Desktop Check IP Address FAQ

• Why can't I change the IP address listed on the security check form? Our security check service is a free service designed to help you check your computer security. It is difficult to use winipcfg and other utilities to obtain your correct IP address. Our Desktop Check service automatically obtains this information and enters it for you.
  
  
• Can I check another computer such as a web server for weaknesses? Yes, we offer another level of service: Site Certification. This service permits you to enter an IP address or domain name of the computer you wish to check for security weaknesses. Please see the Site Certification menu option on the Service Menu above.
  
  
• How can I tell if the IP address listed on the security check form is really my IP address? It is possible that the IP address shown on the security check form is that of a proxy server or firewall. This is still valuable since you will be testing the security of your firewall or proxy which provides security for your network.
  
  You can check to see if the IP address specified in the Desktop Check form is for your computer or a firewall or proxy server by performing the following steps:
  • Windows 95/98
    • Go to the Start menu and select Run
    • Type in winipcfg and select OK
    • Select your ethernet adapter from the top drop down box
    • View your computer IP address and compare it to the one listed in the Desktop Check IP address field
    • If the numbers match then you are checking your computer
  
  
• My IP address is not shown in the Desktop Check IP address field. Is there a way to fix this? Typically, this is a problem with your browser being set to use a proxy server. The solution is to configure your browser to access the Internet without using a proxy server. The following instructions outline how to change your browser settings so you don't use a proxy server. It is important that you set your browser back to use a proxy server after you have performed a Desktop Check to maximize your computer security.
  
  
  • If you are using Internet Explorer versions 4 to 5.x
    • Go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options
    • Select the Connections tab
    • Select LAN Settings
    • Remember the settings that are currently selected
    • Uncheck the Automatically Detect Settings and Use a Proxy Server options
    • Click OK, then another OK and restart Internet Explorer
    • Select the Desktop Check option and your IP address should now be changed to the IP address of your computer
    • Once you have performed the Desktop Check then set your browser settings back to their original settings
    
    
  • If you are using Netscape Communicator 4.x
    • Go to the Edit menu and select Preferences
    • Click on the box beside the Advanced category to view all of the advanced options
    • Remember the settings that are currently selected
    • Click on the Proxies option and then make sure the Direct Connection to the Internet option is selected
    • Click OK and restart Netscape Communicator
    • Select the Desktop Check option and your IP address should now be changed to the IP address of your computer
    • Once you have performed the Desktop Check then set your browser settings back to their original settings
    
    
  • In some environments your browser may not work if you don't use a proxy server. In this case you will be unable to perform a security check on your computer. Speak with your system administrator or ISP, they may have a work around for this problem.