Using a proxy server

[PC person]

I'm looking into using an anonymizing proxy. But, I'm just a little unsure of how it works- sort of.

I know that it acts as "middleman" between you and the internet. But, I'm looking to see some kind of diagram as to how my computer is involved. I've seen ones that show my computer, a line to the proxy between it and a line to whatever the proxy is getting me and re-routing to me.

But, this is kind of oversimplified. For example, my computer is connected via a wireless router to our cable modem, which is connected to our ISP.

So, where would the proxy fit into this? Would it go like this?

1 From me on my computer

2. to our router,

3. To our ISP,

4. To the proxy

5. Then whatever I am accessing with the proxy.

It would have to go through our ISP on the way back, say I request a webpage. The proxy would not be in-between me and our ISP, correct?

Right now, I'm not using a proxy (obviously) what kind of computer is it our cable modem is connected to, just our ISP's DNS servers? It shows under my router's web interface (I have a D-link DGL-4500) Under the Status Tab

MAC Address: 00:1C:F0:6A:BB:0F

Authentication & Security:

IP Address: 66.189.36.188

Subnet Mask: 255.255.252.0

Default Gateway: 66.189.36.1

Primary DNS Server: 66.189.0.29

Secondary DNS Server: 66.189.0.30

Looks like the Default Gateway is the DHCP that assigns the IP to router

[PC person]

I guess nobody knows then?