UVa Proxy Server
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Proxy Server
Technical Questions
Transitioning from Old Proxy to EZproxy Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Proxy Server
General Questions
- What browser do I need to use with the proxy server?
-
What is behind the proxy server (EZproxy) is browser independent, i.e., all browsers
should work and require no special configuration. Be aware though, that some ISPs (AOL
for instance) use proprietary versions of browsers, which can cause some problems for the
proxy server.
- Does using the proxy server slow down my Web browser?
- It may take slightly longer to connect if you are using the proxy server setup. But on most modern high-speed connections, it's barely noticeable.
- Will I need to switch my browser proxy settings back and forth every time I go on or off-Grounds?
- No, the proxy server automatically recognizes your connection to the UVa network.
- Who can get a proxy server account?
-
Faculty, staff, and students of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville use their
NetBadge credentials to sign in to the proxy server — no account is required.
Medical preceptors, visiting
medical students, employees of some related UVa foundations, and faculty, staff, and
students of the University's College at Wise
and the University's Division of Continuing Education are allowed access through an
alternate login method
(click on Don't Have NetBadge?).
- How do I stop using the proxy server?
- You shouldn't need to do anything; the links to the resources should be corrected by
the link's provider. If you have a bookmark or you own link in a document, you need
to update your link to work with EZproxy.
- I don’t have NetBadge credentials (I’m not UVa) and I’ve
forgotten my password for the proxy server. How do I reset it?
- Reset your password by going to the proxy
sign-in page. Click on the Don’t Have NetBadge? link and then
the request an account link on the next screen. Enter your name and ID and
then reset the password in the last 2 boxes.
Technical Questions
- How do I request that a resource be added to the list of resources
available via the proxy server?
- You can request that a website be added by emailing
4help@virginia.edu. You should expect confirmation
that the resource is available for testing before the end of the next business day.
- Who may request that a site be added to the proxy server list?
- Any individual with the authority to control access to restricted materials can
request a site be available for proxy. This should be explicitly addressed in contracts
for commercial services before a request is made. Students must ask a sponsoring faculty
member to make a proxy request on his or her behalf, and the faculty
member assumes accountability for ensuring compliance with all licensing restrictions
of the resource. When sending the request email to
4help@virginia.edu,
include a reference URL we can use to test the configuration. The proxy server
will be configured to proxy everything at that site.
- Which network ports need to be open in firewalls to allow use of the proxy server?
- Ports 80, 443, 4000 and 8443.
Transitioning from Old Proxy to EZproxy Questions
- How do I turn off the old proxy if I'm no longer using it? What about
now that I'm using the “new”proxy with EZproxy?
-
Turn Off the Old Proxy Server in Firefox
- Under Tools, select Options, then click the
Advanced icon, then select the Network tab.
Then under Connection, click the Settings button.
- In the Connection Settings window, select Direct connection
to the Internet.
- Click OK to close the Connection Settings window.
- Click OK again to save your changes and close the
Options window.
Turn Off the Old Proxy Server in Safari
- From the Show: drop-down box, choose the network to configure—AirPort, Built-in Ethernet, or Modem.
- Select Proxies.
- Delete the contents of the Proxy Configuration File URL: field.
- Uncheck the Automatic Proxy Configuration box.
- Click Apply Now.
- Repeat for each interface configured.
- Close the Network window.
- Close the Advanced window.
- Restart Safari.
Turn Off the Old Proxy Server in Internet Explorer
- Click the LAN Settings button.
- In the LAN Settings window, delete
http://proxy.virginia.edu/ from the Address field.
- Uncheck the Use automatic configuration script box.
- Click OK to close the LAN Settings window.
- Click OK again to save your changes and close the
Internet Options window.
- Can I use my existing bookmarks? If not, what do I need to do?
-
You will likely have to update bookmarks to restricted materials:
- simply add the following string to the front of your URL —
http://proxy.its.virginia.edu/login?url= —
For instance,
http://www.jstor.org
will become
http://proxy.its.virginia.edu/login?url=http://www.jstor.org
- Why do I see a different login request sometimes?
- The process of changing all resources to direct to the new proxy service may
take several months. During this time users may see 2 different login requests,
one for requests directed to the old proxy server and another for requests directed
to the new one. Once all resources have been converted, only a single login to the
new server will be requested.
