# What is Ping and How Do I Use It?

`<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_(networking_utility)">ping</a>` is a software utility that allows you test if you can reach a host (such as another computer, or a website domain). It also measures the round-trip time between your computer and the host.

###  

### Windows:

1. Open a command prompt.
2. Type `ping hostname.domain.com` or `ping <IP Address>`
3. If you get a reply, it means that you are connected to the network and able to contact the computer you are attempting to communicate with.

###  

### macOS:

1. Open Terminal.app
2. Type `ping hostname.domain.com` or `ping <IP Address>`
3. If you get a reply, it means that you are connected to the network and able to contact the computer you are attempting to communicate with.