Your computer's Internet Protocol address identifies your computer on the world wide web. When an individual has your IP address, he can trace your computer to determine your location and the name of your Internet service provider. Some websites also use your IP address to track your browsing behavior. To maintain privacy while browsing, it is a good idea to periodically erase your old IP address and obtain a new one. If you don't want to constantly erase your old IP address, another option is to hide your address entirely.
Erase IP Address
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Step 1
Open the MS-DOS Command Prompt on your computer. To do this, click your Windows "Start" button. Perform a search for "Command." Double-Click the "Command Prompt" to open the program.
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Step 2
Type "ipconfig" at the blinking prompt. Press "Enter" on your keyboard. Write down your current IP address.
Step 3
Type "ipconfig /release all" at the prompt. Press "Enter" on your keyboard. This will erase your old IP address.
Step 4
Type "ipconfig /renew all" at the prompt. Press "Enter" on your keyboard. This will renew your computer's IP address. By renewing your IP address, you can assign a new IP address number to your computer.
Step 5
Type "ipconfig" at the prompt. Press "Enter." Look at your IP address to see if it changed. If your IP address did not change, keep repeating steps 3 and 4 until a new IP address is assigned.
Hide IP Address
Step 1
Download and install anonymous Proxy Server software onto your computer. This type of software can be quite expensive. If you don't want to purchase expensive software, use free and low-cost tools available online.
Examples of free and low cost software available are Proxy Blind, Internet Proxy, Vectro Proxy, Proxify and Hide My IP. Online Proxy Server tools generally require a subscription. Upon subscribing, you will be assigned a username and password.
Step 2
Log into your Proxy Server account with the username and password.
Step 3
Start browsing the Internet through the Proxy Server website. As long as you are browsing through the Proxy Server website, your browsing will remain anonymous.