How to Find Your IP Address

IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is the combination of numbers assigned to every single person with an internet connection. IP addresses are used for a multitude of reasons, from tracking spammers on forums, to catching online criminals, to finding the physical location of an internet user. If you don't already know your IP address, it's very easy to figure out; here's how to find your IP address:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit an IP Address Website
   
   There are dozens of websites that use a simple line of code to the display IP addresses of users. You can find your IP address just by visiting the site; try visiting the URL below:
   
   http://whatismyipaddress.com/

2. Find Your IP Address with Windows
   
   You can look on your computer to find your IP address, as well. For Windows users, right-click on your connection icon (the small computer with two waves coming out of it) located in the bottom right-hand side of your computer in the icon tray. When the menu pops up, click on “Support,” and you will see your IP address listed next to “IP Address,” on the second line.

3. Understand Your IP Address
   
   Your IP address follows you everywhere you go online. It is logged every time you visit a website, leave a comment, post an article, upload pictures, and log in to your MySpace profile. Someone with the appropriate knowledge would be able to track down your physical location using your IP address, but this information is generally reserved for criminal investigations.
   
   There are tools you can use, one of which is a proxy, to hide your actual IP address from most people online. There really is no reason to do this, unless you feel like you need the extra security. Keep in mind, though, that law enforcement can find your IP address if they need to, even if you are using a proxy.