IPConfig/IFConfig : Network Connection Cheat sheets

IPConfig (on Windows) and IFConfig (on Unix/Linux systems) are command-line tools used for managing and viewing a computer’s network interface configuration. They’re essential for understanding and troubleshooting how your device connects to a network, whether you’re at home, in an office, or setting up a server.

1. Checking Your IP: IPConfig (for Windows) and Ifconfig (for Linux/Unix) show your device’s IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, helping you understand exactly how it’s hooked up to the network.
2. Refreshing Your Connection: With IPConfig, you can “release” and “renew” your IP address to get a fresh one from the router. Perfect for when your connection’s acting up and needs a quick reset!
3. Setting Up Network Interfaces: Ifconfig allows you to manage your network interfaces (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet), letting you enable or disable them to test connections or fix issues.
4. Finding DNS & DHCP Info: IPConfig provides details about your DNS servers and DHCP lease, making it easy to see which servers handle your web browsing and when your connection refreshes.
5. Seeing Connection Status: Both tools show whether your device is actively connected or if something’s down, helping you quickly pinpoint connection issues.

In short, IPConfig and IFConfig are your go-to tools for checking, refreshing, and troubleshooting network connections. Perfect for when you need a quick fix or just want to see how your device is plugged into the internet!