SOCKS proxies have been developed for quite some time now though they are still rather considered quite new. That is if you compare them to other contemporary proxies like an HTTP server for instance. This rather new type of server is a bit dynamic allowing you to work with various protocols and it supports the use of chains as well.



Anonymity and Current Known Versions

The anonymity that SOCKS provides is quite high. Web servers won't detect its existence within the network chain and the client would appear to be directly connected. There exist two versions of SOCKS proxies, which are protocol four and protocol five. The earlier version, protocol four, as should be expected, is in wide use.

Though rather late, SOCKS5 has also received large support from a lot of popular applications and programs like ICQ, Audio Galaxy, Napster, and a host of others. Many mail programs could make use of SOCKS, however these programs, unfortunately, do not make use of them. Programs that do not have the capability to work with this server would have to make use of software that allows a client to automatically traverse this server through TCP and UDP.

Comparison with HTTP and CGI

An HTTP proxy will support HTTP and FTP protocols. At times an HTTP server may support chaining however it would also need SSL support and it would be difficult to set it up. The only software required to work with an HTTP server is a supported web browser. Talking about ease of use, users are only expected to know how to configure their browser settings. You will get different degrees of anonymity however it would be very difficult to work with a corporate proxy.

CGI proxy servers support HTTP and FTP and chaining. Your settings don't have change to create chains. CGI's would only require no other software other than a web browser. No technical know how is required except basic browsing proficiencies. You'll have different degrees of anonymity and it will be very easy to work behind a corporate proxy.

SOCKS supports HTTP, FTP, POP3, SMTP, UDP, and all TCP/IP protocols. It supports proxy chaining with a certain degree of difficulty however. You will have to use special programs and know their set up to work with this proxy but will obtain high anonymity. You may use this behind a corporate server that supports it.

It is interesting to see a comparison between various servers checking for ease of use, required software, chaining support and the complexity of setting one up, supported protocols, level of anonymity, and their probability of use behind a corporate proxy. Such a comparison will highlight both strengths and weaknesses given the above mentioned parameters.