what is the command ping and what kind of sites do not filter ping requests?

The basic command is

START>RUN>CMD> ping www.whateversite.com

To repeat the command to check packet loss over time...

START>RUN>CMD> ping -t www.whateversite.com
CTRL+C to cancel.

I use the following sites, but you can use any site that will return...

www.yahoo.com
www.cs.com (Compuserve)
www.cox.com
www.dell.com

You can ping several sites at one time so you can see if it's you connection or the site you are pinging. Hope this helps.

acklan, thanks a lot. but add me some more insights. what kind of sites/servers filter ping requests?

I looked for a list on that subject years ago but never found one. I just try different sites. If you were to ping my LAN you would get no response because I run all my ports Stealth (See Shields Up!). In the provided link just hit the proceed button and it will examine you system. It will walk you thru securing your ports.