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HelpNetComputer
Security Workshop Basic Background: ¨ “Viruses, Security Holes, and Virus Hoaxes” – the HelpNet site’s guide to virus basics. Information on Specific Viruses and Hoaxes: ¨ Symantec Security Response (Formerly the Symantec Antivirus Research Center) – Symantec is the maker of Norton AntiVirus. ¨ Mcfee.com Anti-virus – Since both McAfee and Symantec are in the Antivirus software business, you can count on them not to minimize virus threats.) ¨ Vmyths.com – An entertaining, informative and opinionated site. ¨ The U.S. Dept. of Energy's CIAC Security Web site ¨ Carnegie-Mellon University's CERT Coordination Center – This site is somewhat more technical than the others. Software Donations: ¨ Symantec’s software donation program – Info on how to apply for a donation of Symantec software to a non-profit organization. Symantec is now providing its donations through Gifts in Kind. Microsoft Security Updates: ¨ Windows Updates – If you're running Windows 98, ME, or 2000, or Windows 95 with IE 4 or higher, go to this site and select "Product updates." You will download a small program that analyzes your installation of Windows and identifies updates for your system. Download and install all the "Critical Updates." (Note: Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 95, so there will be no new security updates for that system.) ¨ Internet Explorer Updates – If your version of IE is lower than 5.0, update it. If you're using IE 5.0 or 5.5, make sure you have the "SP2" update. To find your version, open IE, and go to Help -> About Microsoft Explorer", and see if "SP2" is listed under "Update versions." If it is not, get the update from the Windows Update site, or update to IE 6 . The updates will probably listed below the Critical Updates, under the "Recommended Updates" section. If you choose to do a "custom install," be sure to select Outlook Express as one of the components you are updating. ¨ Office Updates – Microsoft now has an Office Update site, with a Program Update tool that works like the Windows Update site. (This is for Office 2000 and Office XP, not for earlier versions). From the main Office Update page, click on the "Product Updates" link to have your installation analyzed and get a list of available updates. You will probably need your original Office CD's to install many of these updates. (Note: the Office 2000 SR-2 update cripples Outlook's ability to handle E-mail attachments. Before installing it, read the Woody's Office Watch analysis, and then decide if you want it!) ¨ Microsoft Security Home – More than you ever wanted to know about security vulnerabilities and fixes for Microsoft products. Find Your Computer’s IP Address and Configuration (for Windows 95/88/ME): ¨ Start -> Run -> type “winipcfg” (without the quotes), press “Enter” Check the Security of your Computer’s Internet Connection: ¨ Shields Up! (or follow the link from http://grc.com) – A quick, free test, with clear explanations. General Reading and Instructions: ¨ Shields Up! – In addition to the security test, this Web site provides very clear explanations and recommendations on security issues, including firewall software. ¨ Four Myths of Online Security – www.techweb.com/winmag/columns/explorer/2000/04.htm, www.techweb.com/winmag/columns/explorer/2000/05.htm, www.techweb.com/winmag/columns/explorer/2000/06.htm, www.techweb.com/winmag/columns/explorer/2000/07.htm – This 4-part article by columnist Fred Langa is an excellent starting place for learning how to make your system(s) secure. Includes step-by step instructions for setting up Windows networking, and software recommendations.
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