How does the University's Proxy Server work?
Most electronic journals and databases can be accessed from a University computer or from an off campus computer by first logging into the Portal i.e. your login itself verifies (or 'authenticates') you as a valid user.
However, a few web-based resources check that a computer accessing them is part of the University's network (or, more technically, is part of the "greenwich.ac.uk" domain.) This would normally prevent access off campus to these particular resources.
The proxy server works by allowing your home computer to appear as if it is at the University. Once you have set up the proxy connection in your web browser, any request to view a web page will be re-routed through the proxy server. Therefore when you attempt to access one of these restricted resources, your request will be seen as coming from a machine within the University.
In order to ensure that the service remains secure, you need to use your University username and password to authenticate your status as a current student or staff member. Once these details have been verified, your request will be forwarded to the remote resource server from the proxy server. You will then be allowed to access the resource since your request appears to come from a "greenwich.ac.uk" address.
Please note that once the proxy server settings have been made you will have to supply your login details when you open your web browser. You can disable the use of the proxy server by unselecting the "use proxy" option within your browser.
Go to the main proxy server page for instructions on configuring your web browser.
Last updated 7 April 2010.