Proxy - IP:Port proxy

Definition

A proxy server is a computer that offers a computer network service to allow clients to make indirect network connections to other network services. It is specified by his IP and a port (e.g. 241.12.132.78:8080), under which the proxy server is accessible. A client connects to the proxy server, then requests a connection, file, or other resource available on a different server. The proxy provides the resource either by connecting to the specified server or by serving it from a cache. In some cases, the proxy may alter the client's request or the server's response for various purposes.

Difference IP:Port proxy <> Web-Proxy

A IP:Port proxy works different from a webproxy - an IP:Port proxy works with all applications that support proxy-use, and that's a big plus compared to webproxies, which only work within your browser, and nowhere else. With IP:Port proxies you won't have the compatibility issues and limitations of a webproxy, like Java and Flash-issues on certain websites, or that you can't register or login at a website, or problems with captcha codes. IP:Port proxies can fully emulate add-ons and plugins like Java, Flash, Silverlight, etc.
A webproxy, on the other hand basically just forwards the internet to your browser, showing the websites you visit through it a different IP. Nothing more.
See the article "Webproxy" for more info's web-proxies.