Check the Security Health of Your Computer

How secure is your computer?

Find out if you have spyware or viruses, carry out a firewall test.

These checks are all provided by reputable companies that are leaders in the development and provision of computer security products. The checks cover the following:

• Spyware on your computer
• Viruses on your computer
• Missing Windows security updates
• Firewall outgoing protection test

Check for Spyware

Spy Audit by Webroot

This service is provided by the makers of Spy Sweeper, which received the 2004 PC-Magazine Editors Choice award.

Click on the link below to go to the Webroot Spy Audit website, and then follow the instruction to carry out a scan of your computer.

http://www.webroot.com/services/spyaudit_03.htm

PestScan by Computer Associates

Computer Associates is a leading provider of security products.

Click on the link below to go to the PestPatrol online check website, and then follow the instruction to carry out a scan of your computer.

http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/pestscan

Check for Viruses

HouseCall by Trend Micro

Trend Micro is a leading provider of security products.

Click on the link below to go to the HouseCall website, and then follow the instruction to carry out a scan of all files on your computer.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

McAfee FreeScan by McAfee

McAfee FreeScan is based on the award-winning VirusScan engine from McAfee, a leading provider of security products.

Click on the link below to go to the McAfee FreeScan website, and then follow the instruction to carry out a scan of all files on your computer.

http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/

Windows Security Updates

Windows Update by Microsoft

Keeping your computer up to date with Windows updates is a crucial part of maintaining security on your computer. Microsoft provide an online service that allows you to check what Windows updates your computer is missing, and then if you wish you can download and install them.

Click on the link below, and follow the instructions for Windows Update to check what security updates are missing from your computer.

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Firewall - Outgoing Protection Test

Firewall Leak Test by Gibson Research

Gibson Research is run by Steve Gibson, a well respected software developer and commentator specialising in computer security. Gibson Research provides a free tool called, "Firewall Leakage Tester". This is a simple piece of software that can tell you if your computer will allow a program to send information out unchallenged via the internet to unidentified sources.

Click on the link to go to the Gibson Research "Firewall Leakage Tester" website.

http://www.grc.com/lt/leaktest.htm

Follow the steps below to download and use the "Firewall Leakage Tester".

1. Click on the green "Download Now" button, and then when prompted save this file to your desktop.
2. When the download is finished, click run to start the program.
3. After the "First Time" information page has opened, click OK to start the Firewall Leakage Tester.
4. When the Firewall Leakage Tester is open click on the button labelled "Test For Leaks", and the result will be displayed.