MAC Addresses are hard-coded right onto the Ethernet device with a company specific ID and a series of codes.  From what I understand it is impossible for any device to have the same MAC as anyone else.  As far as changing a MAC, unless you are changing the device you aren't able to do it.  If you were, it would make IP spoofing and hacking a hell of a lot easier.
 
As far as why do you have a MAC?  Like others have mentioned, having a registered MAC (with the manufacturer) allows your device to communicate with others, as well as giving a way for your machine to be identified.  This is beneficial for firewalls, and other security devices as they may be able to filter and limit access by a MAC address.
 
I will go now...all the food from the smorg this morning is clogging my brain...but DAMN...was it good eats!
 
HNY All!
 
Cameron
-----Original Message-----
From: timmy [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: January 1, 2003 4:03 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: (clug-talk) MAC s

The pros to having a MAC address are that your ethernet device will work properly.

I don't know of any advantages to being able to change your MAC address; all ethernet devices have MAC addresses specifically assigned to them, each one is unique- though I'm sure there have been duplicates before.

On Wed, 01 Jan 2003 22:58:27 +0000, BentWig Nut wrote:

>
>Hello all.
>
>Q1: What are the pros and cons of a M.A.C. address?
>
>Q2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being able to
>
> change the MAC ?
>
>Waiting for the roof to fall in...
>
>
>
>
>
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