Static IP?

Question

What's the point of getting a static IP when you buy a broadband package?

Answer 1

I agree with the first guy. Also, if you have Netmeeting and want to have a video conference, you can just give someone your IP address and have them dial you up. For a computer nerd, giving someone your IP address is cooler than giving them your phone number. For a normal person who thinks the WWW, email, and AIM are the whole internet, it won't make any difference.

Answer 2

There are many benefits to be gained from using a fixed IP address. These include:

* Remote access - With static IPs you can access your PC no matter where you are in the world. Using programs such as Remote Administrator and PC Anywhere you can log into your work or home PC wherever you are. Although you can set the connection up regardless of what type of IP address you have, you need a fixed address to maintain it otherwise the program will no longer be able to find your computer when your PC refreshes its dynamic address.
* Running your own website - Installing web server software on your PC allows you to set up your own website and can save you money if you need one for your business, or just for personal use. There are plenty of free programs available on the internet but make sure you do your research and check customer reviews before installing anything.
* Emails direct to your PC - Using a static IP address also allows you to get rid of your Hotmail or Yahoo account and set up your own email address with your choice of domain name. Again, this is especially useful if you run a small business. You need to install separate mail server software to do this, but there are free ones available.
* Running an FTP server - File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an efficient and reliable way to transfer data from one computer to another. Again, specific software must be installed in order for you to set up an FTP site, but this is easy to do and free software is available. You might want to use an FTP site to share files, such as pictures, with your friends, or you might use it to enhance your business. Either way, once you’ve set up the site, clients or friends just need to log in to access, manipulate or uploads files.
* Running a game server - For all those online game addicts, having a static IP address means that you can take your gaming to the next level. Most PC games have an option for operating your own server, allowing you to select your own settings and regulate who you let into your game – so you and your friends could have a private game of Battlefield.
* Less downtime - Each time your IP address refreshes you run the risk of downtime from the server. While this is usually only for a very short time, it can wreak havoc on your gaming. Having a static address eliminates this risk.

Answer 3

You can then run servers on your computer more easily. You could also register a domain name and run your own website from home. The static IP from the ISP will then be linked to the domain name from your registrar.

Answer 4

If you want to host your own web site form home, or to have regular remote access to it, it helps a lot. The downside is that it costs extra, and some ISPs still won't let you host unless you upgrade to an even more expensive business broadband account.

Answer 5

If you want to run a web server from home and host your own web pages. Or any kind of host.. Such as email server, ftp server, etc...
That is the point. Otherwise it is a waste of your money.

Answer 6

I like the dynamic IP better because if you get banned from a site you can just change user names and you're back.

:D