How to find the true numeric web address?

[hotfusion]

Is there a simple way to find the true web address of a website to avoid the DNS lookup stage?
I find sometimes it can take well over 5 seconds for this stage to complete - that feels like a lifetime on a dial-up!
(I normally use Opera as my browser.)
Thanks for your input. My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.

 

[Snickle]

I find a real quick way is to open a command prompt window and type ping xxxx.com and gives me the IP address.

 

[bgauntt]

You could also type in the command prompt window tracert then the address of the site which will also give you what you want.

 

[gargouille]

Does Opera employ the hosts file?

 

[hotfusion]

Thanks, guys, that does the job brilliantly!
My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.