Step-by-Step: Finding the IP Address and MAC/Physical Address/Ethernet ID

• IP Address: The computer's "address" as far as the world at large is concerned. Changes depending on where and how you are connected. A good indicator of whether or not you are connected to the network.
• MAC Address/Physical Address/Ethernet ID: All three names refer to the same thing. It is usually a 6-pair, 12 unit series of numbers and letters. Here, MAC address is not Macintosh; it's simply another name for Physical Address or Ethernet ID. A permanent, unique identifier of your particular computer (specifically the network card).

WINDOWS

To find the IP Address on a PC:

On a College computer:

• In the System Tray (next to the clock), you should see a white triangle pointing upwards. Click it to reveal more icons. Find the one that looks like a computer with an "i" over it (BGInfo) and click it. Look for the IP: line.

On a personal computer, or if that does not work:

1. Click the Start menu button on the Windows taskbar.
   • If you are using Windows XP, click 'Run...'
2. Type 'cmd' in the text box that appears and then press Enter. A black "command prompt" window launches on the desktop.
3. In this command window, type ipconfig and hit Enter.
4. Look next to “IPv4 Address” for the IP Address. (There may be more than one, if so, note which heading they appear under.)

To find the MAC/Physical Address/Ethernet ID on a PC:

1. Click the Start menu button on the Windows taskbar.
2. Type 'cmd' in the text box that appears and then press Enter. A black "command prompt" window launches on the desktop.
3. In this command window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
4. Look for Physical Address.
   • The one listed under Ethernet adaptor Local Area Connection is for your wired connection.
   • The one listed under Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network Connection is for your wireless connection.

Mac OS X

To find the IP address and MAC/Physical Address/Ethernet ID on a Mac:

OSX Instructions

Relevant Links

[1]Network Troubleshooting (For problems related to IP and MAC/Physical Address/Ethernet ID. Links to Network Troubleshooting for Mac OSX and Windows)
[2] To identify what specific IP Addresses mean, scroll down to "Decoding IP Addresses"

[3] Vista (For specific Vista information)