failures, unexpected destinations, connection spikes, and provider abuse notices.
- Rotate access: remove departed users, rotate passwords and certificates, and narrow source networks when a device or office no longer needs access.
- Protect logs: restrict file permissions, define retention, and remember that proxy logs can contain client addresses and requested destinations.
- Remove unused listeners: stop and disable experimental services and delete obsolete firewall rules.
- Check provider policy: VPS acceptable-use rules, public IPv4 availability, bandwidth limits, abuse handling, and snapshot behavior vary by provider and should be confirmed before deployment.
Security decisions that matter most
Private network versus roaming clients
Fixed source addresses allow a narrow firewall and simple ACLs. Roaming clients need authentication that remains secure when an address changes. Do not respond to mobility by opening the proxy to every address; use strong credentials or certificate-based access and keep the firewall as narrow as your network permits.
HTTP proxy versus SOCKS
An HTTP proxy is appropriate for software that explicitly supports HTTP forwarding and benefits from Squid’s filtering model. SOCKS4/SOCKS5 is more general for applications that implement SOCKS, and Dante is designed around those semantics. Protocol compatibility is a client requirement, not a matter of changing only the port number.
Encryption and trust
A proxy connection can expose credentials and requested destinations on an untrusted path unless the client-to-proxy connection is protected. 3proxy documents TLS proxy connections and mutual TLS; if you use certificates, validate names and protect private keys. HTTPS to a destination protects that leg, but it does not make an unauthenticated proxy safe to publish.
Final deployment checklist
- Supported Linux release, named administrator, tested SSH key, and current updates.
- One daemon installed from a trusted package or verified project release.
- Explicit listener address and port; no unintended IPv4 or IPv6 bind.
- Specific client ACLs, authentication where required, and a final deny.
- Cloud and host firewalls aligned, with SSH restricted to administration networks.
- Service enabled at boot, socket inspected, and logs retained securely.
- Approved-client, invalid-credential, and unlisted-source tests completed.
- Monitoring, patching, credential rotation, and an abuse-response contact in place.
For most Ubuntu users, Squid is the straightforward HTTP choice, 3proxy is the flexible compact choice when both HTTP and SOCKS are needed, and Dante is the focused SOCKS choice. Whichever daemon you select, the defining success condition is not merely that a request works: only intended clients can use the service, every other client is denied, and you can see and respond to what the VPS is doing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
