How can I check my computer to see if there is a program(s) acting as a server.?

Question

Sometimes I will get a question asking me if I want Internet Explorer to act as a server. I must have said yes to this question and now person(s) are sending signals to common use port 80. I want to delete any programs acting as a server on my computer. HELP PLEASE !!!!!!!!

Answer 1

First let's start off by some simple questions.

1. Are you running up-to-date antivirus software?
2. What firewall are you running ZoneAlarm?
3. Do you have anti-spyware software installed?

Now even if you are running antivirus software a virus/trojan could have disabled it. Go online to something like http://housecall.trendmicro.com and run an online virus scan. Once that is completed download, install and scan with Spybot (http://spybot.info)

Finally read the manual for your firewall. You might be able to see which programs are running a server by opening a cmd prompt. At the run command type cmd.exe hit enter. Now type "netstat -anb > c:\output.txt" send the text document to ruloopy @ yahoo . com. I will try to see if you have something acting like a server. There may be a delay in me responding to the email though.

Answer 2

It has been proven time and again that personal firewalls are useless. Recent tests have shown no personal firewall (either free nor purchased) could stop the test applications from getting out to the Internet.

A firewall must be on a distinct machine setup to be a firewall and not much else. Surely not a machine that constantly has random applications from the Internet installed.

If you do not want to create an Internet server (gateway, firewall, router) computer for your home or office you have only one good choice. That is to use the INTERNET FREEDOM DISK. You can read about it here : http://internetfreedomdisk.blogspot.com

Geeky people call them Linux LiveCD's. So if you recognize that name you are off to a good start. Otherwise read the blog and learn something that just may protect you Identity and money.

You can download and burn these disks for FREE!!! Many people do not know about these because there is no profit in marketing "free" software. Especially compared to $50/yr per machine subscriptions!