Use a Shortcut to Local Area Network Connection Information

Something new in Windows XP, instead of using the command line program and
typing ipconfig to find local area network information, you can use the following
shortcut:
Click Start, point to Connect to, and then click Show All Connections.
Right-click the connection you want information about, and then click Status.
In the connection Properties dialog box, click the Support tab.
For even more information, click the Advanced tab.

To automatically enable the status monitor each time the connection is active, in the
connection Properties dialog box, select the Show icon in taskbar notification area
when connected check box.