trying to link with friend...

[RockNRoll]

My friend has dial up, AOL, XP home, and all on a PC he just bought. It's got MCafee security center and such. Problem is... his IP changes every time he connects, I can't ping him, his games can't connect to the net, and basically nothing but his AOL browser can. What gives?

[naptownman]

Even though AOL gives you a different IP address you should be able to ping your friend. AOL members have been using MS NetMeeting for years and that requires that the IP address is known. I'd look at the security settings in McAfee to see if they're overly restrictive. But there's not much you can do outside the AOL empire using their dial-up service. If the McAfee isn't the problem then using AOL's servers is. Time to get a real internet provider.

[cat5e]

Most of the people that are on the Internet are using dynamic IP that change frequently.

Aftre logging to AOL your friend can find is assigned IP and email, or call you, and give you the Number. See here, http://www.ezlan.net/ip_mac.html

Software Firewall might block some Games. The solution is to open ports through the Firewall. Most of the Online Games have support sites that list the ports and aid in the process.

:cool:

[RockNRoll]

Well he shut the firewall on his McAfee completely (so he says... I haven't actually witnessed it in person though).

I do remember I was able to ping him once, but then never again.

Right! I forgot about ports! I'll have to have him try that.