IP address in lower right corner.
 

Dan,

Is there any particular reason why that needs to be displayed? Could it be limited to moderators or something?

In the past I've had people use this information to retrieve information about me that I didn't want them to have. They can try to exploit flaws in Windows security (not that there are any flaws. ROFL) and hook up to our computers.

Well, for the most part, that isn't true. ALL dial-up users are assigned a dynamic IP address when they log onto their service provider. This means that the first three sets (or a given ISP might have a group of base IP's) of numbers are usually the same, but the last change each time you log onto the net. Thus, you might post a message that is labeled with 129.93.931.111 this time. But, the next time you log on, your ISP might assign you 129.93.931.12 or something. Therefore, it is mostly useless to use for hacking purposes.

Users that have a dedicated connection with a permanent IP should take it upon themselves to guard their system. Regardless of whether its being labeled on a message here or not, it is possible for someone to hack systems connected to it. Therefore, you should have some type of PROXY/FIREWALL software in use.
However, this is highly unlikely. A home user with a cable modem isn't a very likely target for a real hacker. There more attracted to corporate America and government systems, IMO.

Any ways, on the board, it's just another deterrent to eliminate anonymity and keep out the kind of garbage you see posted on other systems who don't use accounts, verify Email addresses, and track/label IP's. These tools, and the moderators, are what keeps this a quality site...


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Dan McClain, Editor
The Mustang Works Online
1991 Mustang GT - 10.90 @ 122 Mph
Built, Blown, and Fast as Hell!

Dan,

Not all dialups have a dynamic IP. In my case, I am the Network Operations Center supervisor at the ISP. I give myself a static IP so that I can remotely (and securely) administer equipment from home. The problem is that most home users have Win 95/8. Security on these operating systems is a joke. Windows NT is the way to go for security, which I have at work, where I also have a static IP. I have seen other message boards that seem to be running the same software and where the IP is it says "logged" or something like that. Can you do that? Just wondering.

Josh..

Yes, I have that capability. However, I like users to be labeled with the things that they can be identified with from other users. This is your Email address and your IP. In this way, posters are not truly anonymous. You can be contacted by readers, administrators, or tracked down if needed. This prevents all the bull crap you see taking place on other message boards or newsgroups. This practice, and our moderators, keep this a top notch board, and MANY racers and Mustang enthusiasts have told me they only come here because of this. The real enthusiasts don't want to put up with all that crap.


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Dan McClain, Editor
The Mustang Works Online
1991 Mustang GT - 10.90 @ 122 Mph
Built, Blown, and Fast as Hell!