IP Address – What is it?
For many people, their Internet service is something that happens as though by magic, but if you are curious about learning more about how your computer gets online and communicates with other machines, you are going to find that you need to think about your IP address. The term IP address is one that comes up with regular frequency when you are thinking about computers and networking and even if you know where to find it, you might not be able to explain what it means or what it does. When you are thinking about learning more about networking and when you want some simple answers as to what an IP address is and what it does, there are some things that you need to keep in mind.
In the first place, remember that the term itself is short for “Internet Protocol.” This is a label that has been applied to allow you to connect to a wider network, and if you are on the Internet, you are using an IP address to get there. Remember, though, that you are looking at something that has several functions. For instance, websites have IP addresses too; from your computer’s point of view, they are both a pathway as well as a location. When you are thinking about the way your computer interacts on the network, remember that it should act as your passport. If you are not getting an IP address, you are not going to be getting online at all. Your IP address is something that is granted to you by your Internet service provider, or your ISP. In many cases, you will be able to simply plug your computer into the wall or into your cable modem, depending on what your service consists of, and you will be able to get online right away. In many cases, you will first need to deal with authenticating yourself to your ISP, and you need to verify that you have service with them, but it usually takes very little time at all. With a greater interest in convenience and speed, there are companies which are deliberately working for plug and play Internet, where you can plug your computer in and simply start surfing as you please. This can make a huge difference to the way that you connect.
