my actual location

Connect using a local wifi link.  Your location is based on your current external IP address.  That could be a long way from where you actually are especially if you are on a corporate network.

Two ways.

1) As previously stated, the IP address assigned to your PC (or outside router interface) has geographical significance. It's called "Geolocation". Depending on your ISP, it could be within a few miles or nowhere near where you are.

http://www.infosniper.net/


2) WAP MAC address. Google teamed up with Skyhook Wireless who has cars that record the location of Wireless Access Points. Based on what WAP you're connected to will determine your location.

http://www.skyhookwireless.com

But can I change this information.  Because some websites do not allow me to enter zip code and just go by what they think is my location

>But can I change this information.

If you're talking about IP address based location, no. That is up to you ISP. Most larger ones have pretty accurate maps that they report with.

isnt there a browser tool that I can enter my zip code

No. It's not about the zip code. It's based on your IP address.

If you want google maps to always start from a particular location, click on the "default location" on the left and enter the address.

Default location solves googlemaps.  But there are other apps.  Are there other ideas

thanks for the details