Broadband offers different types of addressing, including static and dynamic (DHCP). Dynamic IP addressing is typically used for dial-up connections.

With dynamic addressing, a different IP (Internet Protocol) address is assigned each time, in most cases, that a user connects to the Internet. This type of addressing provides the best security for your PC.

Dynamic addressing software tracks IP addresses rather than the network administrator, saving many work hours. A computer can be added to a network quickly and simply because no manual address assignments are required.

The IP address is usually expressed as four decimal numbers, each representing eight bits, separated by periods, such as 205.245.172.72.

Windows users can determine the address by using the Command Prompt. Begin by clicking on the Start button, then Accessories, and finally Command Prompt. In the new Command Prompt window, type ping xxx.yyy, where xxx is the domain name and yyy is the domain type, such as 24hoursupport.com. See the sample below using the 24hoursupport.com domain.