On 28 Sep 2005 07:52:23 -0700, apngss@yahoo.com wrote:
> I want to ask who assigns the IP address to a machine that connects to
> the Internet? The ISP, the network card (i.e. MAC address??), or the
> router?

Your ISP.


> It seems like my IP address is fixed everytime connected to the
> Internet, it seems very unsecure because it allows hackers track the
> computers more easily.

Cracker is not going to trust that is fixed. They will have code to
scan ip addresses so trying keep the ip address a secret is a waste of time.


> I thought the IP address should be dynamic, and each time when we
> connect to the Internet should have different IP address.

Your ISP decides if static or not and if dynamic, IP addy lease time.

> Is there a way that makes the IP address in my machine becomes dynamic?

If dynamic, you would have to stay off the net for the dhcp lease
time. Mine is 5 days before it expires. I would then have to wait for
another customer on my segment to let their lease expire and get my ip
or a new customer comes on line and gets my ip addy.

That is a waste of time.

Just set your firewall to block all incomming connections, do not run
browsers and whatnot as root, check everyday for updates from your
linux vendor and you will be supprised how safe you are.