How to Ping a Local Computer

A local computer is one that is connected to a local area network. This type of computer is typically physically accessible to users on the network. I you want to verify that the computer is online or you want to find out its IP address or name, you can send a small amount of data to the computer through the ping command. The ping command waits for a reply from the computer, which contains information on the IP address or name of the computer, depending on what piece of information you used to ping the computer.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," type "cmd" in the search field and press "Enter."

2. Type "ping name_or_ip" in the command prompt application window. The sample text "name_or_ip" should be replaced with the name or IP address of the computer you are pinging.

3. Press "Enter." If you pinged the IP address of the computer, the computer name is displayed in the command prompt window. If you pinged the computer name, the IP address is displayed.

References

• Microsoft: Ping