Help understanding how zip code and location works

[skippy]

I have zip codes turned on, and I'm having trouble understanding how it's currently working.

I'll try to explain this as best as I can so please bear with me.

When I register as a new user, I'm not asked for my zip code. I'm asked for location, which could be any text: zip, country, city, planet, etc.

When I place an ad, I can put my zip code in of course.

No matter how I log in, (admin, testcalifornia, testnewyork, etc.) all distances are computed from my real location in Central Illinois (61701). I can't find anywhere in the data base where my local zip is stored, or where I was asked for that information (besides posting ads.)

Where is the system getting "the viewers" zip code?

[Chuck S]

If you have zipcode integration turned on in Admin Options then the viewer can input there zipcode when viewing ads or categories of ads to see the distance from the poster.

I have attached two images to illustrate this

[skippy]

If it's not asking me to input my zipcode, (and it's saying 1008 miles from you) can I assume that it's pulling that zip code from a cookie? I attempted to clear all my cookies and it still computed the distance from my real zip code (that I must have entered previous to me even looking at this feature in depth.)
If so, what's the cookie name?

[Chuck S]

The cookie would be named zipcode. If you get the distance calculation then that cookie exists for your site.