The problem with your logic about it being easier on reboot is that most people aren't aware that they need to know their IP address until after their computer is booted up.
As for the difference between ipconfig and a control panel, that's like the difference between using vi and Microsoft Word to write a letter. Or Pine and Outlook to manage email. The graphical interface is easier to intuit, whereas the console method requires specific knowledge of the commands. For most computer users - intuiting is much preferred over referring to a manual for a console command.
^^^^^^^^^^The problem with your logic about it being easier on reboot is that most people aren't aware that they need to know their IP address until after their computer is booted up.^^^^^^^^^^^
I know that. I was .... oh, and BTW you posted to the wrong peeps. Swordmaker wasn't involved in that argument AFAIK.
But anyways, I was trying to stick to the given example as best as possible.
The base of the argument was a non-technical mom. She wouldn't know what a command line is was the point of the original poster. I was merely pointing out that a non-technical mom wouldn't know what a control panel is.
"Mom, just reboot your machine and look for the only string of numbers that you see"
Is by far the easiest out of the three possible scenarios. In most cases, you don't have a need to know your IP.
^^^^^^^^^^For most computer users - intuiting is much preferred over referring to a manual for a console command.^^^^^^^^^
Agreed.