PC Doctor May 16, 2022

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Dear PC Doctor:

I recently had trouble with my email. My provider said I needed to give them my MAC address before they could help me. What’s a MAC address and how do I find it?

Thank you,
Sheree

Dear Sheree:

MAC = Media Access Control. Every device connected to a network has a MAC address. It’s a long number (12 digits) with the numbers separated by colons. Your device will have a MAC address for each network interface it uses. For example, if your laptop has both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi built-in, you will see two MAC addresses in the system configuration.

To find your MAC address, look in your system settings. If it’s a Windows device, press Start + R on your keyboard. In the Run window, type in cmd and click OK. At the command prompt, type ipconfig/all and hit Enter. The MAC address for each interface will be listed as Physical Address. For wired interfaces, look for the term Ethernet or Gigabit in the name or description. For wireless interfaces, look for the terms Wireless or Wi-Fi in the name or description.

If it’s an Apple computer, open System Preferences and click on the Network icon. Select the interface you wish to use, then click Advanced. The MAC address is listed under the Hardware tab.

Occasionally, the MAC address is printed on a label affixed to the bottom of a device.

I hope this helps!
Until next time,
Happy Computing!
PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library

Posted: to Athol Library News on Fri, May 6, 2022
Updated: Mon, May 16, 2022