As a regular internet user, has it ever occurred to you to ask "What is my IP address"? Most people know that the term IP stands for Internet Protocol but they know very little beyond this. This term refers to the way in which two or more computers are connected through the internet. IP address refers to the distinct code that identifies a particular internet connection and network.
Whenever your computer connects with a particular website, it tags the request with your query. This enables the website to send the response back to your computer. The perfect analogy is that of a return address on an envelope so that the response can come back to you easily.
Your IP address contains a great deal of information about the internet connection that you use. Not only will this series of numbers provide information about the internet connection that you use but it will also indicate where your servers (and even proxy servers, if any) are located. The address also shows the location where your internet connection is registered, down to the zip code.
Since it is possible to trace an exact physical address with the help of an IP address, this method is used very often by law enforcement authorities. If a computer has been used to do anything illegal on the internet then this is the method used to trace the perpetrator who used a specific internet connection. If you have a wi-fi connection then you should also keep this information in mind. You need to protect your connection with a password or else another person could use it to break the law. You will initially be held responsible for the deed unless there is another way of proving your innocence.
It is very easy to find out what your IP address is and you wont have to ask "what is my IP address". This will help you keep track of your computer's activities, especially if you suspect that it has been hacked. What is more interesting is that you can also find out the address of another user if you use the right means. This is sometimes very necessary to protect you from online fraud since you might be able to identify the other person you are interacting with and whether he or she is a reliable person. Be sure to use the right service that provides you with the information you require.
