How does one go about blocking IP tracers and how do you know if you've "probed"? I have Windows XP with the firewall enabled plus I have updated version Panda Anti-Virus & Firewall installed and also have Protowall & Ad-aware installed. Is there a way to hide your IP address or mask it? I just don't like the idea of people/companies knowing what my IP address is, what ISP I go through, etc. I feel as if it's an invasion of privacy especially if you're posting on a anonymous message board or go thru chat or something. thanks in advanced

A router will do a good job of keeping your IP address hidden.A "good" firewall "can" block probes and pings within the options menu, I use BlackIce and have alot of add-ons to it which make it even better.Theres other good firewalls out there but BlackIce has worked the best for me. 31337

Any server you connect to MUST know your IP address or you won't get a response. The only alternative is to use a proxy server you trust that knows your IP and connects to untrusted servers for you, but most anonymous proxies are pay services these days. I personally don't think it's worth the money. White Hat's suggestion about a router solves half the IP address problem. The IP people get in that case belongs to your router, so people can still figure out your ISP and probably geographic location, but unsolicited traffic doesn't reach your desktop. Software firewalls offer less protection from the outside, but more protection from the inside. "Spyware" and "trojans" try to send information out. A properly configured software firewall will prevent information from leaking, but requires a reasonable understanding of what should and shouldn't connect to the Internet.

Oceania, It should be noted that running multiple software firewalls has shown in some tests to actually create holes in the wall you try to build around yourself.