Here is a security issue that you should be aware of when you surf the Internet. How much can any server or node (processing location) computer on the web instantly learn about your personal Internet address and your Internet Service Provider (ISP)? Click here, you might be a bit surprised! (To close this new window, left click on the "X" at the top right-hand corner of the window.) The line identified as Your Name Is: is in reality your Machine Name or more precisely your "Reverse Domain Name System" ("rDNS") permanent number. The end of the "rDNS" number often is your ISP's domain name (If it isn't there, that's great!) and all of the subscribers to your ISP will have this very same information at the end of the line. The beginning of the "rDNS" line however is your permanent Internet connection. Moreover, note that your personal or unique Internet address, your IP number, has also been determined. Each and every computer (Or router if one or more computers are behind that router.) linked to the Internet is assigned a unique IP number by its ISP and this is a 32 bit numeric series of four numbers separated by periods. Each number can vary between 0 and 255 for a total of over four billion (US) possible combinations. One of the more interesting things about IP numbers is that dial-up internet users get a new IP number every time they log on whereas broadband internet users have the same IP number for relatively long periods of time. This makes it far easier to find or to track any particular broadband Internet user. If a few of your IP numbers appear in the first part of your "rDNS" number then it is likely that your "rDNS" only relates to your IP number and this is the best you can hope for. However if those numbers are not there, it is likely that it is a fixed account ID assigned by your ISP. This account ID will permanently stay with you as long as you are with that ISP and it will not change even if your IP number changes. Note as well that your geographical location can be determined from both your "rDNS" and your IP numbers. Many web site hosts use databases and statistically gather this information to determine the demographics of the computers that visit to their customers' web sites. They can also gather other information such as how many times a day/ month/ year you visit a particular web site and at what time. (They usually charge their customers more for these extra services.) Moreover, this is how very large web sites such as Google® route you to their local country or perhaps regional servers. An example of this is Google Canada®. But how do they find out your E-mail address you wonder? Well, it's very easy because there are companies that create huge databases for sale which tie "rDNS" numbers, and E-mail addresses together. That's how its done and it couldn't be easier. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about all of this but be aware that your account ID is always with you and that it is always recoverable by every web page server and node computer on the Internet. Many people find it difficult to understand the terms Domain Name System ("DNS") and Reverse Domain Name System ("rDNS"). It is however very easy if you think of it this way:       The Domain Name System ("DNS") resolves domain names into the associated IP addresses.       The Reverse Domain Name System ("rDNS") is a method of resolving IP addresses into domain names.