Setting Up Netscape 4.x to Use WSU's Proxy Server on a Windows Computer

Note: Because the proxy server checks each new connection, it tends to slow down Web browsing. For faster connections, turn off the proxy server when you are not using a resource that is limited to Wayne State users.

Turning on the proxy server

  1. Open Netscape Communicator
  2. Pull down the Edit menu and select Preferences.
  3. Click the plus (+) next to Advanced and then Proxies.
  4. Click the Manual proxy configuration button, and then click View.
  5. Fill in the HTTP line as follows:

    Address of proxy server Port
    proxy.wayne.edu 8080

  6. Click OK to close the Manual Proxy Configuration panel.
  7. Click OK to close the Preferences panel.

Authenticating yourself as part of WSU

You will be prompted for your user name and password when you open Netscape and when you first attempt to use a resource that is only for Wayne State use.

  1. Fill in the information requested:

    User Name: Type your WSU AccessID (e.g., xy6789)
    Password: Type the password for your WSU AccessID

  2. Click OK.

Using your browser

Use Netscape as you normally would to browse the Web. You shouldn't have any problems accessing Web sites, including those sites that are limited to Wayne State users. However, you may notice slightly slower performance. This is normal because all of your requests are routed through the proxy server on their way to and from your browser.

Turning off the proxy server

To temporarily turn off the proxy server settings:
  1. Open Netscape Communicator
  2. Pull down the Edit menu and select Preferences.
  3. Click the plus (+) next to Advanced and then Proxies.
  4. Click the Direct Connection to the Internet button. (Note: Leave the Manual Proxy Configuration information in place so you have it when you want to use the WSU proxy server again.)
  5. Click OK to close the Preferences panel.

Return to WSU proxy server main page.