WINXP - Networking, Checking Your Connection

On my previous post I mentioned the ping command, then realized I haven't addressed this issue. So here goes.

There are many tools to check/test your network connection. The best would be those provided by your ISP or manufacturer of your Router/Modem. Having said that, one of the simplest and easiest is WinXP's ping command.

All you need to do is open the Command Prompt ([Start], Programs, Accessories). I suggest you COPY the shortcut to your Quick Launch toolbar. The following screenshots (click for larger view) is all you need to use this to test your network connection.

The command syntax = ping domain_or_IP


Ping IP
OR
Ping Domain

Note that ping domain is an easy way to test a specific site.

IMPORTANT: Take special note on Firewall settings in the previous article. You cannot ping a local network IP if the Firewall, Exceptions are not set properly.

Tools:

One tool/utility I can recommend (I use at work and home) is GEO Spider.

See the screenshots on their WEB site and note the requirements. (NET Framework 2.0 including download link).