Name of Site: How Computer Viruses Work
URL:
computer.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm
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Review: We are all familiar with the HowStuffWorks concept. It's basically like a 'dummies' guide to the machinations of just about everything you can think of. Through step-by-step explanations, HowStuffWorks takes you through types of infection, what a virus and a worm are, how they spread, email viruses, prevention and origins as well as links to more information and recommendations for antivirus products. If you're new to computers and are freaking out from all the warnings from your family and friends then with its simple and easy to understand explanations this is the site for you. - SS
Name of Site: Symantec's Security Response
URL:
www.symantec.com/avcenter
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Review: While we all wish that every virus scare was simply a hoax, there are times of course when your inbox receives something other than the latest viagra deal. Viruses, worms & trojans, your friendly Blaster, Mimail, Bugbear, Swen, SoBig (those penis enlargement pills really do work!), Welchia and Dumaru intruders. No matter if you're a network admin or a lowly home user you can keep abreast of all the latest threats at Symantec's security response site. If you're a Norton user you can still get all your latest definitions and updates here, but even if you're not (fool) there's still an abundance of info, and many of the removal tools don't actually require you to own Norton's products. So log on and stay clean today. - SS
Name of Site: VirusList
URL:
www.viruslist.com
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Review: Panic hasn't crept into your emotional repertoire when it comes to on line computing? Get ready for the adrenaline surge as you peruse teh virus list. The biggest virus encyclopaedia on the net (apparently), there are enough threats and problems here to turn the most hardened front-line network op into a nervous wreck. With a healthy dose of accompanying news, hoaxes & warnings, articles about new technologies, virus descriptions and of course the encyclopaedia of everything viral, yoru blood pressure may well remain within your doctors acceptable guidelines. - SS
Name of Site: Vmyths
URL:
www.vmyths.com
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Review: Although I run the risk of standing trial for elitism, it must be said that there are a lot of idiots with computers out there. I guess I am tainted by my days as a help desk drone. To be fair, it's more naïveté than stupidity really. VMyths lists all the many Hoax virus alerts, urban legends, virus myths, misconceptions, poor 'expert' advice, publicity stunts, shams and tales of sheer embarrassment that have rocked the internet world over the years. With cartoons, articles on the media's gullibility, libraries of reports and of course hot news on all the latest "threats", you too can laugh along with the mass hysteria! - SS
Name of Site: The Virus Bulletin
URL:
www.virusbtn.com
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Review: One of the problems you may find when looking for advice about virus problems is getting an independent opinion. Too often all the best and most informative sites are run by the big name antivirus vendors, and while the content is still great, one does wonder where the opinions end and the promotions begin. Virus Bulletin is an independent service, offering news and resources as well as a downloadable magazine. Their bulletin provided a good read with reviews and evaluations of antivirus products, interesting articles and opinion pieces, but with its hefty price tag you may decide that the corporate marketing machine isn't so bad after all. - SS
Name of Site: Virus Writing Tutorials
URL:
vx.netlux.org/lib/static/vdat/tutorial.htm
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Review: You knew there'd be one in here... yes it's time to unleash your skills upon the unsuspecting world with the mother of all worms! With this page of primers, guides, tutorials, articles and lessons written by people whose only qualification appears to be their name (which are all very imposing-sounding) you have been given the ultimate toolbox of destruction to begin your infectious campaign of cyber mischief. I will make one recommendation though, remember... if you build it, they will come, so watch out for that anonymous looking van housing all the ASIO operatives that has mysteriously set up outside your front door. - SS
Name of Site: McAfee's Virus Information
URL:
us.mcafee.com/virusInfo
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Review: Having been around since the early nineties, McAfee is such a trusted name that even Hotmail uses their anti-virus software to scan attachments. As you would expect, McAfee's virusInfo subsite provides heaps of information on current threats, hoaxes, a glossary, tips, parental guides and the inevitable marketing ploys. One feature I thought was particularly cool is a real-time 'virus map' which lets you get a bird's eye view of where the latest viruses are infecting computers around the world... Perfect for watching the world succumb to your latest creation. - SS
Name of Site: 29A Labs
URL:
29a.host.sk
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Review: For the next stop in our tour of virus related websites on the net we are going deep underground to the home of 29A, elite Spanish virus-authoring group. While the site has a couple of pages on news and staff members the real meat is in the 'Zines' section where there are six fascinating online magazines for you to read. I have to tell you that these guys have a slight attitude problem, take this quote - "...Anyway, I'm conscious that many of you aren't that intelligent..." Still if you can put up with the condescension (which is probably deserved in my case) then this is a good place to observe the sort of people who are responsible whenever your computer shuts down unexpectedly. - SS
Name of Site: Virus - A Retrospective
URL:
www-cse.stanford.edu/classes/cs201/projects-00-01/viruses
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Review: This project of four Standford computer science students has five main topic areas: an overview of viruses, how anti-virus software works, the role of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT), the legal implications of the virus threat and the social impact of their creation and propagation. It's a well written and well referenced primer on everything viral from Robert Morris' first virus way back in 1988 to modern detection and removal methods. All up a clean, clear and concise little website that is well researched and well presented. - SS
Name of Site: VirusTrading.com
URL:
www.virustrading.com
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Review: Now in my time I've seen some pretty strange things on the internet, but this has got to be one of the strangest. Virustrading.com as the name would suggest is a site dedicated to people who like to swap and collect viruses, or virii as you may prefer. The site provides hosting for a community of virus traders as well as news, articles, downloads, info and links. How does it all work? Well traders send eachother log files, generated by regular antivirus programs which detail what viruses they are infected with, they can then decide what they want to swap. Now what I want to know is what ever happened to stamp collecting?!! - SS
Name of Site: Bit Defender
URL:
www.bitdefender.com/index.php
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Review: The humble bit is under attack from all sides. Thank God for Bit Defender, an award-winning virus buster, helping win the war against those nasty hacker dudes, who are hell-bent on ruining our online lives. Not only do you get to learn more about the product range - protecting enterprise, domestic and mobile environments - you also get the added artillery of a host of free downloads, like individual virus repair kits, after being caught unawares, some helpful tips on staying safe in the first place, a viral world map, downloadable evaluation versions, and the chance to buy the program from the online shop. Never fear, Bit Defender is here. - SS
Name of Site: The European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research
URL:
www.eicar.org
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Review: One of Europe's major virus-fighting entities, the institute is carrying out all kinds of initiatives to help turn the tide of viral infection. Conferences, coalitions, and consortiums - all stops are out to make life tougher and tougher for the virus makers. They have the clout to influence lawmakers and get the fuzz involved, and with such networking, they have become a leading authority on the state of play. This is serious stuff, as they are not out to sell you anti-virus software, they are out to end the scourge once and for all. The multi-pronged, multi-disciplinary approach might just work, if only they could help the virus writers to grow up. - SS
Name of Site: McAfee
URL:
download.mcafee.com/default.asp
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Review: One of the giants of the anti-virus industry, McAfee rise to the task with an all-round mega site with no other motives than to protect you, and make a bit of money for their shareholders along the way. A large range of services is here, but of course you must butythe software, or the online scanning service, to complete the picture. Among the free services are virus news updates, PC performance checker, world virus map reporting live stats, and the security news network video info clips. Glossary, hoax alerts, recent threats and members' special offers show that McAfee are serious about keeping you safe and keeping you as a customer. - SS
Name of Site: PC Pitstop
URL:
www.pcpitstop.com/antivirus/default.asp
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Review: PC World's fix-it zone offers a wide range of services to get your PC back on the road and purring like a kitten. Online health checkups and virus scans for the most common viruses are much appreciated, and you can follow up on any bad news by logging into the discussion boards, email help or live phone support (at a price). A fascinating section is the statistics section, where they have collected the data from millions of machines to know exactly what people are using out there. 800x600 is still the go, and it looks like XP is finally catching on, Bill! This is a site well worth pulling over for. - SS
Name of Site: Symantec Security Response
URL:
www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
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Review: Another mega virus warrior, Norton continues to protect us from all those nasty and sometimes embarrassing infections. Since I use the product myself and am quite happy with the feeling of reassurance those live-updates give me each time I log on, I thought I'd check the hoax section. Yes these are the files your anti-virus software never catches, because they don't exist. You'd be well advised to have a quick run through the list. I can't tell you how many people I know have been sucked in by these things, and it is sometimes even more embarrassing than a real virus, because you feel so stupid. Bone up now and save face later. - SS
Name of Site: ZDNet Tech Update
URL:
techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate
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Review: Click on the "security" tab and find yourself in a zone of authority over all things viral. With the latest news coming from those on the pulse, reviewed and rated anti-virus software, and a host of links to the big players, you can stay informed and armed against the next wave of infection, safe in the knowledge that you know at least as much as the experts, and definitely more than the average surfer, who seems to delight in opening every .exe file that lands in their in-tray, just to see what it will do. Perhaps you can subscribe all your friends up to the newsletters - might save you a lot of trouble down the track. - SS
Name of Site: Virus Bulletin
URL:
www.virusbtn.com
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Review: An independent stance allows VB to draw from an eclectic range of information sources, to bring you a balanced but informed viewpoint on the state of play in the virus/anti-virus cat and mouse game. Funded by subscription to a magazine, the bills are paid and the info keeps coming. Latest virus alerts, prevalence tables, wild lists and hoaxes. They have their own VB100% awards, bestowing honour upon any software that manages to catch 100% of wild viruses, setting the benchmark and keeping us all that little bit less paranoid as we navigate the Internet minefield. - SS
Name of Site: About Antivirus Software
URL:
antivirus.about.com
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Review: From the folks who seem to know everything about everything comes a special virus section that certainly keeps their reputation intact. A very simple layout, with a few links across the top to articles, forums, chat and newsletters, and a long list of links down the menu bar, the main page takes you through a rich collection of resources, downloadable software, info by operating system, virus links and a small set of "essentials" - just the stuff you need to make sure you don't naively leave yourself wide open to attack. If books are your thing, perhaps it's time to tuck yourself into bed with a riveting read, like "Digital Security in a Networked World" and "Cybershocked". You'll be sure to stay awake all night! - SS
Name of Site: Trend Micro Housecall
URL:
housecall.trendmicro.com
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Review: Trend Micro, makers of PC-Cillin, a very popular inoculation, have provided, and continue to provide, a free on-line virus checker for those who are not yet ready to commit to one software or other, yet still need the comfort of knowing all is well on the old hard drive. You don't even have to register, simply follow the prompts and a plug-in boots up to run through your machine and search for all the beasties. If anything is found, you can find the instructions on what to do next, or if you are lucky, simply opt to delete the infected file, if possible. In the face of such generosity, you will have a hard time not buying a Trend Micro product when the time comes to protect yourself properly. - SS
Name of Site: Virus Encyclopedia
URL:
www.viruslist.com/eng/viruslist.html
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Review: It's hard to believe, but there are over 30,000 viruses now creeping and crawling across the globe, ready to strike any poor fools who leave themselves open. This is the definitive list. Viruses are sorted by type - file viruses, boot viruses, .exe files, Java, jokes, hoaxes etc. etc., and a glossary is provided so you don't get completely confused by all those names and terms. In many cases, fixes are provided and you can also subscribe to the mailing list to stay totally on top of the ridiculous number of new viruses appearing each day. There are news alerts daily, charts, articles and discussions on this hot topic, where fear reins supreme, hackers' adrenaline rushes, and anti-virus software shareholders pop the champagne. - SS
Name of Site: McAfee
URL:
www.mcaffee.com
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Graphics: Medium, Good quality
Internal Links: Innumerable
Review: You know the symptoms - cold sweat, fever, high blood pressure, uncontrollable shakes - the feeling you get when you realise you haven't safeguarded your computer against viral attack. You have no excuse now, because companies like McAfee are slaving away 24/7 to minimise the risk of infection and maximise your chance of a complete recovery. This site is more than just an emergency clinic, it's an entire hospital. A multitude of solutions are offered including a handy live virus scan (for a small subscription fee), a global virus outbreak map of infected computers, immediate updates and alerts, a bunch of downloadable security applications and utilities, even a special section for kids - a "just say 'no' to writing malicious code" initiative. McAfee's sales successes have allowed them to funnel huge resources into their site, their products and services so that you can sleep at night with or without your modem turned on. - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: The Wild List
URL:
www.wildlist.org
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Navigability: Easy
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Internal Links: 24
Review: If ever you need convincing about the importance of computer security, you'd better check out the Wild List, the world's official listing of active digital vermin. The world's top professionals in the inoculation biz have set up this site in order to bring order to the potentially chaotic world we could live in if they were not so vigilant. Each new virus that is discovered is added to the list, after being scientifically named, categorised and its potential threat quantified. It is a diligent and protracted process, and all good antivirus software owes its effectiveness to the work of this little org. and the reports, studies and papers it publishes. For us mere consumers or business users, it pays to check this site out to get a handle on the scope and diversity of the viral threat to our day to day lives, to take the threat seriously and to do something about it. - SS
Rating: ***
Name of Site: European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research
URL:
www.eicar.com
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Internal Links: 24
Review: With a broadly based mission to further the cause of computer security, eicar is a powerful afiliation of many bodies, including private enterprise, educational institutions, military, police and government departments combining their resources and establishing some strong foundations from which to create a safer online world. A strict code of conduct combined with a range of specific activities dealing with computer security make the institute an influential force against Cyber-crime. Eicar's expertise through research and knowledge-sharing gives it the abilty to inform industry and governments alike about the issues, as they grapple with new legislations devised to combat the new threats that face us all. Its members understand the moral, financial and human aspects of virus outbreaks, hacking and other dastardly acts, and are prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep a lid on it. They even go into what motivates a virus writer and what can be done to reduce the desire - prevention being far more preferable to cure. - SS
Rating: ****
Name of Site: Viruslist.com
URL:
www.viruslist.com/eng/default.asp
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Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Low, Medium quality
Internal Links: 30+
Review: You wouldn't think of Russia as the hub of computer activity on this planet, but that is what probably makes it a much more dangerous place where viruses can breed - a country with an ailing economy filled with young dudes looking for a little glory and exploiting a climate of less vigilant authorities too busy trying to get tomorrow's breakfast to chase hackers around the Internet. Fortunately for us, this climate also breeds good guys (and gals), like Natalya Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky.lab, Eastern Europe's answer to McAfee and Co., Kaspersky provides software security solutions and intend to stay one step ahead of the bad guys (and gals) for all eternity. Thanks to their noble cause, we get to be graced with a complete virus encyclopedia, relevant news updates, extensive advice, expert commentary, hoax alerts, a virus hit parade and some quite informative background on each specific virus, although in general the solution usually seems to be to buy their software. Not good if you already have a virus and are desperate to remove it. Some fascinating reading, though. - SS
Rating: ****
Name of Site: Truth About Computer Virus Myths and Hoaxes
URL:
www.vmyths.com
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Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Meduim, Good Quality
Internal Links: 10
Review: This site has one mission only - "the eradication of computer virus hysteria" and does a mighty fine job. With a large dose of humour and the well-founded authority of 13 years of experience in the field, the creators cut the entire virus business down to size, exposing the countless ways in which people feed and feed off the not-so-scary virus monster. The media hype, the emotive language, the fear-mongering to boost anti virus software sales, the utterly laughable hoaxes and the twisted thinking spawned by the virus phenomenon. There is a hoax A-Z listing the innumerable duds, plenty of cartoons, amusing tales and links to informative articles that help allay your fears. On top of all this is some real news about real viruses, just incase you forgot that they do actually exist, and some tips on how to tell them apart. There is some strong criticism of the computer industry's approach to the problem and some very simple hints to help you avoid nearly all viral threats effortlessly. It's all one big joke really, so you may as well laugh, just make sure you backed up your hard drive first! - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: ZDNet Tech Update: Security
URL:
techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/filters/mrc/0,14175,6020424,00.html
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Navigability: Medium
Graphics: Heavy, Good Quality
Internal Links: Heaps
Review: Although heavily sponsored and geared more toward marketing as many products as possible, ZDNet's Security Update section is an authority on all things related to the retention of your computer's integtrity. Separated into four main sections - Anti-Virus, Firewalls, Encryption and VPN (Virtual Private Networking), the vistor is led through many key issues and news items, then directed towards appropriate solutions to whatever issues are raised. A whole selection of downloadable virus detection and repair programs are offered as well as the inevitable links back to the entire ZDNet world of sites, including dozens of computer security resources of all description. With their huge network of partners, everything from security patches to full applications are only a mouse click or two away. For constant updates, simply sign up for the email newsletters and you'll never be too far from the latest developments.- SS
Rating: ****
Name of Site: IBM Antivirus Research
URL:
www.research.ibm.com/antivirus/index.htm
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Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Very few
Internal Links: 5
Review: When you've been in the business as long as IBM, chances are you might just have the experience, resources and intelligence to figure out a way to finally outwit the Cyber-vandals. It looks like IBM is well on the way. The research centre has devised a commercial grade "immune system" that can find, analyse and even cure previously unknown viruses automatically. Besides this rather breakthrough achievement, the site features a range of scientific papers about the tit for tat world of viruses and viral protection, a selection of press releases and articles and personal contact details and Web site addresses of each member of the scientific team, should you care to share some banter with them. One thing you might find interesting is the computer virus timeline, beginning in 1986 when the first ever virus was created - the "Brain" boot sector virus from Pakistan which infected 360KB floppy discs, up to and including 1996, after which the whole virus epidemic just became too big to document in this fashion. - SS
Rating: ***
Name of Site: Symantec Security Response
URL:
securityresponse.symantec.com
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Medium
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 100+
Review: Not only does Symantec sell the software you might need to protect yourself from attack, they have set up a total virus response centre enabling an assessment of your current situation and level of infection, detailed virus information for those who may be affected, and tools to repair your system should you be so unlucky. You can do an instant live virus scan, check out the top threats, the most recent virus releases and find out how to ensure you don't fall prey. You can then purchase a very large range of security applications in their online shop - firewalls, networking tools etc - and access all the service and support you would expect from a company of this calibre. Key information includes the latest risks to systems and programs and a large reference area, covering hoaxes, submission of suspected viruses, white papers, virus calendar and encyclopedia. - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: About Antivirus
URL:
antivirus.about.com
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 50+
Review: If you are the kind of person who likes to get all your information from one place and save valuable surfing time, then this site is for you. About's huge network, affiliations and in-house resources give it the capacity to provide extremely comprehensive coverage of any topic they care to deal with. Your human host guides you through the information, including news releases, a virus encyclopedia, hoax encyclopedia, glossary, tips, major threats, individual coverage of every operating system and device, domestic and corporate setups, email viruses, trojans and worms. There are reviews of software vendors' products and dozens of downloads of security utilities. A handy feature is 'email a friend' since it is usually all your friends that are most at risk with email viruses, so if you are fortunate enough to have read this review and solved your own problems, you can do the right thing and help all your buddies. - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: Trend Micro Australia
URL:
www.trendmicro.com.au
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Medium
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 30+
Review: Another major player in the fight against hard drive corruption and Internet congestion, Trend Micro are well placed in the market to provide security and peace of mind for both home and corporate users. Their strong product and solution sales allow them to remain constantly on the alert for the latest threats and they provide an array of support on their site. A global virus stats map, up-to-the-minute updates to their products and free online scan engine "HouseCall" ensure that even if you aren't ready to invest in your own local protection you can always stay on guard by logging in here. Each virus discovered is documented in intimate detail and every available fix is provided right here, or linked to where it can be accessed immediately. Take a deep breath, relax and rest easy - it really won't hurt a bit. - SS
Rating: ****
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