Common Questions
- How do I install SocketShield?
- How do I allow SocketShield to access the Internet through my firewall?
- How do I uninstall SocketShield?
- How does SocketShield protect me against exploits?
- Will SocketShield slow down my computer?
- Why do I have to reboot?
- How do I know if SocketShield is working?
- What does a SocketShield alert look like?
1. How do I install SocketShield?
Please take note of the following requirements before starting the SocketShield installation process:
- You will need to be logged into Windows with the Administrator account or an account that has Administrative privileges.
- We recommend closing all open applications before starting the installation, as your computer will need to be restarted for SocketShield to start protecting your system.
- This restart is necessary because SocketShield needs to register system files in order to protect your computer from exploits, and it cannot do that until your system goes through its startup processes.
- During the installation process you will be asked to supply an email address for registration purposes. Please see our privacy statement.
System Requirements
- Pentium 1.2 GHz or higher
- 256 MB RAM
- Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Home and XP Professional
Installing SocketShield
- Access the software download
- Once the file has finished downloading, double-click on the SocketShield icon to display the installation box. Click the RUN button to start the installer. You will be presented with a Welcome Screen. Click the NEXT button to start the installation.
- Read the License Agreement carefully, as it contains important information. You must accept the License Agreement before you can continue with the installation. To do this, place a checkmark in the box that states, " I have read, understand, and accept the license agreement"
- Click on the NEXT button at the bottom of the screen to move to the registration page.
- Enter your name and email address
- If you do not wish to receive alerts about product updates and customer news, uncheck the box
- If you are happy with your selections, click NEXT to start the installation. If you would like to change anything, click the BACK button and re-enter your choices.
- Leave checked the box that states "Reboot computer now" and click the Finish button. Your computer will now reboot.
SocketShield will start running automatically when the computer is restarted, and minimize itself to the system tray.
2. How do I allow SocketShield to access the Internet through my firewall?
This is a general walk-through on how to configure your firewall to work alongside SocketShield. While every firewall is slightly different, your firewall probably requires you to do something like this to permit a new application to access the Internet:
- Open your firewall software control panel or configuration screen
- Click or go to the Programs or Applications section
- Find SocketShieldMonitor.exe in the list of applications
- Make sure the file access is set to Allow
If SocketShieldMonitor.exe is not allowed access to the Internet, it will be unable to receive updates and keep your system protected from the newest exploits.
For more detailed information on how to allow programs to access the Internet through your firewall, please consult your firewall's user guide.
3. How do I uninstall SocketShield?
Make sure to close any application that's open or running before beginning the uninstall process, as a reboot is required to complete the uninstall.
- Close SocketShield by right-clicking on the Socket Monitor icon in the system tray.
- Choose EXIT from the available options
- Click on the START button
- Go to PROGAMS
- Go to the SocketShield program group
- Click on Repair or Remove SocketShield. The uninstaller will open, offering two options
- Repair – This allows you to repair the current installation
- Remove – This will remove all SocketShield components from your system
- Click on the REMOVE radio button and click NEXT
- On the final confirmation screen before the removal begins, click NEXT
- When the uninstaller has completed, leave checked the box that states "Reboot computer now" and click FINISH
Your computer will automatically reboot. When the system restarts, SocketShield will have been removed.
4. How does SocketShield protect me against exploits?
A socket, in the context of Internet security, is the standard application programming interface (API) for sending and receiving data across the Internet, making it the point of entry into your system for any downloaded code. SocketShield is a software program that protects computers during the vulnerability window by monitoring socket-level traffic for exploits and closing the socket when an exploit is detected so that it cannot enter your PC.
8. Will SocketShield slow down my computer?
It's very unlikely, because the monitoring is happening at such a low level on the machine. SocketShield beta testers have not reported any performance degradation.
6. Why do I have to reboot?
At the end of the installation process, you will see a screen that reads, "SocketShield has been successfully installed. Your computer needs to be restarted for the changes to take effect." This reboot is required for SocketShield to register all the system files and registry entries it has just installed in order to work properly. We highly recommend rebooting when the installation is complete so SocketShield will function properly and fully protect your system from exploits and malicious sites.
If you are prompted to reboot before the completion of the installer it is because there is a driver on your system that is locked by another program. In order for SocketShield to install properly it needs to restart your system and unlock this file. If you choose not to reboot at this time the installer will exit and you will need to start the installation over again.
7. How do I know if SocketShield is working?
SocketShield is represented in your system tray by an Exploit Prevention Labs logo. Right click on the SocketShield Monitor icon and click "Show Status."
You will then see the window below:
8. What does a SocketShield alert look like?
SocketShield has two different types of windows to communicate with you. The first shows what an update of the software looks like:
The next shows SocketShield in-action, blocking an exploit attempt:
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