These are quick instructions on how to set Web Browsers to Automatically Detect Proxy Settings. This is the best setting to have for use on campus at the University of Otago, and should be used from off campus or when you are no longer enrolled.
Windows
System Proxy Settings, Set in Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Connections tab > LAN Settings button > “Automatically detect settings” (untick “Use a proxy server…”)
Firefox: Firefox menu > Options > Advanced tab > Network tab > Settings button > “Auto-detect proxy settings for this network”
Chrome: Google Chrome uses the System/Internet Explorer proxy settings. Change the settings via Internet Explorer. Alternatively, in Chrome click the wrench button to the right of the address bar > Options > Under the Bonnet / Under the Hood > Network > Change proxy settings button > LAN Settings button > “Automatically detect settings” (untick “Use a proxy server…”)
Safari: Safari for Windows uses the System/Internet Explorer proxy settings. Change the settings via Internet Explorer. Alternatively, in Safari click the Gear button to the right of the address bar > Preferences > Advanced > Proxies: Change Settings > LAN Settings > “Automatically detect settings” (untick “Use a proxy server…”)
Opera: Opera menu > Settings > Preferences > Advanced tab > Network > Proxy Servers > Choose “Use automatic proxy configuration”
Mac/OSX
We’ve always recommended a network location just for on-campus use, as this is where proxy settings are stored for Safari and the Mac Operating System. Don’t use this location setting when you’re off campus!
If you only have one location in Apple Menu > System Preferences > Location, change the System Proxy Settings, and the proxy settings for other browsers or apps that you previously used on campus. See the Apple support site for more information about network locations.
System Proxy Settings: System Preferences > Network > [Click on the connection type you use, Ethernet or WiFi] > Advanced button > Proxies tab > Tick Auto Proxy Discovery, Untick everything else.
Safari: Safari on OSX uses system proxy settings.
Chrome: Google Chrome uses the OSX System Proxy Settings.
Firefox: Firefox menu > Preferences > Advanced tab > Network tab > Settings button > Choose Auto-detect proxy settings for this network
Opera: Opera menu > Preferences > Advanced tab > Network > Proxy Servers > Choose Manual Proxy Configuration, and untick all the boxes on that page.
If you’re having trouble finding those settings, there are pictorial instructions on the Student IT Services website. Open the instructions for the computer you use and follow the “proxy setup” section only.
Other Applications
µTorrent (Version 3.1 for Windows): Options > Preferences > Connection > Proxy Server Type: None
Dropbox (Windows): Uses System Proxy Settings by default, but you can manually set proxy settings. If you have done so, remove them.
Norton Internet Security (Windows): Norton Internet Security main window > Computer pane > Settings > Miscellaneous Settings > Network Proxy Settings > Configure > Automatically Detect Settings.
AVG Antivirus (Windows): See the proxy information page on the AVG website.
Avast! Antivirus: Open Avast >Settings > Update > Proxy Settings > Untick “Specify Proxy Server”
Skype (Windows): Skype > Tools > Connection Options > Choose “Automatic Proxy Detection”