Page last modified Thursday, 01-May-2008 13:38:32 CDT

General Security:

Security Now! - Tech TV's Leo LaPorte and security expert Steve Gibson take 20 to 30 minutes near the end of each week to discuss important issues of personal computer security. Visit their website to read the programs as pdf files, listen as .wav files or subscribe to the program as a podcast for your iPod or computer iTunes.

Microsoft Security Videos - Watch these short videos to learn more about the top security issues that affect home users like you. If you're new to learning about protecting your computer and your information online, you can start with the basics.

Internet Crime Video

Windows XP Service Pack 2

DCOMbobulator - Turn off vulnerable DCOM to protect against Microsoft security holes.

Shoot the Messenger - Turn off the Windows Messenger service and related pop-up advertisements.

ZoneAlarm: Free version of popular firewall software. For older versions click here.

Adding sites\servers to the Internet Explorer Restricted Zone

Pacs-portal list of system startup entries (Instructions)

Pacs-portal list of system startup entries (Search Page)

Anti-Adware/Spyware

Ad-Aware® - "spyware" remover.

Spybot Search & Destroy - "spyware" remover.

SpywareBlaster - Protects Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox from "spyware", and other unwanted pests.

IE-SPYAD: Restricted Sites List for Internet Explorer

Anti-Virus

AVG Anti-Virus (Free) - Free version of popular AVG anti-virus program

AVG Anti-Virus - Full professional version of popular anti-virus program

Virus Removal Tools

Trend Micro 'House Call' Free Virus Scan

AVG Virus Removal Tools

McAfee AVERT Stinger Virus Removal Tool

Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool - (Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003)

Symantec Virus Removal Tools

Microsoft toll-free number for no-charge virus-related support: 1-866-PCSAFETY - (1-866-727-2338)

POSTINI ANTI-VIRUS AND SPAM SERVICE

As many as 9 out of 10 emails sent worldwide are unwanted spam. HALNet's Virus Scanning software stops spam and virus-carrying email before it ever reaches the HALNet mail server! If you do not already subcribe to this service, we are offering a 30-day FREE TRIAL!. Go to the Postini filter login page and input your email address and password. Your account will automatically be activated. After 30 days, your account will be billed only $2.00 per month for this service. If you decide you do not want the filter service, just call the office at 713-341-8104 or email registrar@hal-pc.org to cancel.

HALNet ADVISORY EMAILS

The HALNet staff sends an email to advise a HALNet user when a virus is being sent from the HALNet user's account. This is the beginning text of that advisory email:

Subject: HALNet Advisory - Possible virus infection on your computer.
HALNet Advisory - Possible virus infection on your computer.

This is a HALNet Advisory for your security.

It is possible that you have a virus, W32.Erkez.B@mm Also Known As: W32/Zafi-B. Please see the information below and check your computer.

Make sure your antivirus is up to date.

Thank you.

This text is followed by a series of links to available online tools for detecting and cleaning viruses. PLEASE NOTE: any legitimate email from the staff is identified as from the HALNet STAFF. If you receive an email from the 'hal-pc.org team', it is FAKE - delete it immediately.

User Support Page