Practice Using an Elevated Command Prompt

A command prompt is a Windows feature that provides the user a place to type and execute Microsoft Disk Operating System commands and other computer commands (Command Prompt: frequently asked questions, 2010). However, there are some system commands that only administrators and privileged users are allowed to execute. These system commands require the use of an elevated command prompt. One of these system commands is the ipconfig command. Ipconfig command allows the "display of all current TCP/IP network configuration values and refreshes Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS) settings." (Ipconfig, 2010).

Practice of ipconfig command in a standard command prompt window shows that when "ipconfig /all" is executed, it works perfectly. It displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values. However, when "ipconfig /release" is executed, the following error message is encountered: "The requested operation requires elevation." . This shows that in executing changes in the system, only elevated users are allowed to perform them. Using an elevated command prompt, when "ipconfig /all" is executed, it works perfectly also. When "ipconfig /release" is executed, it disabled all the current TCP/IP network adapters. Furthermore, when "ipconfig /renew" is executed, the TCP/IP network configurations were renewed.

Network Diagnostic commands are used to diagnose network related-problems and if possible, repair these problems. One of these is the ipconfig command. Other network diagnostic commands that are most widely used are the netstat, ping and nslookup. The netstat command enables the "display of active TCP connections, ports on which the computer is listening, Ethernet statistics, the IP routing table, IPv4 statistics, and IPv6 statistics. (Lawrence, 2001)". The ping command is used to "determine TCP/IP Networks IP address as well as determine issues with the network and assists in resolving them." (Lawrence, 2001). Lastly, the nslookup command enables the "display of information that you can use to diagnose Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure." (Lawrence, 2001). These network diagnostic commands are very useful in determination and repairing of network-related problems. Some of these network diagnostic commands require the use of an elevated command prompt. This feature is very important to protect privacy and the computer system from guest users and unwanted users from changing the system.