Replies to post #22805 on Computer Learning (HELP)

[j.c.]

If you go about half way down that wiki link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPv6
it talks about transition mechanisms. There are interesting tidbits throughout the article, for examples:

::ffff:192.0.2.128 represents the IPv4 address 192.0.2.128

Most personal computers running recent operating system versions are IPv6-ready. Most applications with network capabilities are not ready but could be upgraded with support from the developers. Java applications adhering to Java 1.4 (February 2002) standards have support for IPv6.

Low-level equipment like network adapters and network switches may not be affected by the change, since they transmit link layer frames without inspecting the contents. Networking devices that obtain IP addresses or perform routing based on IP address do need IPv6 support.

All major operating systems in use as of 2010 on personal computers and server systems have production quality IPv6 implementations. Microsoft Windows has supported IPv6 since Windows 2000, and in production ready state beginning with Windows XP. Windows Vista and later have improved IPv6 support. Mac OS X Panther (10.3), Linux 2.6, FreeBSD, and Solaris also have mature production implementations.