Internet Help

Security Software

Qwest provides the following software to help keep your computer secure:

For MSN® Premium and Qwest® with Windows Live™ customers, Windows Live™ OneCare™ is included with your Qwest broadband service at no additional charge. Just one software download gets you all-in-one security and performance service for your Windows® XP (Service Pack 2 or higher) or Windows Vista™-based PCs.

MSN® Premium and Qwest® with Windows Live™ customers whose computers don't meet the minimum software requirements for Windows Live OneCare may use MSN Virus Guard and MSN Firewall by McAffee, and Webroot Spy Sweeper for MSN.

Qwest Internet Security Services software is provided to all customers who meet the following criteria:

• Any Qwest.net customers in the state of Utah.
• All Qwest High-Speed Internet® with Office Plus (also known as “qwestoffice.net”) customers.
• All Qwest Choice Internet Prime customers.

Note

Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

Firewalls

What is a firewall?
A firewall is software that offers protection from unauthorized access to your computer and its contents. For more information about firewall security, visit your local computer retailer or contact your network administrator.

Virus Protection

What is a computer virus?
A virus is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another program, computer boot sector or document.

• Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail or in a downloaded file, or be present on a diskette or CD.
• The immediate source of the e-mail, downloaded file, or diskette you've received is usually unaware that it contains a virus.
• Some viruses have an effect as soon as their code is executed; other viruses lie dormant until circumstances cause their code to be executed by the computer.
• Some viruses are benign or playful in intent and effect (e.g., "Happy Birthday, Ludwig!"). Others can be quite harmful, erasing data or causing your hard disk to require reformatting.

What is a worm?
A worm is a virus that replicates itself by resending itself as an e-mail attachment or as part of a network message.

Spyware

What is Spyware?
Spyware and Adware are software programs that gather information about you and your computer system without your consent or knowledge.

• This information is commonly used to profile you for targeted advertising, but spyware can also gather important information such as e-mail addresses, passwords and credit card numbers.
• Other forms of Spyware called “browser hijackers” redirect you to different Internet sites when you are surfing the Internet.

What are some of the symptoms of Spyware?
If you experience any of the following problems, you may have Spyware running on your computer:

• Slow Web browsing or connection speeds
• Computer runs slowly
• Pop-up ads appear whether or not you are browsing the Internet
• Your Web Browser homepage has changed or keeps changing
• Web sites re-direct while browsing the Internet
• Search toolbars appear in your Web Browser
• New software that you did not install appears in your start menu or desktop

What can I do to protect myself from Spyware?
We recommend you remove this software from your computer. Removing the Spyware application will make your computer more secure, help protect your privacy and improve your overall computer performance.