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Using a port scan to test your system

If you want to know more about your system's vulnerability, do what crackers are doing to your system—scan the ports for security holes.

There are many scanners available. Just don't use them to scan someone else's computer. That's considered to be a hostile action and a sign that you are attempting to crack into their system. You could get into real trouble for doing that. Just use it to scan your own system and to help you find potential security holes.

Here are two scanners, one for Windows systems and one for Linux systems, that will do the job:

For Windows systems, Netcop Scanner is available for free from Netcop.

Netcop Scanner can be used to check for open IP ports on PCs and servers. To check your own computer, use the default host address of 127.0.0.1. Under Options, enter a range of ports. Entering 1 to 65535 will check every port on your system. The results will show a list of active ports and the associated services running on them.

Note that for Linux systems, nmap can be used to scan your system's ports. With the software installed, enter the command nmap localhost. This will produce a list of active ports on your system.

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Other Collection and Use of Information


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Children


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Marketing


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Correcting/Updating Personal Information


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Sale of Personal Information


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Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


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Links


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Requests and Contact


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Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020