The AM Forum

All

I've known of this service for a long time.  I use their utility Spinrite to rescue an occasional harddrive that has some spots on the disk that is no longer reliably readable.  In fact, I have recovered important system files using that utility so that a computer would complete the boot cycle.

But that's not the topic I wish to bring up here.  Gibson Research has offered a way to check your computer's ports to see if there are any that will open to a request from the internet.  It may be scary but give it a try.  You might be surprised how vulnerable you are.

http://www.grc.com/intro.htm

Look at the top of the page where the grey buttons are and click on "Services"  Move the pointer down and click on "ShieldsUp"   That will bring you to the page that will check what the internet can do to your computer as you browse around. There is an intro page you should read first then click on "Proceed"  There is a way to check common ports and a complete check.  Those using dialup might want to avoid the "All Service Ports" check -- but then -- if you have the time it might be worth it to see how vulnerable you are.

At least it's good reading

Al

PS: to the powers that be on this forum, feel free to move or delete at your pleasure - I'm just offering this reading for all of us who also connect to the internet.