Get Started

To start using Protoweb, all you need is a computer with an Internet connection and a web browser, that supports HTTP and FTP proxies. 

Protoweb is a free service, and no account is required to use the service. However we kindly ask that you read the Protoweb User Agreement carefully. By using any of our services, you are accepting the terms outlined in the agreement.

All you need to do is add one of our Proxy Server addresses to your web browser settings, or download RetroZilla (Protoweb Edition), which is pre-configured and ready to go for use with Protoweb.

Quick start guide

Step 1: Internet connection

Make sure the computer is connected to the Internet (if you’re reading this on the computer you plan to use Protoweb on, you’re all set, proceed to step 2).

If the computer you are wanting to use doesn’t have Internet access, you  need to install a network card and connect the computer to the Internet first. You can also connect to the Internet via serial port. You’ll need a dial-up ISP simulator, such as Raspberry Pi Virtual Modem . You can use it to simulate a dial-up connection on Windows 3.x and up to Windows XP.

Please note that older operating systems may be vulnerable to online threats, so make sure your computer is behind a firewall with an up-to-date anti-virus software installed.

Step 2: Internet browser
Install and run the web browser. If you’re new and just want to try Protoweb, you’re probably going to want to install RetroZilla (Protoweb Edition) for Windows. It is configured for Protoweb out-of-the-box. However, you are free to use any web browser that supports proxies (most do). We also maintain a comprehensive list of tested browsers on various platforms.
 
Depending on your platform, we recommend using the following browsers with the service.
 
Windows:
Macintosh:
  • Macintosh 68k: MacWeb 2.x (slower 68k Macs), Netscape Navigator 3.x (faster 68k Macs)
  • Macintosh PowerPC: Netscape Navigator 3.x or Netscape Communicator 4.x or Classilla
  • Mac OS X: Classilla
Step 3: Browser configuration
If you installed RetroZilla (Protoweb Edition) or the Protoweb Browser, you are ready to go, no additional steps needed! If you’re using another web browser, or downloaded RetroZilla from their official website, go to it’s Network Settings. There will be a tab or a button to access Proxy settings. Under HTTP and FTP you will need to type in the address of our Proxy server along with it’s port number. We keep an updated list of current proxy servers here.

Now you can use the service. Navigate to http://welcome.inode.com/ to begin, or go to http://www.inode.com/ to view the full index of restored domains.

Once you have set up your browser, all there is to do is to enjoy the thousands of web sites available. There is a comprehensive index  of restored domains. Simply open up your web browser and navigate to www.inode.com. You can also search for new sites, and interests using the built-in search at search.inode.com, or watch streaming videos on WarpStream!

You may want to check in on our IRC channel, which is linked to our Discord server. With your favorite IRC client, connect to irc.libera.chat, port 6667 and join the channel #protoweb to chat with others 24/7! 

Step-by-step guides for specific web browsers