Tools and Helps

     There are so many things to keep track of regarding the workings of your computer you almost need a Phd. to understand everything. That's why there are so many different certificates out there for computer individuals to earn! To see just how confusing it can get in the world of certification take a look at this site Just a Quick Reference to Computer Related Certifications .

So is your head spinning yet?

     The intent of this page is to give you a few quick links that will give you some down and dirty answers regarding your computer. This page may be a step or two above where some of you average and beginning users are at in understanding. Don't let that discourage you. Dive in and look at them at least. Bits of knowledge will stick with you and at some point you will understand more about it and you'll start asking questions. I am of the opinion the only dumb questions are the un-asked ones!

     There are programs that run on your computer from the time you turn it on to the time you turn it off. These programs are called TSRs or Terminate and Stay Resident. Some should be running for your computer to do it's thing. Others are virus', adware, spyware and trojans, that are solely meant to watch what you do on your computer so they can advertise directly to your interests, gain user names and passwords and steal you blind or turn themselves into you!

     If you are running Windows XP and you press Ctrl+Alt+Del at the same time a screen will pop up an you will want to left-click on the "Task Manager" button. In this part of Windows XP you can see what applications are running, what processes are running and other information concerning your computers resource. The links below are places to go and see if they are supposed to be running or not supposed to be running based on the name of the program running in memory.

Places to Track down what is actually running on your system:

• WhatsRunning.net
• Anti-spy.info File Index
• Neuber.com's Task manager Process Index
• The EXE Library
• The Process Library

Make Windows a bit safer with Microsoft's Baseline Security Analyzer:

• Microsoft's Baseline Security Analyzer

     In layman's terms Software Ports are used by applications that talk to each other over the internet. When they are open they can be used to access each other via the internet. Closed shuts down the communication that they have with each other. Some applications open a wide range of ports, thus, opening your computer to a wide range of risks.

     Hackers take advantage of open ports and programs that use them. They look for program flaws to force the program using the open ports to leave the ports open so the hacker can plant applications on your computer and steal your information.

     Here are some sites that provide some information about some of the applications people install and the risks they take doing so:

• Program Checker is an application you can install to find out what programs are running and what kind of risks they pose.
• Practically Networked offers a list of Application Ports and what they are used for.
• Microsoft Port List offers a hint to some of the ports they use for various system functions.
• NetworkSorcery.com offers a great resource for port use and applications that use them. (Pretty high Tech though)