How to find the current IP address of my PC?

To find the current ip address assigned on your pc, follow these steps :

1. Open the command prompt or the DOS prompt, to do this,
2. Click on the Start Menu.
3. Click on run.
4. Type command or cmd
5. Now on the blinking cursor, type ipconfig .
6. Then press enter. You will then see the ip address details of your computer.
7. Type exit on the blinking cursor to exit the command prompt.
   

Assigning a static ip address

Assigning a static ip address -
This is a continuation from my previous post, How to configure my pc to have a static ipaddress?

Each computer in a network has its own IP address. That IP address can be static or dynamic, static which means that it never changes / permanent unless you change it to another one. Dynamically which may change from time to time.

There are different methods in assigning an IP Address, each differs on the operating system that you are using on your pc. I will assume you have windows xp installed.

Follow these steps:

Method I

1. Open Windows Start Menu, click on the Start.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Open Network and Internet Connections.
4. Open Network Connections.
5. Open Local Area Connection or Internet Connection.
6. Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
7. Now the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is highlighted, click on Properties.
8. In the General Tab, Click on Use the following IP address.
9. In the IP Address field enter the static IP address you want to assign to your computer.
• For example: 192.168.1.x
  
10. In the Subnet Mask field enter the subnet mask used by your router.
    
• For example: 255.255.255.0
  
11. In the Default Gateway field enter your router's ip address or your routers default gateway.
13. In Use the following DNS server addresses, enter all the IP addressses for the DNS servers your router uses.
14. Click ok to close all open window.
15. Your static ip address is now set.
    

Do you need a router?

The question do I need a router always comes into question. The answer is yes and no. If you have only one computer at home, you don't need a router, but if you have at least two computer that needs to access the internet at the same time, then you need a router. Plus if you have additional device that needs an internet connection to work, a router will solve your problem.

What is a router?

A router is a network device that delivers Internet Protocol (IP) data packets to and from multiple computers or devices on a network. You may already have a router attached your DSL or Cable modem and your computer. A router allows you to connect more than one device to your Internet connection at the same time. It acts as a junction between two or more networks to transfer data packets among them.

Your router must:

• Be DSL/Cable Modem web-safe
• Provide NAT (Network Address Translation)
• Provide DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

Most routers support these requirements.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link. By far the most common type of data network. A LAN serves a local area (typically the area of a floor, in close proximity to each other such as in an office building, home, or school.)