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Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983

Answers to Internet security test


Jan. 9, 2002


By Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2002, Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2002, The Post-Standard

   Last week I invited you to take a security test. This week I'll share the answers.
   1. True or false: You're safe from computer viruses if you don't open attachments. False. Many viruses hide themselves in scripts that are part of the message. Windows users should install the free protection against this, called Script Sentry, from www.jasons-toolbox.com.
   2. True or false: You don't need to worry about cookies because they disappear on their own in a few days. False. Some cookies expire right away, but many persist for years. Windows users who pay no attention to cookies are foolish. Get Cookie Pal and heed my instructions on how to use it: www.twcny.rr.com/technofile/texts/bit042599.html.
   3. Multiple choice: Junk mail senders sometime say you can get off the mailing list by sending a reply. When you do that, (A) You're doing a smart thing (B) You're helping keep junk-mail companies honest, or (C) You're getting yourself deeper into a junk-mail hole. Answer: (C). They take you off the blind-mail list and put you ont he confirmed sucker list.
   4. True or false: E-mail that comes from strangers is protected by federal law. You're not allowed to delete it. False. Of course you can delete any mail you want to. And if you don't know the sender, didn't ask for the letter and can't make sense from it, you surely ought to trash it. (end italic)
   5. Multiple choice: If you get a letter from your sister-in-law telling you Walt Disney will send you $35 if you forward the mail to everyone you know, you should (A) Send the note to 123 others (B) Send the note to 270 others (C) Ask your pastor, priest or rabbi how a dead person could possibly send you money. Answer: (C). (C'mon!)
   6. True or false: A firewall is not needed if you have a dial-up connection. False. Ask the question this way: Do you need car insurance if you only drive 15 miles a week? Of course you do. You need a firewall if you are on the Internet at all.
   Multiple choice: If your Windows PC is doing something on the Internet on its own, it could be a sign that (A) A hacker is breaking into your PC (B) Your kids are doing too many instant messages (C) Your Web browser is doing a little catch-up work. Answer: Probably (C). I'd guess many Windows users turn on Web updates without realizing it. (That's when the browser checks on your Favorites on its own.) But if you don't have a firewall, the answer could be (A) as well.
   True or false: Legitimate companies never sneak spyware onto your computer. False. They try to do it daily. Get Ad-Aware to root out spyware: www.lavasoftusa.com.
   Multiple choice: Microsoft provided free software to block the Code Red virus. As a result, (A) Everyone patched their computers and Code Red did no damage at all (B) Some people were out to lunch when Microsoft provided the fix and didn't patch their computers, resulting in $650,000 in total damage worldwide, or (C) People who should have known better ignored the problem, leading to $2.2 billion in damage worldwide. Answer: (C). (You knew this already, right? Then how come so many people acted dumb? Beats me.)
   Multiple choice: Apple's Macintosh and the Linux operating system aren't affected by Windows viruses, but that's not important because (A) Windows is used in offices, so you have to use it at home no matter what (B) Microsoft reached a settlement with the federal government that requires schools and homes to use Windows (C) Mac and Linux users don't do any real work on their computers anyway, or (D) none of the above. Answer: (D). Macs and Linux PCs are legitimate alternatives to Windows PCs. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.