If you didn't need to configure proxy settings, you are not using a proxy server. A proxy, by definition, is an authorized substitute for another. Proxy servers are sometimes used as control devices to increase control and security as well as other things. In the case of a proxy server connection to the internet, you would be connected to the proxy and the proxy to the internet but this intermediate computer would be invisible to you. It would handle your requests and maybe cache your sites, etc. If you connect at work, you might be connected through a proxy which becomes sort of a traffic control device between your work place and the internet. If you subscribe at home, you will be directly connected to your ISPs servers. You would need to configure a port and address to make things work if connected to a proxy first. Hope this helps.