Question

Does anyone know if there is a simple way for the end-user to configure SOCKS proxy authentication in either of the major browsers: Firefox or MSIE?

Some browsers support proxy authentication by default such as Arora, but I am looking for a solution for the bigger names.

Currently when setting up a SOCKS proxy that uses authentication one is not being asked for the user/pass combo. The request simply dies.

Answer 1

The tor guys should have plenty of information with setting up SOCKS proxy authentication: just looking through the settings for Firefox, preferences->advanced->network->Connection Settings->Manual proxy configuration has a SOCKS (v4 or v5) host setting that should get you on your way, although I'm not sure if it also does authentication. Some sources say it does, some say it doesn't (in the form of a pop up on connection asking for credentials).

If the vanilla settings don't do the job, foxyproxy might do it (at least as of 2007, at http://davidtse916.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/switch-proxy-settings-on-firefox-using-foxyproxy/). Note: this is for 3.0.14, so it may be a bit different for 3.5.

Answer 2

You may use the freeware FreeCap, a very simple way to socksify any program, although with some limitations (as explained in the FAQ):

FreeCap -- is a program for transparency redirect connections from programs through SOCKS server. In fact that some programs hasn't native SOCKS support (for example Internet Explorer). In this case FreeCap will be helpful, transparently redirect all connection requests through SOCKS server.

EDIT

The Firefox add-on AutoProxy mentions socks:

AutoProxy is an add-on to help you use your proxy (http/socks) automatically & efficiently.

I don't know of such an add-on for IE.