| There are two categories of IP addresses: the | | | | constantly changing. The computer is assigned an |
| static and the dynamic. In most cases, people | | | | IP address when it connects and loses it when it |
| don't really need to use a static IP. With a few | | | | disconnects. This is fairly common among |
| exceptions, both can benefit from the use of | | | | commercial internet users, since it is slightly more |
| software used to hide IP addresses. | | | | secure. Since the IP is constantly changing, it |
| The IP address is that magic number that tells | | | | minimizes the risk of someone catching on to the |
| the internet where you are and where to send | | | | IP and using it to hack a computer. Dynamic IP |
| data to, so you can browse the web without any | | | | addresses don't generally affect a person's ability |
| problem. For security reasons, there are a lot of | | | | to connect to the Internet, though some online |
| people who choose to mask IP trails. This is done | | | | games might require further identification if the IP |
| to prevent people from accessing that potentially | | | | address it is being accessed from constantly |
| sensitive information. This is not a common | | | | changing proxy IP addresses. For those who truly |
| practice, though, and is arguably is even less | | | | want a secure computer, anonymous surfing to |
| well-known than the fact that there are actually | | | | mask IP addresses is still a viable option. |
| two types if IP addresses. Any given computer | | | | Most users will likely be given a dynamic IP unless |
| can potentially have either a static or dynamic IP | | | | they specifically request a static one from their |
| address. One type is more likely to need a proxy | | | | internet service provider. It is entirely their choice |
| IP system in place. | | | | to mask IP trails, regardless of what type of |
| A static IP, as its name implies, is a constant one. | | | | connection they have. For web hosts or servers, |
| It does not change each time the user connects | | | | there may be a need to avoid using anonymous |
| to or disconnects from the internet. The only way | | | | IP systems because of the connection issues |
| to do so is to change it manually, which can have | | | | involved. People who run POP3 e-mail servers |
| a number of results. Most web servers actually | | | | would also need to use a static IP instead of a |
| have a static IP, making sure that all websites | | | | dynamic one, again to ensure constant |
| hosted on their machines remain accessible. This is | | | | accessibility. The average consumer, however, |
| because if the IP changes or goes through some | | | | probably doesn't need a static IP in most cases, |
| sort of anonymizer that changes it, other users | | | | and software used to hide IP data can add to the |
| will be unable to connect to it. For a website that | | | | security that dynamic IPs provide. |
| wants to be publicly accessible, a static IP is a | | | | Barring certain circumstances, there is no inherent |
| necessity. However, the average user that has a | | | | advantage to having a static IP over a dynamic |
| static IP can benefit from software used to mask | | | | one. A dynamic IP might actually be slightly more |
| IP addresses for security purposes. | | | | secure, though those who truly want to be safe |
| A dynamic IP, on the other hand, is one that is | | | | should mask IP information anyway. |