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How do I configure system proxy in Debian Linux so Firefox uses it e.g. when "Use System Proxy Settings" is selected in Firefox preferences?

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  • Last reply by Martin

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I want to be able to change proxy settings without having to go through Firefox' tedious settings menu. Chrome lets me set a proxy as a command line option, or alternatively setting an environment variable would be ok for me. In its options, FF offers to "Auto-detect" proxy settings, and also, alternatively, to "Use system" proxy settings, but I can't find any documentation to tell me what it's looking for in either case, how to set the system proxy settings, or what the difference is between these two apparently similar options. Currently I have to do Menu->Preferences->Advanced->Network and then type in the proxy details, which takes too long! Thanks.

I want to be able to change proxy settings without having to go through Firefox' tedious settings menu. Chrome lets me set a proxy as a command line option, or alternatively setting an environment variable would be ok for me. In its options, FF offers to "Auto-detect" proxy settings, and also, alternatively, to "Use system" proxy settings, but I can't find any documentation to tell me what it's looking for in either case, how to set the system proxy settings, or what the difference is between these two apparently similar options. Currently I have to do Menu->Preferences->Advanced->Network and then type in the proxy details, which takes too long! Thanks.

Chosen solution

PAC file is an option. However the documentation for the difference between these options are located here


Another add on that might be a work around is: Proxy Selector

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Chosen Solution

PAC file is an option. However the documentation for the difference between these options are located here


Another add on that might be a work around is: Proxy Selector

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For me, it comes down to re-installing the status bar with status4eva plugin (bad decision there btw Mozz team, many plugins install their icons there). And install Elite Proxy Switcher, no need to go through the menus and all. It will appear in the status bar saying Direct Connection, then, you right click that and select Use Global Proxy Settings. Should work if it doesn't right away, which it should if you set up a system-wide proxy, but it can be more complicated in Linux I guess. Debian has "Network Proxy Preferences", right? Been a while I used it straight up.