Is proxy server good or bad?

My internet stop working and it said it has something to do with proxy server. Since I'm not good with internet I just turn off the proxy server to I was wondering if it's a good thing or a bad thing to do. What is a proxy server and what can it do to my laptop? Please don't send me links and make me read them, I'm asking u guys for help not the link. This is an emergency question, my laptop is on the line, thanks guys! Please help me out, I'm begging you and if u have more info about proxy server tell me, I'll appreciate it thank you!