Frequently Asked Questions
PEER-TO-PEER PROGRAMS
What is a P2P program?
What sort of data is exchanged by P2P programs?
Can a P2P program load data onto my computer, even if I did not request it?
What are some of the common P2P programs?
What is IRC?
BLOCKSTER
Why make Blockster?
Who might use Blockster?
How does Blockster restrict programs from functioning?
How does Blockster decide what programs to restrict?
Who determines what programs will be blocked?
Why doesn't Blockster stop all P2P and chat programs, including those like iTunes?
Why do you block some chat programs but not all of them?
Does Blockster limit the use of any other applications, besides chat or P2P programs?
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
On what systems does Blockster work?
Can you use Blockster with a dialup Internet account?
How many copies of Blockster can I use on different computers?
How does Blockster use my email address?
What alert messages are there?
What happens if I need to change my password?
Is Blockster available in other languages?
How much does Blockster cost?
INTERNET SAFETY
What is a computer virus?
What is a worm?
What is a Trojan Horse?
What are malware and spyware? How do they differ?
Is Blockster spyware?
Can the record, movie, or software trade groups (the RIAA, MPAA, and BSA) sue and obtain my
downloading history?
CONTACT INFORMATION
What additional information can I elect to provide?
How can I make suggestions for future releases?
ABOUT SMARTGUARD SOFTWARE
Why are two medical doctors in the business of making software?
Answers
PEER-TO-PEER PROGRAMS
What is a P2P program?
"P2P" is shorthand for a "peer-to-peer" program. When a person runs a P2P program, their computer can connect via the Internet to other computers that are using similar software and exchange data.
What sort of data is exchanged by P2P programs?
The data that is exchanged can be just about anything digital. It typically consists of documents, photographs, movies, software, or music. More destructive things, like computer viruses, worms, or "Trojans," are also often sent via P2P, though the user usually thinks they are downloading the latest and greatest music.
Can a P2P program load data onto my computer, even if I did not request it?
Generally, P2P programs work by passing data to other computers on the network until, eventually, the file gets to the person requesting it. As a result, the data may temporarily reside on many computers on the network, even if the user of a particular computer did not request it. These file transfers happen in the background - the user is normally unaware of them, except, perhaps, when they hear their disk drive spin or the Internet send/receive light blinks.
What are some of the common P2P programs?
There are well over 100 versions of various P2P programs in existence. One example of a P2P program was the original Napster, before it was forced to shut down for encouraging illegal downloads. Other P2P programs include KaZaA, Limewire, Morpheus, EMule, and BitTorrent, and EDonkey, to name but a few.
What is IRC?
IRC is shorthand for "Internet Relay Chat." IRC and similar chatting programs allow users to "talk" in real time, typing to others around the globe. IRC also allows for the transfer of large data blocks between users. The users usually know each other only by their "handles" or chat names. IRC is a major conduit for hackers and illegal file transfers.
BLOCKSTER
Why make Blockster?
Before Blockster, there was no other program that effectively helped control the use of chat and P2P programs. Because of illegal downloading, families, schools, and corporations were forced to pay out thousands in penalties by the courts. We were struck with how unfair this was. Even if a parent, administrator, or boss wanted to secure a computer to prevent such behavior, how could they? Teenagers, who are responsible for most illegal downloads, usually know much more about computers than adults - how, then, are the adults, who are held responsible by the courts, supposed to know which programs are dangerous and which aren't? As clinicians, we saw our patients complain and struggle with these issues and we decided to do something about it.
Who might use Blockster?
The current version of Blockster is designed for homes and small businesses. It is designed to be very simple to operate
but robust in power. Larger firms and ISPs might also use it but we plan on making some adjustments to the program to better meet
the special needs of such enterprises.
Specifically, we plan on adding the ability to (1) manage multiple passwords for one account, (2) use "push" technology
for distributing our program, (3) individually identify computers and allow different restriction classifications, (4) allow for a
customized or "smart" restriction list, and (5) permit more IT oversight.
How does Blockster restrict programs from functioning?
Upon double-clicking on an application, Blockster checks to see if it is a P2P program. If it is, Blockster tells the user that they will need the override password to use this particular application. Blockster never completely blocks the functioning of any program. Programs will always work at 100% if you input the override password that was created when Blockster was installed. If you do not enter the override password, the application is closed down and not allowed to execute. Also, if Blockster is configured to do so, an email is sent to the administrator, indicating what P2P program was double-clicked and whether the override password was used or not.
How does Blockster decide what programs to restrict?
Blockster is programmed to require the override password for all P2P and chat programs that allow file transfers without parental or administrative oversight. Thus, a P2P program that allows one to freely exchange illegal data would require the override. In contrast, a pay-to-download P2P application like Apple's iTunes is not restricted by Blockster.
Who determines what programs will be blocked?
We do. Blockster was created by two physicians and is independent of any industry interest. If a user is unhappy with Blockster, they may uninstall it at any time.
Why doesn't Blockster stop all P2P and chat programs, including those like iTunes?
We do not block all such applications because the content of many networks is monitored and legal - the fee that you are charged presumably goes towards maintaining the legality of the network and paying copyright fees. As the fee is generally charged to a credit card, we also believe parents will eventually see the resulting bills and will be able to effectively manage the situation from there. Unfortunately, with illegal downloads, the first warning that something is amiss is often when a lawsuit is filed against one's family.
Why do you block some chat programs but not all of them?
Chat applications that lack file sharing features are not restricted. We only require the use of a password to use chat or IRC applications that are commonly used for illegal or dangerous activities.
Does Blockster limit the use of any other applications, besides chat or P2P programs?
No. Blockster will only limit chat and P2P programs.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
On what systems does Blockster work?
Win XP (Home and Pro), Win 2000
Can you use Blockster with a dialup Internet account?
Yes, but Blockster will never initiate an Internet connection on its own.
How many copies of Blockster can I use on different computers?
However many computers you are lucky enough to own.
How does Blockster use my email address?
Your email address is used in several ways. First and foremost, we send various alerts to your email address. As a result, THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU GIVE US SHOULD BE SECURE. Otherwise, the email alerts will be intercepted and deleted. For families, we recommend using a workplace email address. The second use of your email address is that it acts as your account number. Any and all computers you install Blockster on are linked by your email address into one account. This can be extremely useful when you change your Blockster password.
What alert messages are there?
There are nine alert messages. We send emails for the following events:
- Successful installation of Blockster
If you don't get this email, something went awry on installation. You should uninstall and reinstall Blockster. - Successful uninstallation of Blockster
If you did not uninstall Blockster and you got this message, it means that somebody hacked your password and uninstalled it for you. Most likely, they want to use P2P programs. You should reinstall Blockster using a different password. - An attempt to use a restricted application was prevented by Blockster
Someone tried to use a chat or P2P program and things worked as designed; they were blocked. - The override password was used to run a restricted application
In this case, one of two events occurred. Either (1) the parent or administrator entered the correct override password and allowed the P2P / chat program to execute or (2) the password was hacked and a program that should have been blocked was permitted to run. If #2 is the case, you should immediately change your password using the administration panel available via the Start Menu. - Three consecutive and incorrect password entries
Either someone's memory failed or somebody is trying, unsuccessfully, to hack the override password. - A change in password
Either you changed you password or somebody else did. In the latter case, you've been hacked. You must either confront the individual to learn the new password or use the "lost password" utility on the configuration panel [available through the Start Menu] to get a new password emailed to you. - A change to the email address where alerts are sent
This change was either initiated by you or someone else. Our server will alert both the new and old email addresses of the change. If someone else modified where alerts are emailed, they had to use your password. Thus, it would suggest you have been hacked. To correct this, you should change your password and then modify your email back to a secure address under your control. If both your email address and the password were changed, you should contact us at customercare@smartguardsoftware.com. - File corruption, most likely due to an attempt to hack Blockster
Most likely, you've suffered a serious security breech which has caused Blockster to shut itself down. You should first determine if the disk drive died or a virus attacked your computer. If neither of these events has occurred, you will need to have a long talk with somebody... then reinstall Blockster. - Loss of contact with an installation
Blockster typically checks into our server to verify the database is up-to-date and that all is in order. If our server loses contact with any particular installation for a long period of time, it may indicate several things: (1) you might not have used the internet for a long period, (2) you reformatted the computer, or (3) Blockster was hacked and disabled without using the typical password-protected uninstall method. If the last option occurred, we would like to learn how the program was disabled. Please write to us at customercare@smartguardsoftware.com.
What happens if I need to change my password?
Sometimes you will want to change your Blockster password. If, for example, you believe the password may have been compromised or hacked, you would want to change it on all your computers. This is easy to do. If you change the password on one computer, all the computers within that same account will automatically have their Blockster password changed. Our server will synchronize all the computers in an account so they all have the same active password.
Is Blockster available in other languages?
Not yet. Would you like to see that? What language? Let us know at customercare@smartguardsoftware.com.
How much does Blockster cost?
We have not yet set a price on the product. Tell us what you think we should charge by emailing us at customercare@smartguardsoftware.com! Also, any feedback on your experience with the product is more than welcome.
INTERNET SAFETY
What is a computer virus?
A virus is a computer program that, when activated, replicates itself. Viruses cannot survive without finding another program to reside in. When they are activated, they scan a system and infect programs that allow them to survive on the computer or network. Usually when a program that houses a virus is run, the virus again goes active and become infectious. Most viruses do other things to one’s system, such as opening a “backdoor” to the Internet that “hackers” can scan for. If an open backdoor is found, these hackers can effectively take over your system and steal from it or use it for other crimes. Often attacks against specific websites are launched from computers that were hijacked by viruses – thus the actual attackers remain anonymous.
Commonly, downloaded P2P files are infected with viruses. Usually the infection was accidental but sometimes the download has been purposely “planted” with a virus to allow access by a hacker to the targeted computer.
What is a worm?
A worm is a variant on a virus. A worm generally resides in a program but, once activated, it does not infect other programs. Instead it occupies a computer’s RAM, or memory, and replicates there. In the computer’s memory, more and more worms are generated and, eventually, the system performance slows as a result of all the useless programs that are running at the same time. After the initial worm is born, worms reproduce and rapidly spread in memory, not needing a specific application to be run.. Thus, worm outbreaks tend to be rapid and flow across active computers, such as one might find on a P2P network.
What is a Trojan Horse?
A Trojan program is a reference to the Greek Trojan Horse. If you recall, the Achaeans were fighting a fruitless war against Troy for over ten years. Eventually they decided trickery might win for them what force could not. They fashioned a magnificent wooden horse as a tribute to Troy and pretended to set sail back to their homes, as if the war had been lost. The people of Troy took the Horse within their city and celebrated the winning of the war. Unfortunately for them, the horse was filled with the best soldiers of the Achaean army. Upon nightfall, the soldiers crept from their hiding place and opened the gates of Troy from within. The main Achaean army then entered and slaughteredTroy's residents.
The story is worth repeating as it captures exactly what a Trojan program does. The Trojan is a program that was written to do something nasty. It has no other purpose. Normally such a program would be avoided but, as a Trojan, it pretends to be something that some people would find very desirable. For example, the Trojan might be titled as “Microsoft Office 2004” or “Britney Spears’ In the Zone album.” Indeed, as P2P users decide what files to download based on the file’s name, one can easily download a Trojan and start it up. Notice, in downloading the file, all of one’s normal protections are circumvented; the firewall is useless, the antivirus program does not detect the Trojan, and our good common sense fails us. We’ve just taken the Trojan past all our defenses. When the Trojan application is executed, it does its nastiness. The tamer ones simply open a backdoor to the computer, as discussed above. Other Trojans are more malicious, erasing disk drives or stealing passwords and credit card info.
What are malware and spyware? How do they differ?
Viruses, Worms, and Trojans are all examples of “malware”, or malicious software.
Two other types of obnoxious software are spyware and adware. Both are variants of the Trojans, though users are sometimes notified that the spyware or adware has been installed.
Spyware is software that spies on the user, recording such things as pictures of the computer’s screen, keystrokes, or websites visted. While spyware does have a few legitimate uses, usually it is secretly installed. Once installed, the user might easily be monitored for every word they type; spyware poses a huge security risk.
Adware are applications that throw ads up on your screen. While this can be maddening, it does not pose a direct security breech of one’s computer. If a few adware products are installed on a system, the computer’s speed can slow.
Both Spyware and Adware are usually bundled with the major P2P applications. Often, to use one of these P2P applications, one must also agree to also install the spyware and/or adware.
Is Blockster spyware?
Spyware operates secretly, in the background, recording keystrokes, passwords, and taking screenshots. Spyware is generally used by hackers or advertisers to track usage or illegally intercept secure information. There is also some spyware that is installed by parents to secretly observe what the computer is being used for. Blockster is different. Blockster makes no attempt to be secretive regarding its functioning. When Blockster is activated by a P2P or chat program, the user knows it. In addition, it is accessible via the Start menu or from icons. More importantly, the only data we require is the contact info you registered upon installation. While we do provide you the option of giving us additional information, doing so is entirely voluntary on your part.
Can the record, movie, or software trade groups (the RIAA, MPAA, and BSA) sue and obtain my downloading history?
There is no way to track the usage patterns of any one account or person using Blockster. All identifying information is separated from the usage pattern information and a link cannot be reestablished. Also, the "alert" emails sent from our server are not logged in a way where the recipient can be identified.
CONTACT INFORMATION
What additional information can I elect to provide?
The additional data that we can gather is identifiers for unknown files [ex: C:\Program Files\P2P\NewP2P.exe]. We use the information in the following way: (1) we strip them of all identifying info so they cannot be traced back to a particular account, computer, or person and (2) if the unknown is found to be P2P or chat related, we add it to our database.
How can I make suggestions for future releases?
Please do. Email us at customercare@smartguardsoftware.com
ABOUT SMARTGUARD SOFTWARE
Why are two medical doctors in the business of making software?
We weren't always physicians. One of us used to be an engineer and computer consultant. The other has programmed since childhood and runs a medical software business on the side. Both of us, however, saw a huge need when we listened to our patients. And, yes, we are both still fulltime physicians - we have staff and CEO that currently manage the day-to-day operations of Blockster.