IE Address??

[Bud Abbott]

I would like to know if your computer can be traced to you when you log into a web site.  I was told that every computer has their own special ID number and it can be traced back to you.  Is this true? Can it be diabled or blocked?
thanks

[Master of Reality]

IP address. Your ISP assigns you your IP address which is needed to do anything on the internet. If you have dial-up internet your IP is dynamic and changes everytime you dial in. If you have cable then your IP is static and never changes.

Dial-up doesnt protect you from people finding you because the ISP keeps a log of when each user had each IP address. Websites need your IP address to know where to send the pages. There isnt any real way to hide your IP.

I might be able to give you some information on hiding it though... but why do you want to know?

[Bud Abbott]

I was just wondering.  I went on a web site once and it knew what I was using when I logged on.  It said what it was and I was surprised.

So how do disable it? or hide it?

[Master of Reality]

Your browser identifies itself to websites. Some good browsers will let you change or even disable the identification. Konqueror and Opera let you change the identification or turn it off (only konqueror lets you turn it off)

[Bud Abbott]

Thanks, so that means I can't use microsoft internet explorer. right?  And where do I get those products?  Thanks.

[Master of Reality]

konqueror is only for Linux. Opera can be found at http://www.opera.com/download/get.pl?platform=win&force=6.04

[Bud Abbott]

OK,  how will this affect all my programs saved in IE.  my documents, pictures, and favorites. Will everthing have to be reformatted?

[Master of Reality]

no

[LorKorub]

If you want to "hide" your IP Address, why not just use a proxy?  It'll slow you down a bit, but if you are that paranoid, it will mask your IP.

If you are really paranoid, do a search on Google for stringing proxies.