How long does it really take to trace a computer?

I've watched a few movies where they show the police tracing a computer to the exact apartment number then raiding it with the SWAT in a matter of minutes. I've always thought it might take a day or two. And also, what programs can be used to trace a computer by its IP?

How long does it really take to trace a computer?
It is almost instantaneous using a few tools that are already installed on your computer. Here is how it all works:





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traceroute





and





http://www.arin.net
Reply:you can trace to the ISP within a second. beyond that, depends on your access to their data - government agencies can get beyond the ISP to actual addresses. a residential user cannot.





traceroute is the program i've used, it is very helpful if i need to see where data is being dropped along a connection.