The definition of IP address is the number that identifies a device on a network, be it a computer, router, printer, etc. It is the acronym for 'Internet Protocol'.
These devices, when integrated into a network, will be identified through a unique IP number in that network. It will be made up of four numbers of up to three digits separated by a period. The values they can take are between 0 and 255. An example of an IP address can be 192.169.88.252.
What is the IP address for?
Expanding the meaning of IP, it will provide a concrete identity to a network device. In the same way that houses or companies have an identifiable address with the physical location, these network devices are differentiated between them by means of the IP address.
There are basically two types of IP, which are public and private IP.
The public IP is that IP address that is visible from the Internet. It is usually the one with your modem or router and provided by the company that provides Internet access. For its part, the private IP is the one that belongs to a private network. This is usually the IP of the computer's network card, a network printer, etc.
How do you know the IP address?
There are several ways to find out what the IP of the computer is. On a computer with Windows as the operating system, the most comfortable option is to be located in the lower right part of the screen, on the icon to the left of the clock. Click with the right button of the mouse and choose the option 'Open the center of networks and shared resources'. Once here you must click on the option 'Change adapter settings' and click on the icon of the network connection we are using. With the right button of the mouse another menu is displayed, where you will have to choose the option 'Status'. Next, you will have to go to 'Details' and choose 'IPv4 Address'.
To know the IP on a Mac, the easiest thing to do is go to 'System Preferences' and click on the 'Network' menu. You select the type of connection you are using and the IP address will appear on the screen.
How to change the IP address?