Web Proxy/Cache

The web proxy/cache server is actually a part of the Web Server, but it acts like a separate entity, so you can configure it separately.

A proxy server is a program that accepts connections on one port, and immediately forwards them to another server on another port. Proxy servers are frequently used to forward specific services through firewalls, or to allow access to services using special protocols that your client software doesn't understand.

A cache server is a special kind of proxy server that sometimes decides not to forward the request on to the target server. If it has recently fulfilled the same request, the result is cached on the proxy server's local hard drive so it can be retrieved more quickly in the future.

Your NetWinder can act as a simple proxy server, or as a proxy/cache server, depending on its configuration options. To use the NetWinder as a proxy or cache server, you need to configure your web browser (usually Netscape or Internet Explorer) to point at your NetWinder, port 80. You can usually do this in your browser's Options or Preferences window, under the keyword Proxy or Security.

When you click the Configure button next to Web Proxy/Cache on the NetWinder's Services screen, you will see this page:

It contains the following options. In most cases, you are safe to leave the default settings for these options.

Click the Save button when you've finished filling in the above values.