When would you use the command `ipconfig`?

The command ipconfig is specifically used in Windows operating systems to display the current configuration of the installed network interface cards (NICs) and their related network settings. This includes information such as the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and other relevant details about the network adapters in the system.

Using ipconfig is essential for troubleshooting network connectivity issues, as it allows users to quickly verify whether a system is obtaining an IP address, identify its current network configuration, and check for issues that may be affecting network communication. This command provides a clear snapshot of the system's network setup, making it invaluable for diagnosing problems or verifying configurations.

The other options pertain to different system management tasks that are unrelated to network configuration. Formatting drives and managing disk partitions involve storage management rather than network settings, while initiating user permissions relates to security and access controls rather than networking information. Thus, the use of ipconfig is correctly associated with determining network adapter information.