OT: Changing IP addresses?

[Starhawk]

Hey all a buddy of mine told me once that having a static IP address is a bad thing as it allows spyware to track you easier and hackers to get in easier, especially if you have a cable/DSL modem, well guess what the ever so Brilliant cox cable company does not have dynamic IP addersses for their clients.

However I have learned that I can change my IP adress manually every time I log in if I so choose, I have questions:

1. Is there a risk that sites I visit regularly such as game sites and that will lock my new IP adress out?

2. If I save my old IP adress somehwere can I always just switch back to it?

3. If by some freak chance I pick an IP adress someone else is using will I get THEIR internet files instead of my own? and vice-versa?

4. Is manually changing IP adresses legal?

5. If I change my IP adress every log in will it cause harm to anyone else who uses this computer?


Please help me out here.

[Thermodyne]

The address on your WAN connection is assigned by your ISP. One way or another, you get what they give you. It can be manually configured or assigned by a DHCP server. If it is set manually, or if it is assigned by DHCP and you never reset the converter (keep address indefinitely) it is not safe to be connected to a system that is generally powered on. The script kiddies will lock in on you with their scanners. You should have a stand alone NAT/router with a firewall built in. This hides all systems on the local LAN and blocks most known exploits if the firewall is set properly.

If you set the address yourself, and it duplicates an existing address, you get cut off.
If you set the address yourself, and you do not properly register with the DNS server, you get cut off.
If you set the address yourself, and you violate the AUP, you get cut off.

At best, you get a new IP address very often. At worst you cause an addressing conflict on the WAN subnet. Why bother? If you are worried about hackers then get a NAT/router with a fire wall. If you want to cover your tracks, sign up with a proxy service. If you want to be a spook, learn to flash NIC firmware, then learn to hack, then go out and get yourself a proxy slave.

[Puke]

there is nothing wrong with static IPs. most every business place will connect to the internet with one or more static IPs.

your buddy is alarmist.

[tesco samoa]

if your buddy is a systems engineer then believe him.

Static IP is good if you can get it. Your just going to set that ip on your router anyways. Best to keep that IP. And count yourself lucky your provider gives static ips....

1. Most sites do not care what your IP is .

2. Sure you have to change it in your TCPIP settings.

3. No. You will have problems with certain programs running on your system. Have problems with resolving stuff. I suggest you stick with the IP that is given. If you do wish to change your IP read the agreement between your ISP and you and see if your allowed to change the IP. If you have further questions then call your ISP and talk to them. If it is ok to change the IP then find out what range is open for you to use.

4. See above

5. You could. Depends on how your ISP has everything set up.


I recommend that you learn about Network protocals, Routers, modems and learn how to protect your computer. The knowledge will help you protect your system and be able to understand why you have to unprotect it sometimes.

[rdouglass]

Good info there but I definitely second the suggestion by Thermodyne for a NAT router / firewall; essential equipment for static IP configs IMO.

[Fyron]

rdouglass said:
Good info there but I definitely second the suggestion by Thermodyne for a NAT router / firewall; essential equipment for static IP configs IMO.

No, it is essential equipment for a connection to the internet, period. This is especially true for any sort of "always on" connection. Dynamic IP, static IP, no matter. Script kiddies will find you no matter what. All of those infected zombie PCs out there are constantly scanning semi-random swaths of IP addresses, and they will find your computer even if you have a dynamic IP address. All it takes is any sort of response sent to their probes...

[TurinTurambar]

.....DAMN those probes! I'm sending Han and Chewie out to blow them up right now. Maybe they'll stop coming.

[rdouglass]

Imperator Fyron said:

No, it is essential equipment for a connection to the internet, period. This is especially true for any sort of "always on" connection. Dynamic IP, static IP, no matter. Script kiddies will find you no matter what. All of those infected zombie PCs out there are constantly scanning semi-random swaths of IP addresses, and they will find your computer even if you have a dynamic IP address. All it takes is any sort of response sent to their probes...

No wonder I don't post very much here.... always gotta' feel smart and fill in any perieved blanks; even if there aren't any.

Gotta' keep your status Fyron as the only one that knows what they're talking about.....belittling suits you well and you do it in such an unbecoming manner.

Bye - bye.

[Thermodyne]

Well, I have a couple of accounts that I have to dial into and manage occasionally. And it is real slow to get anything done over 56k. It would take quite a long period of time to exploit a buffer. So I think it would be safe to just use antivirus and a software firewall on a system that uses dial on demand 56k.

[Fyron]

Belittling? I was not belittling you or anyone. It was not my intention to offend, merely to add to the conversation. I apologize for any perceived offense. We were essentially in agreement anyways...