An IP (Internet Protocol) Address is a logical address of a network adapter/node similar like your Telephone number which is unique. An IP address can be private; it uniquely identifies every host (computer) on a network, for use on a LAN, for use on the Internet or other WAN. Without this specific address, information cannot be sent or received on web. The logical or IP Address is used to facilitate moving data between physical networks and is made up of a network number, a sub network number, and a host number.
Every device (Computer, PDA’s, I pods) connected to the public Internet is assigned a unique number known as an Internet Protocol address. IP addresses consist of four numbers separated by periods (also called a 'dotted-quad') and look something like 127.0.0.1.
Since these numbers are usually assigned to internet service providers within region-based blocks, an IP address can often be used to identify the region or country from which a computer is connecting to the Internet. An IP address can sometimes be used to show the user's location.
For humans the numbers may be tedious to deal with, an IP address may also be assigned to a Host name, which is sometimes easier to remember. Hostnames may be looked up to find IP addresses, and vice-versa. At one time ISPs issued one IP address to each user. Because there is a limited number of IP addresses and with increased usage of the internet ISPs now issue IP addresses in a dynamic fashion out of a pool of IP addresses (Using DHCP). This also limits the ability of the user to host websites, mail servers, ftp servers, etc. In addition to users connecting to the internet, with virtual hosting, a single machine can act like multiple machines (with multiple domain names and IP addresses).
When a computer is manually configured by an ISP or a System administrator to use the same IP address each time it joins the network, this is known as a Static IP address. In Servers static ip addresses are often used.
when the computer's IP address is assigned automatically by DHCP server, it is known as a Dynamic IP address. Dynamic IP Addresses are most frequently assigned on LANs and broadband networks.
Hiding Ip address
As you already learn that many websites and most hackers use IP addresses to monitor your personal location and that your home address and could be used by hackers to break into your computer, steal personal information, or commit other crimes against you and other personal information. If your IP address isn’t hidden, virtually anyone with Internet access can track you directly to your home. Everyone can see this information including hackers! Your firewall does not hide your IP address.
Everyone who is connected to the Internet has a unique IP address that allows information to be sent directly to her/his own personal computer. Unfortunately, about 99% of hacking attacks uses the victim’s IP address to monitor or steal personal information that can be used in identity theft.
So what is the solution? Simply hide your ip address with Hide My IP Software. Hide My IP allows you to surf anonymously, change your IP address, prevent identity theft, and guard against hacker intrusions, all with the click of a button. You can always try Hide My IP Software from http://www.hidemyip.com/.
Another way from which you can hide your computer from hackers is to buy a broadband router which not only saves you from hackers (router also has a built-in firewall) but also use to share your internet connection. Now a days there are routers available in the market with built-in wireless access point which makes it so powerful and necessary for computer users.
When you connect to internet through Router then the Ip address is assigned directly to router from ISP not your computer. Which means that if any body scans your ip address and wants to access your network then its not so easy for him/her to break into your network.
