Those of us who use cable or DSL for internet service probably have a dynamic IP address. What this means is that each time you log on, you are assigned a new IP address automatically. Something called Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) is the mechanism responsible for this process.
There are times when this wonderful little process doesn't work the way it should however. I know, I know...how could this happen with a computer right? Shockingly, it doesn't always work right, and you are not always given a new IP address at startup. When this happens (it is rare...) you will be greeted with an error message from your browser saying that you cannot connect to the internet. So how do we fix it? Luckily it is an easy process, and you will be on your way to geekdom and the net in no time!

In order to assign an IP address to your computer, first right-click the network icon in the system tray. Then choose Repair. Windows almost always will fix this issue on its own. The magic of software ladies and gentlemen...you noticed the almost didn't you? That's ok, because the next step is almost as easy.
Click on Start-->Run
type in cmd
in the black DOS window that pops up, type ipconfig
type in ipconfig /release *(note the space between ipconfig and /release)
type in ipconfig /renew *(note the space between ipconfig and /renew)

That should be it. You should be all set to surf the net and either become a fireball of productivity or waste countless hours on the net. Cheers! Remember to send an ehug to your favorite Geek! We appreciate it!

*NOTE: I have been asked for a little bit of info about this stuff, so I will provide a brief explanation. There isn't much to understand here, and it isn't relevant for this to work either.
Ipconfig simply displays the information about your connection:
your IP address
your subnet mask
default gateway for all adapters
wi-fi and bluetooth cards

When you type in ipconfig /release, it tells the DHCP server to erase your current IP address for all of your adapters (wired and wireless). You should see all zeros once the process is completed. When you type in ipconfig /renew, it instructs the DHCP server to give you a new IP address and subnet mask. Your defualt gateway will show the DNS suffix which will be your ISP's address. Like eau.wi.charter.com for example.