Change your IP address: Browse anonymously

What is an IP address?


An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the unique identity of your computer in the internet. You are detected on the web through your IP address. This is assigned by the network administrators. An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numerical label that is assigned to devices participating in a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol for communication between its nodes.
An IP address serves two principal functions in networking:


1.host identification and
2.location addressing.


The role of the IP address has also been characterized as follows: "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how to get there."


Why to hide your IP?

When you connect to the internet, your computer is assigned an IP address, which is your unique identification number on the Internet. This number may contain information about where you are located, who you are, and what programs are running on your computer. Many websites and software applications use your IP address to track and profile your online activity. Using Hide My IP, you can conceal your identity online by showing these websites a "fake IP" located in a country of your choice, blocking hackers and prying eyes from knowing your true location or identity.


What are the ways to change or hide your IP?


There are mainly two ways to change your IP address. Those are:


1. Use proxy.
2. Use IP changing software.


Now at first think about proxy. There are two types of proxy. they are:


1. Free proxy and
2. Paid proxy.


While free proxy sites are a dime a dozen and easy to access, it is advisable that you look well before you take a dangerous leap. You need to consider some important factors before releasing sensitive information over free proxy sites.


Security


When it comes to thorough security online, free proxy sites are not the way to go. Most free proxy sites do not offer top class internet security in fact some of them are even tools used by identity thieves to steal people's valuable information.


Paid IP address hiding software on the hand is built to work within the system to protect your identity and help cancel any limitations to a full internet access.


Stability


Most free proxy sites are up today, down tomorrow, they are not stable at all. Well what can one expect? They are free, right? And it isn't always easy running a site for thousands to use.


Paid IP address changing software work perfect and they are more reliable and stable. They have to be or they would lose valuable customers.


Recommendation

Your security always comes first. Thus, it is better to spend a little on good software than settle for a free service that could end up costing you more in the long run.


There are many IP address changing software out there. But one that I use regularly and consider tested and trusted is Hide-My-IP 2009 Software. It is easy to install and use. It is very user friendly.I also love the fact that you get to try it for free first before spending on it, so if you are not satisfied you can forget it without paying a dime.




Want to know IP address of your computer? Here are the sites you get your current IP address:


www.ipf1.com
www.formyip.com
www.ipchicken.com


Learn more about IP address from Wikipedia