Keep in mind that the IP (Internet Protocol) identifies your computer on the Internet. But it's not a free pass through your security.
Your IP address is given away many times as you surf the Web. Each link you click is a request for a Web page. The Web server that responds needs a return address—your IP address. The process of sharing files over a home network is similar.
Hackers might use your IP address to target your computer for attack. Even so, your computer's firewall stands in the way. Uninvited communication is precisely what firewalls are designed to block. With adequate security, you have nothing to worry about.
In addition to a firewall, you should have antivirus and anti-spyware programs.. And, of course…. be sure to keep Windows updated.
Your IP address is assigned to you by your Internet service provider. In most cases, these numbers are dynamic. So the number changes periodically.
Although you can't do without an IP address, you can obscure it. One of the best ways to do so is via a proxy service. A proxy sits between your computer and the Internet. The online world sees the IP address of the proxy. A few free proxy services include Tor, PHProxy and Privoxy).
Tor is popular with those looking to avoid tracking by advertisers. It is a network of all computers running the Tor program. Your computer may borrow a different computer's IP address with each click.
The best person to answer any questions on computers and the services is Kim Kommando. She has a radio show on in the evenings and she has addressed this very question. She also has a web site.
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Keep in mind that the IP (Internet Protocol) identifies your computer on the Internet. But it's not a free pass through your security.
Your IP address is given away many times as you surf the Web. Each link you click is a request for a Web page. The Web server that responds needs a return address—your IP address. The process of sharing files over a home network is similar.
Hackers might use your IP address to target your computer for attack. Even so, your computer's firewall stands in the way. Uninvited communication is precisely what firewalls are designed to block. With adequate security, you have nothing to worry about.
In addition to a firewall, you should have antivirus and anti-spyware programs.. And, of course…. be sure to keep Windows updated.
Your IP address is assigned to you by your Internet service provider. In most cases, these numbers are dynamic. So the number changes periodically.
Although you can't do without an IP address, you can obscure it. One of the best ways to do so is via a proxy service. A proxy sits between your computer and the Internet. The online world sees the IP address of the proxy. A few free proxy services include Tor, PHProxy and Privoxy).
Tor is popular with those looking to avoid tracking by advertisers. It is a network of all computers running the Tor program. Your computer may borrow a different computer's IP address with each click.
The best person to answer any questions on computers and the services is Kim Kommando. She has a radio show on in the evenings and she has addressed this very question. She also has a web site.