Compare and Share

Presented by Kent Sharp

The October 14 Compare and Share meeting on computer security was very successful. Attendees shared their computer problems and others provided them with a solution. Sharing our ideas and helping our friends is what we do best.

A survey of Compare and Share attendees was taken and it confirmed that we all have computer problems. Time will be provided at the beginning of each meeting for attendees to ask for a solution to their computer problems. It might be answered then or at a time that is appropriate.

Kent Sharp provides us with a website that will help us identify our computer's vulnerability to the Internet. Gibson Research Corporation's website has a web-based application called Shields-Up. It enables you to sit at your computer and access their website while it tries to break into your computer. Shields-Up identifies the ports on your computer that are open to the Internet. Best of all - it is free! Their address is www.grc.com.

It tells you if they are open, closed or stealth. My (Kent's) computer showed 26 stealth ports. As you proceed to Shields Up, you should note that there is a lot of information on protecting your computer on this web site. Browse and share your experiences at a Compare and Share meeting.