IP address

[boona]

Hi,
Please can somebody explain what an IP address is? Also does it change if you log into your email/Facebook account whilst using a different computer?

[boona]

Hiya,
Thank you for your answer, I clicked on the link and it showed an IP address, so I am presuming that is mine?
Also, if I use a computer at the library and send a message using my email address will the IP address also be mine or will it be different as the library will have a different internet provider?

[Buenchico]

As JWale indicates, your IP address is where data is sent to, for you to be able to use it. For example, the Answerbank's server needed to know where to send the page you're viewing now.

Assuming that you're at home, and connected to the internet via a router, it's actually your router which is allocated an IP address. You could have a dozen different computers around your house, all connected to that router, and they'd all be using the same IP address on the internet. But if you use a friend's computer, or a public wi-fi connection, any website you use (such as Facebook) will see you at a different IP address.

Most internet service providers allocate IP addresses 'dynamically'. That means that if you disconnect your router from the internet, and then reconnect it, you'll be given a new IP address.

Chris

[boona]

I have a dongle on my laptop so does that mean if I take it out and then plug it back in and re connect I will have a different IP address?

[boona]

Ok Jwhale, thankyou for the links you provided, I quiet like the "hidemyass" one, its easy, so if I browse the internet using that paticular link I become anonymous right? Sorry if I appear a bit dim lol!!

[boona]

Ok, if I use a public computer (library) will I be anonymous too? Im not planning on doing anything dodgy here as such , I just need to whistle blow but I dont want my boss to find out it was me!