SOCKS5

IP2World proxy service provides 90M+ real, clean, anonymous residential proxy IPs cover 220+ regions worldwide. Fetch HTTP(S) & SOCKS5 rotating residential proxies by API or user+pass auth from web Page. Download powerful proxy software to easily configure global SOCKS5 residential proxies. City, ASN-level targeting, unmetered bandwidth & unlimited concurrent sessions proxies. IP2World integrates global available proxy IPs into one software IP2 proxy manager, compatible with various apps and can be used in brand protection, ad verification, SEO, price integration, academic surveys, social media management, fingerprint browsers, online games, sneakers, e-commerce, data collection, etc. As a Top-Notch Residential Proxy Provider, Alternative Proxy to 911S5, IP2World Proxy Brand Provides 3 types of proxy that are SOCKS5 Residential, Rotating Residential and Static Residential ISP Proxies. Let’s learn how to integrate these proxy types with Hidemium Browser. IP2World pool resources: 90M+ real and pure residential proxies covering 220+ countries and regions around the worldProxy Types: Dynamic Rotating Residential Proxy, Dynamic S5 Residential Proxy, Static Residential ISP ProxyPrice: Rotating Residential $0.8/GB/6 months, S5 Residential $0.04/IP, Static ISP $5/IP/monthSupport protocols: HTTP(S) & SOCKS5Proxy modes: API, User+Pass Auth or S5 software to fetch proxies 1.SOCKS5 Residential Proxies & HidemiumDownload and open Hidemium software, create a new profile, go to proxy settings2.Rotating Residential Proxies & HidemiumConfigure Proxy Info, and Paste each proxy info to Hidemium proxy field and click check proxy,Note: HTTP & SOCKS5 are both supported by IP2World Proxy3.Static Residential ISP Proxies & HidemiumConfigure Static ISP Proxy IP, Paste the proxy info to Hidemium, and click check proxy Note: All proxies have to use in Full Global International Internet Environment That’s all for this proxy guide of IP2World & Hidemium. Thanks for reading, If there are any questions, feel free to contact us by email [email protected]

IntroductionIn an era where our lives are intricately woven with the internet, HTTP and HTTPS proxies stand as pillars supporting the seamless, secure, and efficient functioning of our online world. These guardians of the digital realm ensure that communication between clients and servers happens smoothly, while providing unique benefits such as privacy protection, content management, and more. As we navigate this digital labyrinth, let's delve into the fascinating universe of HTTP and HTTPS, understanding their significance, advantages, and unique characteristics. What is HTTP?Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) can be likened to the veins of the internet, transferring files and information throughout the web. Serving as the underlying mechanism of web communication, HTTP's various versions, such as HTTP/1.0 and HTTP/1.1, represent evolutionary stages in its ongoing refinement and development. What is HTTPS?Taking a step towards fortified security, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Socket Layer) adds a protective armor to HTTP. By encrypting connections and meticulously verifying server identities through digital certificates, HTTPS becomes the shielded conduit for secure web interactions. HTTP Proxy: Your Internet Traffic Controller IntroductionImagine the internet as a sprawling city, bustling with traffic. In this analogy, the HTTP proxy is the skilled traffic cop, guiding the flow of information cars between your computer and various online destinations. But it's more than a mere traffic controller; it's a multi-faceted tool with remarkable benefits and some inherent limitations. From managing access to particular content to compressing data for faster transmission, the HTTP proxy is integral to the smooth functioning of the online world. Benefits of HTTP Proxy - Content Blocking: Acting as vigilant security guards, HTTP proxies can restrict unauthorized access to specific sites or content types. This provides organizations and individuals with control over what content can be accessed, promoting a safer and more focused online environment. - Compression: Akin to a magical compression chamber, HTTP proxies shrink data sizes. This allows for faster transmission and a more streamlined internet experience, particularly beneficial when bandwidth is limited or costs need to be controlled. - Caching: Think of this as creating express lanes for frequent destinations. By storing copies of often-visited content locally, HTTP proxies enable rapid access, enhancing user experience by reducing waiting times and server load. - Anonymity: Envision donning a digital cloak of invisibility. By masking your original IP address, HTTP proxies offer a veil of privacy in the vast online world. This can help protect against tracking, targeted advertising, and even potential cyber threats. Limitations of HTTP Proxy - Lack of Security: It's the Achilles' heel in the armor; HTTP proxies can't forward HTTPS data, leaving a vulnerability in handling secure information. This limitation makes them unsuitable for transmitting confidential or sensitive data that requires encryption. - Potential Performance Issues: Like city traffic during rush hour, poorly configured HTTP proxies can cause slowdowns and bottlenecks, affecting the overall network performance. Proper setup, maintenance, and capacity planning are crucial to avoid these issues. Configuring an HTTP ProxyCustomizing an HTTP proxy is like crafting traffic laws to suit your city's unique needs. It's an art and a science that involves adjusting various settings to ensure efficient data flow, content control, and optimal security alignment. Whether setting time limits for connections, restricting URLs, or employing specialized security protocols, configuring an HTTP proxy offers a blend of flexibility and control to meet diverse requirements. HTTPS Proxy: The Fortified Gatekeeper IntroductionWhere the HTTP proxy is a regular patrol officer, the HTTPS proxy is the SWAT team, specially equipped for secure, encrypted data transmission. Unlike its HTTP counterpart, the HTTPS proxy focuses on safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring a secure passage across the digital landscape. Benefits of HTTPS Proxy - Enhanced Security: Picture a digital fortress around your data. HTTPS proxies encrypt your information, like login credentials, personal details, or financial transactions, ensuring they are safely transported across the Internet. This encryption minimizes the risk of data interception by malicious entities. - Certificate Management: Acting like notary publics, HTTPS proxies authenticate and manage digital certificates. This process verifies the legitimacy of websites, fostering trust in online interactions, and preventing unsettling browser warnings that can deter users. - Monitoring and Filtering: Imagine an ever-watchful sentinel; HTTPS proxies provide oversight and control over HTTPS traffic. This ability enables organizations to align web traffic with company policies and security protocols, detecting potential threats, filtering content, and ensuring compliance with regulations. In conclusion, both HTTP and HTTPS proxies play vital roles in shaping our online experience. While HTTP proxies offer versatile control over content, efficiency, and anonymity, HTTPS proxies provide a fortified layer of security, making them essential tools for modern internet navigation. Their careful selection, configuration, and utilization enable a seamless, secure, and responsive internet journey. Proxy ActionsCreating proxy actions is like drafting traffic regulations. It's a detailed process, allowing adaptation to the ever-changing internet trends or specific organizational needs. - Client Proxy Action: Imagine a drawbridge for residents; this allows secure connections from internal clients to the internet. - Server Proxy Action: This is akin to a guest pass, permitting connections to internal servers from the world wide web. - Standard and Customized Proxy Actions: These represent the codified rules and personalized guidelines, shaping the traffic flow in alignment with modern internet dynamics and specific security considerations. ConclusionHTTP and HTTPS proxies are the unsung heroes of our online existence. They serve different roles, with HTTP excelling in areas like content control and efficiency, while HTTPS focuses on secure data handling. Understanding their unique capabilities allows companies to forge a digital strategy that's both secure and responsive. The strategic implementation of HTTP and HTTPS proxies isn't just a tech-savvy move; it's a masterstroke that elevates online experience to new heights. Whether safeguarding sensitive data, cloaking IP addresses, managing content, or facilitating web scraping, these proxies are tools of empowerment in the digital age. In the grand scheme of our interconnected world, the decision to use HTTP or HTTPS proxies is a pivotal one, shaping the very contours of an organization's online landscape. It's a choice that resonates with innovation, security, and efficiency, ensuring a robust, harmonious, and secure digital universe.

Introduction:In the intricate tapestry of internet communication, where protocols weave the threads of connectivity, SOCKS5 proxies emerge as dynamic players, reshaping the way data traverses the digital landscape. As the internet operates atop foundational protocols like ICMP, TCP, and UDP, SOCKS5 proxies stand at the crossroads of innovation, offering a conduit for versatile data transmission. This blog embarks on a journey to unravel the origins and evolution of SOCKS5 proxies, delving into the intricate layers of internet protocols that underpin their functionality. We will explore the diverse applications that SOCKS5 proxies facilitate, from concealing IP addresses to enhancing video calls, gaming experiences, and torrenting endeavors. Furthermore, we will dissect the unique advantages that set SOCKS5 proxies apart from their HTTP counterparts, while also addressing the encryption challenge that surrounds them.Embarking on a journey to comprehend the essence of SOCKS5 proxies requires a foundational understanding of the bedrock upon which the internet stands - protocols. These protocols serve as the communication framework that allows data to traverse the vast digital landscape. At the core of this digital realm are three pivotal protocols: Internet Control Messaging Protocol (ICMP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). ICMP: The Network's Sentinel Among these protocols, ICMP emerges as a sentinel of the network, responsible for monitoring its health and status. This control protocol serves as the messenger that conveys critical network information. You might have encountered its most famous utility - the "ping" command. Through ICMP, devices communicate their operational status, revealing whether they're reachable or not. TCP and UDP: The Dynamic Duo As our journey into protocols deepens, the spotlight shifts to the dynamic duo - Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). These two protocols constitute the backbone of data transmission, facilitating the exchange of information between devices across the internet. TCP: Order and Precision TCP, often likened to a meticulous conductor, orchestrates data transmission with order and precision. It ensures that data packets traverse the digital realm in an organized manner, arriving at their destination with accuracy. By optimizing performance and meticulously error-checking, TCP guarantees that data reaches its intended endpoint intact. UDP: The Champion of Real-Time Communication Contrasting TCP's methodical approach, User Datagram Protocol (UDP) emerges as the champion of real-time communication. In scenarios where speed and immediacy supersede order, UDP takes the stage. It adopts a connectionless approach, enabling swift transmission of data. While this speed sacrifices some data integrity and organization, it is the preferred choice for applications like online gaming and real-time streaming. Enter SOCKS5 Proxies: Defining the Protocol With a foundational understanding of internet protocols in place, the curtain rises on the SOCKS5 protocol. "Socket Secure," abbreviated as SOCKS, is a protocol that revolutionizes data transmission by introducing an intermediary entity - the SOCKS proxy server. This server acts as a bridge, facilitating data transmission between devices and servers located behind firewalls. The SOCKS proxy server, positioned as the intermediary, orchestrates the seamless exchange of network packets between clients and their intended servers. SOCKS5: An Evolution in Protocol Advancements Within the realm of protocols, SOCKS5 proxies emerge as a testament to evolution and innovation. This iteration of the SOCKS protocol embodies a paradigm shift, introducing a constellation of critical features that propel data transmission to new horizons. Comprehensive Authentication Options: A Multifaceted Approach One striking facet of SOCKS5 is its comprehensive authentication framework. In contrast to its predecessors, this iteration offers an array of authentication mechanisms. This diversity accommodates varying security needs, ensuring that each connection can be tailored to the appropriate level of protection. Support for IPv6 Addresses: Pioneering the Future As the internet embraces the era of IPv6 addresses, SOCKS5 proxies march in stride with this evolution. Seamlessly integrating with IPv6 addresses, SOCKS5 proxies lay the groundwork for seamless communication in the digital landscape's future. Remote DNS Lookups: Elevating Convenience SOCKS5 proxies transcend conventional boundaries by introducing the capability of remote Domain Name System (DNS) lookups. This innovation streamlines communication by enabling proxies to independently resolve DNS queries. The result is an enhanced user experience with reduced latency and increased efficiency. UDP Compatibility: Paving the Way for Real-Time Realities A defining hallmark of SOCKS5 proxies is their support for UDP protocols alongside the traditional TCP. This compatibility enriches the proxy's usability in scenarios demanding real-time communication and dynamic data transmission. With this capability, SOCKS5 proxies become indispensable tools for online gaming, video streaming, and any application reliant on swift data delivery. The emergence of SOCKS5 proxies signifies more than a protocol evolution; it embodies the spirit of adaptability, security, and efficiency. As we delve deeper into the realm of proxies, the prowess of SOCKS5 proxies shines as a beacon of innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of internet protocols. The Versatility of SOCKS5 Proxies Within the realm of internet protocols, SOCKS5 proxies stand as versatile powerhouses, offering a panoply of applications that cater to diverse needs and scenarios: IP Address Concealment: A Shield of Anonymity At the core of SOCKS5 proxies lies their ability to provide a shield of anonymity. By ingeniously rerouting data traffic, these proxies grant users a new IP address, effectively cloaking their original identity. This dynamic feature becomes a sanctuary for privacy-conscious individuals, ensuring that their online activities remain discreet and untraceable. Facilitating Video Calls and Streaming: Seamless Connectivity The collaboration between SOCKS5 proxies and communication platforms like Skype and Telegram is a testament to their adaptability. These proxies create a conduit for smooth and uninterrupted video calls, transcending geographical barriers. Moreover, in the realm of online streaming, SOCKS5 proxies join forces with platforms like Twitch, granting users unrestricted access to captivating content. Torrent Downloads: Torrenting Made Efficient SOCKS5 proxies establish their prowess as efficient companions for torrent enthusiasts. Peer-to-peer messaging software, the heartbeat of torrenting, finds an ideal partner in SOCKS5 proxies. These proxies optimize data transmission, accelerating the torrent download process while preserving anonymity. Gaming Adventures: Unveiling New Horizons While the exploration of SOCKS5 proxies in the realm of online gaming is in its infancy, intriguing possibilities emerge. Rumors swirl about these proxies potentially enhancing online gaming experiences. Although the extent of their impact requires further investigation, the gaming community's curiosity remains piqued. Evasion of Restrictions: The Key to Unlocked Content SOCKS5 proxies emerge as the key to circumventing digital barriers. With adeptness in bypassing firewalls and geo-restrictions, they empower users to seamlessly access content that might otherwise remain out of reach. The digital world opens its doors, allowing users to explore and indulge in content from across the globe. The Distinctive Appeal of SOCKS5 Over HTTP Proxies Delving deeper into the realm of proxy protocols unveils the distinctive appeal of SOCKS5 proxies, setting them apart from their HTTP counterparts: Diverse Data Handling: Expanding Horizons One of the remarkable differentiators of SOCKS5 proxies lies in their prowess to handle a diverse array of data types. This transcends the limitations of HTTP proxies, which are often confined to specific data formats. SOCKS5 proxies break these boundaries, accommodating various data streams with finesse. Anonymity Reinforcement: Shielding Identity A striking feature of SOCKS5 proxies is their direct client-to-server connection mechanism. This approach heightens the shield of anonymity, ensuring that the user's original IP information remains concealed. Unlike HTTP proxies, which might inadvertently leak certain details, SOCKS5 proxies serve as robust guardians of identity. Traffic-Intensive Versatility: Navigating High Demands The realm of real-time data streaming and traffic-intensive activities finds a reliable ally in SOCKS5 proxies. With their adeptness in handling UDP protocols, these proxies excel in scenarios that demand swift and dynamic data transmission. Online streaming and gaming, with their insatiable appetite for real-time communication, find a compatible partner in SOCKS5 proxies. Navigating the Encryption Conundrum Yet, within the realm of SOCKS5 proxies, a conundrum of security emerges. The absence of standard tunnel encryption exposes them to the risk of data interception. This vulnerability amplifies the importance of cautious selection when considering SOCKS5 proxies for tasks that involve sensitive information. While their versatility is undeniable, users must balance it with the critical factor of data protection. As the digital landscape evolves, SOCKS5 proxies remain a versatile tool, adapting to varied needs while inspiring cautious exploration of their capabilities. Conclusion: In a digital era characterized by interconnectedness, privacy concerns, and the unquenchable thirst for versatile data transmission, SOCKS5 proxies offer a glimpse into the future of internet communication. Their ability to cloak identities, facilitate seamless connections, and navigate the intricacies of real-time data transmission showcases their adaptability and relevance. As we navigate the vast expanse of internet protocols and proxy mechanisms, SOCKS5 proxies stand as a testament to the continuous evolution of technology. While their versatility opens doors to a multitude of applications, the absence of standard encryption underscores the need for vigilant selection and usage. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, SOCKS5 proxies carve a niche that combines innovation with caution, promising both opportunities and challenges for those who traverse the digital realm.

The unexpected shutdown of popular proxy service providers like RolaIP and 911S5 has left a multitude of users urgently seeking alternatives. The sudden closure has caused business disruptions, data loss, financial damages, and potentially tarnished corporate reputations for those relying heavily on these providers. This sudden development has underscored the importance of understanding how to choose a reliable proxy provider and familiarizing oneself with alternative options. In this article, we will explore these elements, leading to what we believe to be the best alternative to RolaIP and 911S5 – IP2World Choosing a proxy provider involves multiple critical considerations. First is the source of the proxy IPs, typically derived from public proxy pools, paid proxy providers, or self-built proxy servers. Public proxies offer a low-cost solution but often lack stability and anonymity, whereas paid providers generally offer superior stability and anonymity. Self-built servers provide more flexibility and control but require more maintenance and technical know-how. The following key factors should be considered while choosing the right proxy IP: 1. Stability: The stability of a proxy IP is crucial for smooth internet access and data scraping. Providers with high stability ensure fewer connection disruptions. 2. Speed and latency: A fast proxy IP improves work efficiency and user experience. Select IPs that are either dedicated or feature load balancing and quick response times. 3. Anonymity: High anonymity proxy IPs protect personal privacy by preventing detection and blocking by target websites. 4. Support and customer service: Gauge the provider's level of customer support. They should offer multiple contact options (e.g., live chat, email, phone) and quick response times. 5. Pricing and payment methods: Compare prices across different proxy providers and confirm the available payment methods. In today's digital era, protecting privacy and ensuring cybersecurity are paramount, and the use of proxy IPs is a common approach to safeguarding our online identity. With the sudden closure of RolaIP and 911S5, businesses in need of global IP proxy support have been severely affected. They are now urgently seeking reliable alternatives to continue their operations without significant disruption. Enter IP2World, which emerges as a strong contender in the field. IP2World offers over 90 million real, clean, and anonymous residential proxy IPs covering more than 220 regions worldwide. It supports HTTP(S) & SOCKS5 rotating and static residential proxies, accessible via API or user and password authentication.  Features and offerings of IP2World include: - 90M+ Real, clean residential proxy IPs covering 220+ regions- HTTP(S) & SOCKS5 support via API or User+Pass authentication Rotating Residential Proxies- Rotating & static residential ISP proxies Static Residential ISP Proxies- Country, city, and ASN-level targeting- Unmetered bandwidth and unlimited concurrent sessions- Powerful Proxy Software integrated with SOCKS5 residential proxies SOCKS5 Residential Proxies IP2World offers a comprehensive suite of services, ideal for use cases ranging from brand protection and ad verification to social media management and academic surveys.  In conclusion, while the closure of RolaIP and 911S5 has caused significant concern, alternatives like IP2World provide robust, efficient, and secure proxy services to meet diverse user needs. In making a wise choice, we can effectively protect personal privacy and enjoy a safer, more liberated internet experience.

Introduction In the digital age, proxy services have become an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals alike. At IP2World, we offer robust and reliable proxy solutions tailored to your unique needs. With our focus on HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies, we provide end-to-end solutions for data collection, enhancing network security, circumventing geo-restrictions, and more.  Harnessing the Power of HTTP Proxies HTTP proxies, available through IP2World, offer vast customization to meet your distinct requirements. Serving as an intermediary between HTTP/HTTPS-based browsers and the requesting party, these proxies offer an added layer of security, ensuring anonymity while you collect and process data. One significant use of HTTP proxies is 'content caching.' This feature minimizes the strain on servers by locally storing previously retrieved information, reducing the need for new server connections. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that encounter repeated requests for the same data or operate international Content Distribution/Delivery Networks (CDNs). Furthermore, HTTP proxies serve as "digital bouncers," determining which data packets gain entry to your server or database, enhancing network security, especially when internal networks are connected to the internet. Switch to SOCKS5 for High Traffic and Flexibility SOCKS5 proxies, part of our offering at IP2World, present a versatile solution for varied data requests. Built to handle high traffic volumes, these proxies are excellent for tasks such as load balancing and peer-to-peer activities, including music, video, and data streaming. SOCKS5 proxies are protocol-agnostic, allowing them to establish stable connections using both User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). Their versatility makes them especially useful in navigating firewalls, circumventing blockades, and accessing desired target data, even when your IP has been blacklisted by a target site. Securing Communication with HTTPS Proxies If you prioritize secure and encrypted communication, our HTTPS proxy service is the perfect fit for you. These proxies provide end-to-end encryption, ensuring that data exchanged between a client and a server remains secure and protected from unauthorized access. By employing an HTTPS proxy from IP2World, you can have peace of mind knowing that your login credentials, financial data, and other personal information are safe. SOCKS5 Proxies for Speed and Anonymity If you require fast proxy speeds, anonymity, and flexibility, SOCKS5 is your answer. With lower levels of encryption, it delivers quicker response times. Its adaptability to various protocols like UDP and IPv6 allows traffic to be routed through multiple proxy servers and geo-locations, offering you the utmost anonymity. Choosing Between HTTPS and SOCKS5 The choice between SOCKS5 and HTTP/HTTPS proxies largely depends on your specific needs. HTTPS proxies are great for secure web browsing, accessing HTTP/HTTPS websites, web scraping, load balancing, and debugging web application issues. On the other hand, SOCKS5 shines in scenarios that call for bolstering cyber defenses, maintaining anonymity, and streaming web content or sharing files using peer-to-peer technology. Conclusion At IP2World, we provide versatile and high-quality proxy services to cater to a wide range of applications. Whether you're aiming for secure and encrypted communication, managing high traffic volumes, or bypassing geolocation-based restrictions, our HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies offer efficient and effective solutions. Understanding the nuances of these proxy types can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs. At IP2World, we're here to guide you through the process, ensuring you have the right tools for your digital ventures. Don't settle for less; choose IP2World for your proxy needs today.

In the world of digital communication, data security, and anonymity hold a paramount place. The continuous evolution of the internet has given birth to several protocols, each with unique advantages and challenges. Among these, SOCKS5 proxies have gained significant attention due to their versatility and ability to manage a variety of traffic types. This article explores the intricacies of SOCKS5, its comparison with HTTP proxies, and the role it plays in our digital lives today. SOCKS5, an abbreviation for Socket Secure version 5, is the latest iteration of the SOCKS protocol. It is lauded for its versatility, speed, and anonymity. SOCKS5 proxies enable many tasks that HTTP(S) IPs find challenging, including gaming, video streaming, torrents, and web scraping. You can use them for just about anything. Moreover, SOCKS5 proxies can be residential, data center, ISP, or mobile addresses, providing an array of options to the users. The SOCKS5 protocol acts as an intermediary that allows data to be sent from one device to another via a third device, known as a SOCKS server or simply a SOCKS proxy. It has been designed to be an all-purpose proxy solution and can handle almost any protocol, program, or type of traffic, whether it's web pages, emails, torrents, video streaming, or games. Comparing SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 proxies, the latter introduces several vital features, such as more authentication options, support for IPv6 IP addresses, remote DNS queries, and compatibility with UDP protocol, not just TCP. These features are essential for users who need to transfer data in real-time, as in many video streaming services and video games. On the other hand, HTTP proxies specifically work with HTTP(S) protocols, or in simpler terms, websites. They usually have only ports 80 and 443 open, ruling out other types of traffic. Compared to HTTP proxies, SOCKS5 proxies are more versatile, allowing users to unblock content and work with all kinds of data.  SOCKS5 proxies have several key uses. They can help users hide their IP addresses, chat, make video calls, use streaming websites, download torrents, play games, access forbidden content. However, like any technology, SOCKS5 proxies come with their set of advantages and drawbacks. They ensure a high level of anonymity and are great for traffic-intensive tasks. On the flip side, they are generally more expensive compared to HTTP(S) IPs, data goes through them unencrypted, and they are not supported by some applications. A point of caution, the use of free SOCKS5 proxies can often be tempting but fraught with risks, including slow and unreliable service due to sharing with multiple users, frequent downtime, and general instability. Instead, users are advised to consider premium or cheap SOCKS5 proxies that offer better reliability and performance. In conclusion, SOCKS5 proxies stand as a strong choice in the realm of internet protocols, offering versatility, speed, and anonymity. However, users need to be aware of their limitations and risks, especially compared to alternatives such as HTTP proxies. As the digital world continues to evolve, users must stay informed to make the best choices for their specific needs.