OS X Tiger and proxy servers

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Level 1

15 points

OS X Tiger and proxy servers

At the office I use my MacBook Pro connected to an exchange server. To do so I've had to use Microsoft Entourage and Firefox. I cannot get any of the Mac software (iTunes, Safari, Mail, etc.) to work with the server.

I've read previous discussions in this forum on the subject but none have helped.

How can it be that Firefox can have the simple "auto-detect proxy settings for this network" that works and the 'ahead of the curve,ease of use leader,' Apple does not?

Can anyone help me to get OSX Tiger working for me at work?

MacBook Pro, 2GHz Core Duo, 1GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Feb 26, 2007 10:13 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 26, 2007 1:57 PM in response to Filmmakerken

Your question is a bit vague. If I understand you correctly, all you need to do is go into the network preference pane, select the ethernet port, then click on the proxies tab and fill in the appropriate information for the proxies you need to use.

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Answer 2

Filmmakerken Author

Level 1

15 points

Feb 26, 2007 5:13 PM in response to Stanley Horwitz

I'm not sure what you mean by vague but allow me to be more specific.

To make Entourage work I had to configure it to use an Exchange Server, an option built in to the application. I find no such option in Apple Mail.

To make Firefox access the internet I just had to choose "auto-detect proxy servers." Now it will work at the office (through the Exchange server) and at home where I'm connected directly (on a cable modem). Safari has no such option.

I understand that Apple uses System Preferences rather than each application having its own settings. I ahven't been able to get any Apple apps to connect to the internet when I'm at work. I have set up a "Location" for when I'm at work. My MBP can access the company printers, though not from every application - - Preview always works.

I see that there is a place for a PAC file url or to configure a proxy server manually. I don't have this information. The company in all PC and isn't all that concerned with helping me configure my Mac.

If there's any other way someone can recommend I'd appreciate it.

On another note, I question why Apple's set up isn't easier. Entourage and Firefox were very simple, in the case of Firefox it was automatic.

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Answer 3

Feb 26, 2007 7:09 PM in response to Filmmakerken

When you create an account in Mail.app, one of the account types that's available as an option is Exchange.

To get Safari to work at work, you need to provide the appropriate proxy configuration information in the network preference panel.

You can set up a location for this in the network preference pane too. That is what I do. It works fine.

Its actually quite easy, but I guess ease is in the eye of the beholder.

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Answer 4

Filmmakerken Author

Level 1

15 points

Feb 27, 2007 4:44 PM in response to Stanley Horwitz

Thanks. I'll press one of the IT guys to give me the proxy info for Safari et al.

I guess I've gotten a little spoiled using Macs. Connecting to resources has always been so much easier than trying to make windows machines work. Firefox just made it look so easy... but then it's only one app while configuring system prefs should enable many iLife apps to work.

Thanks again.

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