Link Glossary: IP Address

IP Address:

• Every computer connected to the Internet must have a unique address known as an IP (Internet Protocol) address. The IP address is a numeric address written as a set of four groups of number separated by dots, for example 130.102.42.17. The address provides a unique identification of a computer and the network it belongs to.

IP addresses are a great tool to understand when combating spam. A spammer can have multiple email accounts or online handles to spam your website with, but assuming they’re working from one computer they only have one IP address. You can have your website admin block any IP address from being able to access your website. That way if they can’t reach you, they can’t spam you.

If you’re running a company with many computers on a network it’s also very important that your employees are not participating in questionable posting or flaming on the internet. There was a case a few years back where some Google employees were acting up on various websites during their breaks and such which resulted in a Google-wide IP ban that had to be cleared up (I wish I could find a link for you…) So be careful with IP banning but know that it’s there if you need it.

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Glossary Definition From The Definitive Guide to Link Buying by Patrick Gavin