This is the first time i am contributing, hope its usefull
you can see your ip at a number of sites, go to *www.abeltronica.com/velocimetro/pt/?idioma=uk&newlang=uk , you can also find your internet speed here.
Well the ping command is used to find if there exists a connection between your system and the given ip address, the different options let you choose the maximum number of hops, and others. you can always use google to get more info abt this