Pinging allows you to figure out all sorts of things. You can solve internet connection problems, lan (local area network) problems, figure out the route you use when you send info to the net. and detect any problems along the way such as slow servers and such. These are just a few things you can do, but you can get a general idea. I hope this is a good enough answer for ya. If not I will get a little more in depth. Welcome to the forum sirius05!