How do I configure my browser to use the cache?
The open-access computing lab machines are all already configured to use the proxy.
Please note that if available to you, the recommended procedure is to use the automatic configuration script. Only in exceptional circumstances, or when you want complete control over what sites you wish to use the cache for, should you use the manual configuration method.
Automatic configuration
An automatic configuration script has been provided at http://wwwcache.ed.ac.uk/config/proxy-config.pac. This will instruct your browser to use the Proxy Cache Service. All you have to do is tell your browser where the script is.
To set Internet Explorer to use the automatic configuration script
- From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
- Select the Connections tab.
- If you are using dialup or broadband, your connection should be listed in the "Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings" box. Select the connection you want to use and click on the Settings button. If you are using a LAN (e.g. ResNet), click on the LAN Settings button. Please note that some broadband connections may use a LAN type connection. If this is the case then choose the "LAN Settings" button. If you are unsure of which option to choose, ask your User Support Team.
- Check the "Use automatic configuration script" box and type the URL http://wwwcache.ed.ac.uk/config/proxy-config.pac into the Address box. Do not check the "Automatically detect settings" box.
- Click on OK.
- You may need to close and reopen Internet Explorer before the new settings take effect, you may even need to restart your PC.
To set Netscape Navigator/Mozilla/Firefox to use the automatic configuration script
- From the Edit menu, select Preferences.
- Expand the Advanced option and select Proxies or Configure how Firefox connects to the Internet
- Select "Automatic Proxy Configuration URL" and type the URL http://wwwcache.ed.ac.uk/config/proxy-config.pac into the box below.
- Click on OK.
Safari
Safari on the Apple Mac uses shared settings that are held within the Network Preferences. To set these:
- Open System Preferences and select Network.
- Select the network device you are using from the menu e.g. AirPort or Built-in Ethernet.
- Click on Advanced and select Proxies.
- Select Using a PAC file from the drop-down menu.
- Enter http://wwwcache.ed.ac.uk/config/proxy-config.pac into the box
- Click on OK.
- Click on Apply.
Manual configuration
We strongly recommend that you use the automatic configuration script described above. Only if it cannot be done any other way, and with the advice of your User Support Team, should you manually configure your browser. The machine name is wwwcache.ed.ac.uk and the port number is 3128. Do not specify any other machine name or port.