Squid Proxy Server On Linux: Anonymous browsing & filtering

🌐 Course Title: Squid Proxy Server On Linux: Anonymous Browsing & Filtering

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🚀 Course Objective

In this course, you will be introduced to the open source web proxy server called Squid. Gaining proficiency with Squid can set you apart as an IT administrator and equip you with valuable job skills. 🛠️

• ✅ Filter Internet Access: Control which websites users can visit.
• ✅ Limit Browsing Speed: Manage bandwidth usage on your network.
• ✅ Access Control Lists: Configure who has access to what resources on the web.
• ✅ Anonymized Web Proxy: Learn how to surf the Internet anonymously with Squid.
• ✅ Install Prerequisites: Get Squid up and running on your system using yum or by compiling from source.
• ✅ Configure Squid Core: Understand access control lists and other core configurations.
• ✅ Monitor Log Files: Learn to interpret and manage log data for better oversight.
• ✅ Limit Bandwidth Usage: Save money by optimizing your network's bandwidth usage.

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🧐 What is Squid Proxy Server?

Squid is a robust, open source software mostly installed on UNIX-like systems such as Linux and has been in use for over two decades. It can serve as a web gateway, anonymizing proxy server, or a reverse proxy. Its highly customizable configuration makes it suitable for various needs. 🛣️

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✨ Top 3 Benefits of Learning to Work with AWS Serverless Architecture

1. High Demand: Squid experts are in high demand due to the multitude of job opportunities available for setting, maintaining, or integrating Squid proxy servers.
2. Open Source Software: As an open-source tool, Squid's commercial counterparts can cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas its development is rapid and community-driven.
3. Cost Cutting: Network engineers can save a significant amount on bandwidth costs by using caching in Squid proxy servers, as well as fine-tune their network traffic for optimal performance.

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📚 Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need additional software? Yes, all the software used in this course is free, and we'll provide clear download and installation instructions.

• How much will it cost me? The course itself won't cost you anything, but to run the practical exercises, you may need a Virtual Private Server (VPS) such as one from DigitalOcean (or similar), which costs approximately 20 cents per day.

• How much time will I need to finish the course? The course is 3 hours long, but with quizzes and hands-on exercises, expect to spend around six hours to fully grasp the concepts and apply them.

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💫 Guarantee

If you're not satisfied with the course within 30 days of purchase, Udemy offers a back-up refund policy. Simply click the refund button for a full return to your credit card. 🏦

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🎓 Are You Ready to Become a Squid Proxy Server Expert?

Join us now and start your journey towards becoming proficient with Squid on Linux. Press the "Take This Course" button to begin an exciting learning adventure that's just minutes away! 🚀💻

🏆 Course Rating: 4.39/5

Course Overview

The course has received a generally positive reception from recent reviewers. It is considered suitable for beginners and provides a clear introduction to Squid Proxy Server. The English used in the course is commended for being good and understandable, which aids in comprehension. The subject coverage is praised for being high level and clear, although some have noted that as the training progresses into more complex topics, particularly around access control lists (ACLs) and authentication, the content becomes more valuable.

Pros

• 🎓 Great for Beginners: The course is well-structured and seems to facilitate a better retention of lessons through exercises. It is highlighted as a good starting point for setting up a Squid proxy server.
• 🌍 Global Reach: The content is clear and understandable, making it accessible to learners from different backgrounds.
• ✅ Step-by-Step Guidance: Thorough walk-throughs and exercises are provided, which are particularly useful for hands-on learners.
• 🛠️ Practical Application: The course material is explained well, with several users reporting they were able to get their Squid Proxy Server up and running according to their needs after following the lessons.
• 👍 Clear Instructions: Instructors are praised for clear communication, using real-world examples, and providing additional valuable information on related topics such as iptables, vi, and bashrc.

Cons

• ✍️ Outdated Information: Some reviewers have pointed out that certain service commands within the course are out of date. An update to cover more recent versions of Red Hat/CentOS (7 and 8) with SystemV commands is recommended.
• 📆 Need for Update: The course material, particularly around user authentication and individual user access control, requires more clarity and detail. Some reviewers felt that the exercises introduced without full explanation left them confused.
• 🖥️ Operating System Compatibility: There are issues with the course using an outdated version of CentOS (6.9), which may not be available in current repositories, leading to additional struggle for learners who need to use more recent operating systems.
• 🤔 Room for Improvement: Some lectures within the course could benefit from a little more explanation for technical jargon to enhance comprehension for beginners or non-native English speakers.

Additional Notes

• The course stands out as one of the few comprehensive Squid Proxy Server courses available online, making it a valuable resource compared to other learning platforms like Pluralsight or LinkedIn Learning.
• A small investment in time and resources into this course can save hours of self-learning through less structured sources like YouTube.

Final Verdict

The course is highly recommended for beginners looking for an entry point into Squid Proxy Server configuration and usage. While there are some areas that need updating, the overall structure, clarity, and practical exercises make it a solid choice for understanding and implementing Squid on your systems. It is advised to use a more recent version of CentOS to avoid compatibility issues.