Arrrgh! What does "IP" mean?

[Janice & Mokey's Man]

Okay, this is drivin' me batty---I'm sure the Count would like that, but it's gone too far now.

In the bottom right corner of each person's message there's a link that says, "Report this post to a moderator" (or somethin' like that if not exact). Then to the right it says: "IP: logged". Or somethin' else I guess if they're not logged.

What does it all mean??? I know it can't stand for "Intimate Portrait" cause this ain't the Lifetime channel, and I would assume it means some kinda status, but there's no "S"---what the heck is it??

 

[Schala]

IP is the identifier for your computer. It's a number that is the address of your computer. I would assume that that's what the IP down there means too.

 

[scarecroe]

Your IP address is your Internet Protocol address. It's the number assigned to your computer when you are connected to the internet or a local area network. It's how you are identified on any network so that when you make a request for something, such as a web page, the web server knows where to send it back to.

In the case of forums logging your IP, this is done for security purposes. Quite frankly, I think this is the best thing that could have happened to the MC forum. With Delphi, Phil was forced to make the forum private after all the trouble caused by certain individuals who tried to rain on our parade (I'm sure you remember those people). A new member could only then join after they applied and got permission. IP logging allows for the forum to stay open to anyone and if someone causes a problem and persists at it, their IP can be blocked which is more efficient than kicking someone by their username only to have that person just come back again with another one.

Does that answer your question?

 

[Wembley]

An "IP address" is the number of your particular computer on the Internet, just like your telephone number. For example, muppetcentral.com's IP address is 209.151.91.85. You can see this for yourself by typing into your web browser's bar http://209.151.91.85 and you will get MC's homepage! Just like your telephone, your computer "dials" up to the proper address and collects the information from the server. In fact, if you were to run a server program, you could even allow people to get information from your computer by giving them your IP address. (To find out your IP address on Windows-based computers, click START then RUN and type in WINIPCFG while you are connected to the Internet.)

Now, just like the phone on my wall, the MC computer has a sort of "Caller ID" of people who connect to it. This allows Phil to track people who may cause trouble here at MC and lock them out or complain to the offender's ISP.

Granted, it's a very simple expalanation, but if you want more information, let me know!

-Rick
(And yes, I am a geek...)

 

[Janice & Mokey's Man]

Originally posted by scarecroe
Does that answer your question?

Dang...i--it sure does!

*overwhelmed with technical info*

Lol

I mean, when I started to read your post I was like, "Whoooa, duuude...", but then once I got past all the stuff that my li'l computer-knowledge-deprived brain didn't understand, then yeah, I got it in your Lamen's terms! Lol! Thanks for helpin' me out!

*will track down Scott for any further computer questions*

(Oh yeah, and I emailed you, like, Monday, but I saw on TP that your'e havin' email problems...just thought I'd let ya know in case you haven't gotten it yet)

 

[Janice & Mokey's Man]

Originally posted by Wembley
Granted, it's a very simple expalanation, but if you want more information, let me know!

Hey! Are you sayin' I'm simple?!

J/k! lol



Well, I have been to known to have my Joey Tribbiani and Rose Nylund moments...

Anyway, thanks for your answer too, and your invite for any further questions.

Oringally posted by Wembley
-Rick
(And yes, I am a geek...)

LOL! Well maybe you think you are, but I'm glad you can "talk down" enough to me to get me to understand! lol!

Scott and Rick rule!

*will also track Rick down for any other computer questions*

 

[Luke]

Trouble is though - most ISP's assign you a new IP every time you log on nowdays so it can only temporarily stop trouble makers - otherwise you'd end up banning everyone from that provider.

 

[scarecroe]

Originally posted by Luke
Trouble is though - most ISP's assign you a new IP every time you log on nowdays so it can only temporarily stop trouble makers - otherwise you'd end up banning everyone from that provider.

True, but most DHCP servers are normally on a monthly cycle. Besides, if Phil were to check up IPs being logged by newer users and see that a new IP was coming out of the same block of addresses that a banned one did, then he can keep a close eye on that user. It's better than the Delphi way.

 

[towels]

Originally posted by scarecroe
It's better than the Delphi way.

Can't that be said about almost anything though?

 

[Electric Mayhem]

"IP' is what I do after I've had too much to drink.