Ip Address

An IP Address is a specific number assigned to a computer when it is part of a network. It is used as identification to differentiate between other systems on the network. The IP address is also used to designate a specific location to which other computers will transmit information and data. Websites will often log visitor's IP addresses for security purposes.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Internet Protocol Address
2. Specifies a computer's location within a network
3. All computers on a network will have an address
4. Often compared to a house's mailing address¹ or telephone number²
5. A dynamic IP address is one that changes every time a computer logs onto a given network
6. A static IP address will stay the same for a specific computer even when it logs off and on a network
7. Can be used to track a user's online activities
8. Many users mask their IP address by surfing anonymously

Privacy Issues

Most home internet connections operate on a static IP address. Consequently, a user's online activities—from simple web-browsing to illegal file-sharing—can usually be traced to a single, specific IP address. Many sites, especially ones that rely upon community participation (like Wikipedia), will keep track of incoming IP addresses as a security measure.³

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