Two weeks ago, I wrote an article based on the dangers associated with file sharing software (such as Kazaa). In a nutshell, the article explains how file sharing programs compromise computer security and open a gateway to viruses, Remote Access Trojans (RATs), and hacker s.

At the end of the article, I provided a link to PestScan, which is free program people can use to scan their computers for malicious software -- all through a web browser interface and without having to download or install anything.

I suppose it must have completely slipped my mind when I wrote the article, but, I forgot to mention that PestScan will only work with Internet Explorer browsers (with Active-X installed). Since then, I have received a number of letters from Readers who were not able to run the PestScan from their browser.

Infopackets Reader George M. writes:

" [I just finished reading your article about the dangers of File Sharing. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to run PestScan on my machine because] ... PestScan needs Internet Explorer to run, which I don't use. Do you know if it is possible to use PestScan with the Mozilla web browser? "

After emailing the folks at PestPatrol, I found out that it is possible to download and install the evaluation version of their software (also called PestPatrol) in place of PestScan, because it does not require Internet Explorer to operate. You can download the evaluation of PestPatrol here.

And, if you haven't already read Part 1 of 'The Dangers of File-Sharing Software', you can have a look at it online -- an excellent read:

The Dangers of File-Sharing Software