Q: Socks 4 or 5?

I am just learning about proxies. Apparently, sock 4 or 5 are better to use than regular poxies that many sites offer...even better than TOR (very very slow BTW) Also, some proxies are transparent as well.

Could sock 4 or 5 proxies be transparent? If so, how can I check to see if any proxy is transparent?

Should I only stick to socks 4 and 5?

Thanks for the link and info!

cboy101's answers are accurate to the best of my knowledge, but i just wanted to chip in that socks proxies can't be "transparent" the way http proxies can. so that isn't a concern.

public proxys never last long..
just get a new list every day and check them yourself.

lots of forums to get fresh proxys every day.

several people told me to just always get sock5 proxys. they are better for some reason and there are enough around to fill your needs.