Final answer:
A client computer is assigned an IP address by requesting one from a DHCP server, which automatically provides IP configurations to devices on a network.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option 'requesting one from a DHCP server'
Step-by-step explanation:
DHCP, which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a network management protocol used on Internet Protocol networks. And a client computer is assigned an IP address by requesting one from a DHCP server.
A client device obtains its IP configuration automatically from a DHCP server, reducing the need for a network administrator or a user to manually assign IP addresses to all networked devices.
DNS servers, on the other hand, are responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses but do not assign IP addresses to client computers.
Software and hardware manufacturers do not play a role in the assignment of IP addresses to client devices on a network.