How can your computer be tracked to the exact place you're living in?

Question

Does it have to do with an IP address... and can the same people who tracked you hack your computer, and view pictures and stuff? If yes, what's the best way to protect against these kinds of problems?

Answer 1

In terms of what we have been reading about in the press about the RIAA & MPAA suing people for sharing files, it has to do with the IP address. The IP address tells them what ISP owns that IP address and then they file suit with the ISP to reveal which customer had that IP address assigned to them at that time. As a result many who are involved with those kinds of activities mask their IP address by using proxy servers, Onion routers, Stegnos routers, etc which makes it much more difficult to track back to the original IP address.

Whether they can get into your computer or not is dependant on your firewalls and other security measures that you have put into place on your end. In addition to the firewall that is built into newer versions of Windows XP, there are many 3rd party packages which will improve your security. Even putting a switch between your cable modem and your computer adds an additional layer that makes it more difficult for a hacker to get through.