Common Reasons for Discovering Your Computer’s IP Address
I’m not sure why you need the IP address but there are several common reasons that computer users sometimes need to know what their IP address is. For example, when setting up a home network, each computer on the network is identified by their IP address. Once you know the IP address of the various computers, you can then set up the network to always allow the computers to access the network’s resources based on their IP addresses. In addition, you can restrict all other computers from accessing the network.
What are IP Addresses?
Two different types of IP addresses are typically used. The first one is the computer’s local IP address on your network as discussed above. The other is the IP address assigned by the Internet Service Provider. When connecting to the Internet, your computer is assigned a unique IP address that identifies it on the network. Depending on the type of Internet service plan you have, this number may change (dynamic) or remain the same (static) each time you connect. Web sites can capture your IP address when you visit. This IP address then reveals some general information about the user.
For example, when you posted your question to Filetonic.com, your ISP assigned IP address was automatically captured. Don’t worry; we have a strict Privacy Policy and will not abuse your personal information. I did a quick look up of this address and was able to discover that you use a well known cable/DSL provider and most likely live in a lovely ski resort community. Geographic and ISP data is revealed because ISP assigned IP addresses are regionally assigned to each ISP.
How to Find out Your IP Address
Want to know how to find out what your IP address is? It’s pretty easy but the steps depend on which type of IP address you need to discover. In the example above, I used a Web site called WhatIsMyIPaddress.com and entered the IP address that was captured with your message. You can also visit this site and find out your ISP assigned IP address. You’ll see a map pinpointing your general geographic location along with other revealing information.
Now, if you want to find your computer’s individual IP address, you can do so by going to the Start button, clicking on Run and typing in ipconfig /all. This will launch a screen that will show you the various IP addresses and MAC addresses configured on your computer.
No matter what you need an IP address for, these tips should help you figure out what your computer’s IP address actually is.
Related Articles:
http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/06/12/what-is-an-ip-address/
http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/06/12/how-do-i-find-out-my-ip-address/
http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/06/24/mac-id/
Celeste Stewart | October 20th, 2008
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