Off Topic Computer Question

[Thrifty Angler]

I have a few questions in reference to reconfiguring my IP addresse. I have Windows XP. If I do the cmd then ipconfig then ipconfig/release, etc.... is this a safe procedure to do myself or would I be better off by letting my IP provider make IP address changes for me? And how often is it safe to make such changes?

Thanks

[mistwist]

If you are on a cable internet connection, you can not change your IP address with ipconfig, your IP address is drawn out of the IP block your provider owns. The only way to change your IP address is to change your MAC address, this can be done by changing network cards, or editing the MAC address, which is more difficult but either way you will still come up with the same IP address 9 out of 10 times.

The release and renewing commands through ipconfig just releases you DHCP connection or renews that connection depending on which command you use. You get whatever IP address is available in the pool first time you connect and unless you leave that IP address inactive for a long period of time its yours as long as you have that internet account, unless the provider of course changes it and usually that will only happen if they are changing IP blocks which basically never happens unless they are expanding...

If you are on dial up, your IP address changes everytime you connect usually it really depends on which IP addreses are in the pool and available.

I have 10 computers sitting here and have had them for almost 3 yrs now, I can't think of one reason anyone would want to or need to change their IP address...

Tell me why you want to change it and I may be able to give you another solution...

[HighCap56]

You can get a static IP address for extra $$$ from COX I beleive and also from Verizon or Cavelier.

The other post is very accurate and said everything I would have with the exception that should you have what COX will refer to as a "stale" IP address that causes sluggish or no performance you can have it released and pull a new IP for your modem, but it will change again after the modem is powered off for a period of time, or your computer is off and you lose the "lease" on that IP.

Powering the Cable Modem off for 30 minutes will clear the old IP in most cases, or you can call and ask the provider to purge the old IP.

Then you could reboot to pull a new dynamically generated IP Address (lease), or run IPCONFIG/renew as you have posted to do the same thing.


Bob

[mistwist]

The only thing I would have added, static IP's are pricey and for the everyday user that expense does not outwiegh the usefulness....

I think i have an idea why a new IP is wanted but if it the reason i am thinking of it won't work. there is a new broadcast virus out, well actually it is not new, its just showing up in HIGH numbers in this area, NC, VA, SC, etc... it's targeting IP Blocks, not individual IP's, it virtually shut down Charter last night in this area, their own techs couldn't even get ont he network to shut the offending, tho innocent bystanders, modem down... They have not found a way to stop it as of yet and a firewall is useless. It goes around zonealarm and many others because it is an HTTP request.....

So if this is the reason, it wont work, bear with the provider and they will figure it out eventually...

[mistwist]

P.S. I have a tendency to get tooooooo technical, trying not to do that here...LOL


HighCap, you don't know anything about UDP ports do you?

:D

[Thrifty Angler]

before reading the responses, lol. Technical stuff indeed guys. But in general I think I got it.:eek: Not having MAC or a network card sure cuts down on the process. I currently have dialup thru AOL. I did check this morning and found that the IP address did change when I logged in. Will have broadband any day now....just have to stay off the comp long enough for customer service to contact me before they will mail out the quick connect kit and modem. Much different process for broadband I see. My understanding is that by unplugging the modem for half an hour will cure most of what ails internet connection issues with broadband.

My reason for inquiring is due to an incident on another site. I do Yahoo sometimes and some guy from a prison got my IP email address as well as my telephone number and physical address. Emailed me a few times and called me also. My IP email isn't publicly displayed on Yahoo. I was like WTF.....:jawdrop:

Was wondering if changing IP addresses would eliminate having that happen again. Perhaps it's within Yahoo. BTW...I'll be moving soon.:(

Thanks for the assistance guys:cool:

[mistwist]

IP addresses are quite easy to get a hold of, if your using yahoo messanger, your IP address is easily obtained by typing netstat at the command prompt when instant messaging. instant messaging is a direct peer(ip address) to peer connection. I use it 24/7, don't worry about it. Sometimes even if you run a good firewall your IP addrss ia still accessible to others, But remember 99% of the population does not know the difference between an ip address and there own street address...so someone getting your IP address isnt that big of a deal as long as you take measures to keep those that do know the difference from going any further. another note here, most forums like this one log your IP address as well, P&S is one of the first I have seen that do not.

most of the time white pages seaches for someones email address or name will also give there phone number address and what you had for breakfast j/k.... NEVER add your self to directories and if you find you have been added somehow, most have a place to request that they remove you. AND ABSOLUTELY NEVER give out more than your first name, NEVER!

Heres some advice for when you get cable access, get a decent firewall, I use zone alarm, make sure you update it every week, second, Turn on your windows firewall, third if you really want to go over board home PC security, you can pick up a router, most these days have a built in firewall, even if you are not planning on running a home network it is still a easy way to keep out intrusion....but a good firewall is your best bet!

Good luck!

PS when you get cable access don't use the install disk, you may get more than you bargained for, pop ups, spam and a bunch of other garbage, call them have them set up the account, if they dont do home installs which most do, get the modem hooked up reboot your computer,then go to control panel>network connections, create a new connection. follow the steps its easier and will in the long run save you from alot of hassles!

[Thrifty Angler]

great info you've given.

I'll check on the directories issue. Might have myself in the yahoo one. Home phone is non published and non listed. At least that's what I'm suppose to be paying for.

Never knew someone could access that info so easily. Have a couple firewalls going. Norton.......which doesn't seem to be a favorite of many, as well as the Windows built in one. Although I must admit I don't always have the Windows one active.

Thanks for the tips on the broadband install. I ordered Cox online and will have to set it up myself. Looks like I'm in for a long night when it arrives. I wonder if I can hit flea up for some of his "standby" stash, lol. I'm sure my taste buds will forgive me.

Bill gates sure could benefit from your teachings.

Thanks a whole bunch. I'm hoping this info will be of help to other board members as well.

You Rock!:cool: :cool:

[davehunt]

Couldn't agree more on the router, I installed one as part of the wireless network I put in my house and the great side benefit was the built in firewall.

The prices have come so far down it's really worth it, I saw one Sunday in of all places Home Depot for about 40-50 bucks! I think it was by Netgear. Definitley worth the price

[Thrifty Angler]

I'm using a hub as well as an external usb plug and play ethernet adapter. Do some routers have the ethernet function built in or can I find one that will work with my current one? My ac powered hub supports extra "hardware" stuff such as cam, printer, etc.... Does the router that comes with hub ports make a suitable replacement for my current hub or is it's purpose only for adding other computers?

Talk about bird's nests, lol. It's gonna be a jungle under the desk, lol.

Thanks again.

[Thrifty Angler]

and the modem. Now the real fun begins.:eek:

[mistwist]

Ok lets take these in order...LOL

Nortons firewalls IMHO are junk, Zonealarm for the avg user is best, I should probably upgrade to something better but call me lazy or cheap, it hasnt failed me yet. So my theory if it ain't broke dont fix it! Always run zone alarm with the sliders on high, this will put you in "stealth mode" and block the garbage most websites throw at you.

I found out the hard way the other day even if you are paying for an unlisted number and non published number that doesn't always mean you are getting it!!

Your windows firewall should be UP at ALL TIMES!!! yes if you try to do file transfers with yahoo it can be a problem but thats what email is for ;) Zone alrm does not cause issues like this, so if you have to take the Windows firewall down you atleast still have some protection. For the $49.95 it's well worth it!!

As far as routers, I think I paid 49.99 for my old netgear 4 port and that was 2 yrs ago, I had to upgrade not long after that, computers seem to breed like rabbits in my house, and went with a better set up but for home users netgear is perfect!!

Wireless network...tsk tsk tsk They are alot safer than they were a couple yrs ago but i can still sit out in front of your house with the same set up and pull a connection ;) If you don't HAVE to have wireless, I wouldn't. 50 ft CAT5 cables are much safer, as long as there a no lil tikes around.

You should first of all GET RID OF THAT HUB!!!! With a hub your opening yourself up to the world!!!!!!!!!! I can not stress that enough!! I use a hub only because I HAVE to, quite technical and will not even try to explain why...

I guess my next question is why are you using an external ethernet adapter? Not enough open slots inside? afraid of voiding warrantee?? ease of installation?(tho an internal is easier to install and get running, but to someone that has never been inside their computer it may seem difficult until you open it up and see that it is almost impossible to goof) Going with a NIC card inside would clean up the rats nest ALOT!! and they are alot cheaper!

My ac powered hub supports extra "hardware" stuff such as cam, printer, etc.... Does the router that comes with hub ports make a suitable replacement for my current hub or is it's purpose only for adding other computers?

Ok now you have me confused, is it actually a hub for connection to the internet or is it to increase the number of USB ports you have available?? Give me the make, and model and I can take a look at it to make sure we are on the same page, but if it is a hub for internet connectivity see above and do yourself a HUGE favor an get rid of it before you have BIG BIG problems on your hands..

The first month I had my hub I ended up with 47 viruses on ONE computer....Like i said open to the world!!!!!!

[mistwist]

if you have probs go back to your dial up connection and instant message me on yahoo and I can walk you through it..... ms_twist2000

[Thrifty Angler]

It's just the type that's used for over kill of hardware when there is only one or two free usb ports.

I'll give the broadband hookup a shot tonight. I'll be sure and take some Excedrin Migraine first, lol.

Currently there is only one comp in the house. But that'll be changing soon.

I'll shoot you an im if the brains get a bit too scrambled in the midst, lol.

One other quick question if I may. My understanding is that the "router" is to be used to hook my comp thru. Whether it be one or many. Will that be thru usb hookup?

Thanks again

[davehunt]

Absolutely agree about Wi-Fi security, in fact I can pick up some of my neighbor’s LANs (good thing I'm the honest type).

I have WEP turned on and I periodically change the Key. I've looked into upgrading to 802.1x (Port based authentication) compliant hardware and having my hard-wired machine act as a RADIUS server (my router has a 4 port hub built in). When all was said and done, it was overkill for a 2 PC Network:)

For anyone purchasing wireless equipment new however, I suggest you make sure the hardware supports 802.1x (Windows XP already supports the protocol).

I also have it set up so that only a wired machine can access the router OS, that way no intruder can mess around with my router (and firewall) cinfig.

[mistwist]

Glad to hear it is not a Hub hub...phew, ya had me scared there for a minute...lol

routers use CAT5 cables usually, this is where a NIC card would be better. Unless of course you have an RJ45 connection on your external ethernet adapter, then your all set either way. I dont think i have ever seen a router that uses USB connections, but then i have never looked either, I prefer CAT 5, cheaper, stronger faster.....

I just looked at the Cox site, you had to buy your cable modem? from circuit city or another place? If that is the case you may HAVE to run the quick install software, the modem probably hasn't been provisioned yet! It did say on there website tho that if you were installing a home network they would come out and install it, it may be worth the extra now to get them to do that even if you don't have your second computer ready... they do this all the time and would save you alot of headaches both now and later!

[davehunt]

If and when you add a router it gets installed between your broadband adapter (cable modem or DSL modem) and your PC (or PCs).

The router will have a dedicated broadband port and one or more Ethernet ports to connect to your PCs.

When you install the router, you will configure it to be the device that connects to your ISP. The IP information provided by your ISP is assigned to the router. From your ISP's view, the router will be a single computer attached to the internet.

Next you configure your PCs to connect to the internet via LAN. Set them to get their IP addresses via DHCP, this will have your router assign IP addresses dynamically.

All of your machines will then communicate to the internet via the shared connection.

The router install instructions are usually good (I have a Linksys and installation was pretty much idiot proof).

[mistwist]

Absolutely agree about Wi-Fi security, in fact I can pick up some of my neighbor’s LANs (good thing I'm the honest type).

I'm honest but can I borrow your driveway tonight? There is a guy out of hickory I would like to get my grubby paws on he hasn't figured out why his PC is soooooo slow yet. It's really not his fault he probably doesn't have a clue whats going on, but all the same, He has backdoor. fraggle and is port scanning the whole charter internet block down this way, been going on for 24 hours, charter hasn't figured it out yet, so everything down here is REAL slow!!! But I know how to fix it!!!!! I just need 5 mins. and someone elses IP address....LOL j/k they figure it out soon enough.

When all was said and done, it was overkill for a 2 PC Network

Ya think??

LMAO I am not one to talk tho, when i went to get this hub, I went WAYYYYY over board, 3 Comm 24 port hub, like I'll ever need all that!!

[davehunt]

I went WAYYYYY over board, 3 Comm 24 port hub, like I'll ever need all that!!

Hey, if your going to play with toys, they may as well be REALLY BIG TOYS:D

[mistwist]

yea what Dave said but basicaly it will look like this when your done... and dont let the configuring part scare ya, there isn't all that much actual configuring...well atleast not with netgear they are designed more for the plug and go scenerio..

Cable Modem-----> router port 1
router port 2 -----> pc 1
router port 3 ------>pc 2

and so on and so forth until you get stupid like me and realize your computer addiction is almost as bad as your fishing addiction but WAY more expensive...:D

[Thrifty Angler]

:eek: and :eek: and also :eek: . Oh yeah.... I almost forgot the say :jawdrop: .

Wonder if I should just get the dang phone disconnected.:D

Yep I opted for the self install Cox option. Got the free modem that way......well it will be mine free and clear after a 6 month commitment. About to start the install process now.:eek: I won't be using the external Belkin (with the RJ45 jack). I believe I can just go directly from the usb port of the computer to the usb port of the Cox modem. Doesn't look like I can connect the Belkin F5D5050 external adapter between the modem's ethernet jack and the comp. It has to go directly into an ethernet jack on the back of the computer. The Belkin takes an ethernet size cable on on the female (receiving:rolleyes: end but the other end has to go into a usb port. Connection diagrams don't address this issue. So it will be the usb to usb with the driver disk having to be used. From there I'll feel my way thru and see if there is any way I can complete the install without the use of the primary disc. Doesn't look promising from what I have read.

Well......here goes!:rolleyes: Shouldn't take more than 12 hours to complete.;) After that time, I begin applying the tips you all have given.:eek:

Thanks again.:D

[Axon]

try doing a search fro your own name on the internet and see what comes up?

[mistwist]

Shouldn't take more than 12 hours to complete.

:jawdrop: If it takes more than 5 mins, your doing it wrong... That could really be misconstrewed couldn't it...LOL

I'll be up till around 1ish if ya run into any probs hook up the ole dial up connection and give me a shout....

[Thrifty Angler]

:) Not too bad either. Only thing is I'm using dial up to access P&S. Broadband won't let me come to the site. Have been able to go to other sites.....just not this one.:( Oh well.......time for another call to tech support, lol. I'm keeping them from falling asleep tonight.

Thanks for all the help. I'll get a router in the a.m. That ought to be interesting, lol.

[mistwist]

Congrats!!

as for not being able to get to P&S the host may have been down for a min....but to be sure the install software didnt limit your viewing pleasures, at the top of this window, click tools>internet options.... then find the content tag and click that ... content advisor should be disabled, if it isnt that may be why... other wise i would say the server for the board was down for a min or two....

again congrats!!!

[derek]

make sure those other sites you are visiting aren't just cached in your browser. it's not very likely, but you might be having trouble with your dns servers.

[Thrifty Angler]

Norton won't let me thru with the Cox broadband. I have to disable to come to the site. I'm sure there's a simple solution to this. Out with Norton! LOL

Am enjoying the broadband experience. Shucks.....I almost got to the end of the internet last night.:D

Thanks again everyone. :cool:

[mistwist]

LOL glad you are enjoying it!

I like the out with Norton's idea, but I use strictly online virus scans and do not open email attachment unless the file extensions are .jpg or .gif or a couple others i know can be trusted.

http://housecall.antivirus.com and Macaffee's online scan. If i download something that looks questionable i put it in its own folder and go scan it before I open it. The online scans eliminate the need for updates, save on drives space, the files they use to scan are usually updated faster than the virus protection software files, and of course the money issue, they are free...But I will also admit online virus scanning is not for everyone!!!!!

[Axon]

I like the out with Norton's idea, but I use strictly online virus scans

Is not really a good idea. You should have anti-virus running at all times (realtime protection). Nortons firewall on the other hand can go. There are better programs out there. Here in korea it seems like my computer is under constant attack from probes. Sometimes they get in but Nortons AV stops them cold. Like mentioned before Zone Alarm works well as a firewall. I re-installed ZA about 2 weeks ago and this is what it reports now;
"5363 intrusions have been blocked since install"
"105 of those have been high-rated"

In the states I have Comcast as my ISP and they run a basic firewall to stop some of the BS but here I dont think they run anything.

on another note: If you have problems with pop-ups you can use Spybot to find the problem and fix it.

[mistwist]

Like i said it is not for everyone, BUT Nortons does not keep out intrusions. It is strictly a virus scanner. Atleast their website doesn't say anything about firewall capabilities. Tho there is a nortons firewall out there, sold seperately. In all the yrs I have been doing this and the 2-3 yrs I have had all 10 systems up and running 24/7 i have never had a virus that from an intrusion, and Im in a higher risk category for them than ANYONE else.

Of the 5468 "intrusions" most of them were probably port scans and windows messenger popup attempts, the 105 were most likely ping requests, ZA is a little over zealous in calling them high risk. Think of it this way, would you pay for updates if it didnt tell you it was doing soething for you? I have 10 systems here I run no virus protection on any of them, they can port scan all day long, they can ping all day long, but they can't get in so the only risk i have is from downloaded material, which if it is questionable, I go scan it b4 opening it...

This type of set up IS NOT for everyone, you have to know what is safe and what isnt and you can't freak out everytime ZA says there was an intrusion attempt....99.99999999% are harmless its the other .111111 that you run zone alarm for. and they are few and far between. I actually have one machine here ZA will not run on, I still don't run virus protection but port filtering is set up to only allow certain ports to be open, its my oldest system been using it asince 96, never had a prob with it but being careful goes a long way....