An IP address is the number that identifies your device on the internet, while DNS is the system that translates website names into those numbers so your browser can find them. Every time you visit a website, send an email, or stream video, your device uses both of these behind the scenes. Understanding how they work helps explain why websites sometimes load slowly, why you might see privacy concerns, and what options you have to control how your internet traffic moves.

These articles answer practical questions: How do IP addresses work and what information do they reveal about you? What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6? How does DNS affect your browsing speed and security? What are DNS services and should you switch from your internet provider's default? When might you want to hide your IP address, and what are the actual trade-offs of doing so?