Which `ipconfig` option displays full adapter details, including the Media Access Control (MAC) address, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lease, and Domain Name System (DNS) servers?
Answer
`ipconfig /all`
Explanation
### Why this is right
`/all` requests the full configuration for network adapters, including hardware and lease details as well as configured DNS servers. The other options perform narrower tasks, such as clearing a cache or displaying cached entries.
### The concept
An adapter is a computer's network interface, such as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. `ipconfig` is the Windows command for viewing and managing Internet Protocol (IP) configuration. The shorter `ipconfig` output shows key settings, while `/all` provides additional details useful when comparing the computer's settings with expected network configuration. A DHCP lease is the temporary address configuration supplied to a device by a DHCP server. The DNS resolver cache stores recent name lookups on the computer.
### The other options
- **`ipconfig /flushdns`**: clears the local DNS resolver cache, rather than displaying all adapter settings.
- **`ipconfig /release`**: gives up the current DHCP address, rather than reporting adapter details.
- **`ipconfig /displaydns`**: displays cached DNS entries, not the full adapter configuration.
### Terms
- **MAC**: Media Access Control. A hardware address associated with a network interface.
- **DHCP**: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol that supplies devices with network configuration, including an IP address.
- **DNS**: Domain Name System. The system that translates names into network records such as IP addresses.
- **IP**: Internet Protocol. The addressing and packet-delivery system used by IP networks.
- **Adapter**: A hardware or software network interface used to connect a computer to a network.
- **DHCP lease**: A time-limited assignment of network configuration to a device.
- **DNS resolver cache**: Locally stored results of recent DNS lookups.
### Remember
Use `/all` when you need a detailed view of local adapter configuration.
Related Questions
- Explain why computer security is described as a process rather than a product. Include the roles of technology, people, and environment.(intermediate)
- Select ALL items the review identifies as possible security risks or losses.(intermediate)
- Arrange these broad security activities in a sensible cycle, beginning with identifying what needs protection.(intermediate)
- A security product can replace the continuing work of managing people, technology, and the operating environment.(intermediate)
- Which statement best captures the course review’s view of computer security?(intermediate)
Want to practice more questions like this?
Join myBenkio free and practice past questions for your Nigerian university courses with AI explanations for every answer.
Start Practicing Free