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IP basics

Foundational guides on what IP addresses are, how they work, and what they reveal about you.

10 articles

basicsipnetworking

Why is my IP location wrong?

Your IP says you're in a city you've never visited. Or a different country. Or your ISP's headquarters. Here's why IP geolocation is approximate by nature, the cases where it's reliably wrong, and what 'wrong' actually means.

May 6, 20265 min read
securitynetworkingbasics

What is HTTPS and why does it actually matter?

HTTPS is the lock icon in your browser. Underneath it's a sequence of cryptographic steps that prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation on every web request. Here's what's going on.

May 6, 20266 min read
networkingbasics

What is a port? Networking ports explained simply

An IP address gets traffic to your computer. A port number tells the OS which app should handle it. Here's what ports are, the well-known port numbers, and why ports 80 and 443 are so famous.

May 6, 20265 min read
basicsnetworking

Static vs dynamic IP addresses: which one do you have?

Some IPs stay the same forever; others change every few weeks. Here's the difference between static and dynamic IPs, how to tell which kind you have, and when you'd want each.

May 6, 20265 min read
networkingbasicsdns

How does email actually work? The protocols behind every message

Email is older than the web and built on protocols most people have never heard of: SMTP, IMAP, MX records, SPF, DKIM, DMARC. Here's the whole journey from 'send' to 'inbox' in plain English.

May 6, 20267 min read
dnsnetworkingbasics

How does DNS work? A friendly walkthrough

Type a domain, see a website. In between, DNS does a quiet 50-millisecond dance through several specialized servers. Here's exactly how every name turns into an IP.

May 6, 20266 min read
how-tobasics

How to find your IP address on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android

Step-by-step guide to finding your public and private IP address on every device — Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone, iPad, and Android. Plus a one-click check.

May 5, 20265 min read
basicsnetworking

Public vs. private IP addresses: what's the difference?

Your device probably has two IP addresses: a private one used inside your home network, and a public one the internet sees. Here's how they work, when each is used, and how to find both.

April 29, 20265 min read
basicsipnetworking

IPv4 vs IPv6: differences explained simply

IPv4 is running out of addresses. IPv6 has practically unlimited supply. Here's what the difference means for you, your privacy, and how the internet works.

April 25, 20266 min read
basicsip

What is an IP address? A complete plain-English guide

An IP address is the unique number that identifies your device on the internet. Learn how IPs work, the difference between IPv4 and IPv6, and what your IP reveals about you.

April 22, 20267 min read