When i'm using a "regular, average" ISP, they don't mask my IP address. So if i wanted to check my computer for open ports the website like Sygate would detect my IP address then scan for the open ports. But with AOL, they mask the IP address so that you can't scan for open ports. What i want to know is if this masking of the IP address acts like a firewall or something? What's the purpose of it? Does it mean that it's more "safe" than a computer with a regualar ISP with no firewall? Thanks

ummm masking ip address is overrated it will stop you from accessing some sites too like secure email sites (msn yahoo etc.) the servers need to know your address its like sending out mail to buy soemthing without giving your return address. If you have a dial up chances are that you have a dynamic ip that is .. it changes everytime you dial on again this stops hackers to soem extent from targeting one specific pc. But hiding an ip is not as safe as you think you can still get the ip if you really want to :) it doesn't actually make you safer. What does help is to hide you system info naviscope can do that so if someone tries to hack you they will have to guess your OS to dettermine port access etc . nothing is that safe anyway get a firewall thats all.