Welcome to the forums, Kelly Hope you enjoy your time with us.

In regards to your IP address showing, we need to cover a few peices of ground concerning the forums. First, are the IP's visible to normal users, or just the admins(or similar rank)? If the IP addresses of the poster are visible to ALL of the users, then that configuration needs to be changed so that only administrators can see that information. Why? Cuts down on possible mischief if someone ends up taking an argument they lost and turning it into a Denial of Service attack.

Now, in regards to protecting your IP address, the first thing that needs to be done is dispelling the myth of the "IP danger". All too often, and for far too long, it has been thought that having someone's IP address means you could have complete and total control over their computer. This is highly incorrect, so please understand that even if they do obtain your IP address, there is very little they can do with it. If you are still worried, look into properly securing your Operating system. Shut off programs you are not using, services you are not using, and turn off network protocols (like file and printer sharing (or SAMBA)) that are not in use. Disable things that you will not be using so that it leaves one less door for little kids to crawl through.

If you still find yourself a bit concerned, look into downloading and installing Kerio Firewall (assuming you are on windows, use iptable for linux). Can't think of the link right now, as I just woke up, but a quick google search should make it very easy for you. The firewall will protect outgoing and incoming traffic, keeping bad things out and bad things in.

If you need assistance in specific OS configuration or firewall usage, ask away. We will be more than happy to help!