how to check if a website is down or running?

how to check if a website is down or running? I want to know if the problem is faced by me only or if the website is down. ANSWER TO THE ABOVE QUESTION Hi, The easiest way to know whether is site is down is to put your website url in sites like http://www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com or http://www.checksite.us. It would let you know instantly the running status of your site.One more option is to ask someone to check your website from other IP