Chain-Breaker's Links
With literally thousands of chain letters circling the globe at any given moment, its impossible for one site to keep up with them all. So, here are some of the best sites for checking out chains. To suggest a link or report a broken link, drop us a line.
These Links are provided as a reference guide only. BreakTheChain.org does not endorse or guarantee and of the products, services or information provided on or by these sites.
Other Chain-Breaking Sites
About.com's Urban Legends Guide
About.com's Urban Legend Guide, David Emery, focuses on the lore and folklife of the Internet.
Snopes Urban Legends Reference Page
Barbara and David P. Mikkelson of the San Fernando Valley Folklore Society maintain an exhaustive database of research on urban legends of all types, not just the ones on the 'net. Their articles are well-researched, intelligent, and full of common sense.
TruthOrFiction.com
A straightforward and informative site that classifies chains simply as Truth or Fiction. A great place to check out those heartwarming tales that claim to be true stories or official-sounding health warnings.
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Special Interest Chain-Breaking Sites
Boycott Watch
Boycott Watch is a non-profit organization that looks at boycott calls, asks both sides of the story and posts it so people can decide the truth for themselves.
Centers for Disease Control
If the chain warns of some health hazard like cancer from antiperspirants or AIDS from needles in pay phones, you'll probably find an explanation here.
CIAC Hoaxbusters
The Computer Incident Advisory Capability is the division of the U.S. Department of Energy dedicated to keeping the department's computer systems secure. Lucky for us, their database of research on viruses and hoaxes is open to the public.
Internet ScamBusters
This free e-zine will keep you up-to-date on the latest scams hitting e-mail boxes and help you recognize and fight Internet Fraud.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
These folks are the experts on missing child cases in the United States. If a child has been reported missing to local law enforcement, he or she should be listed here as well.
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Protect Your PC
Ad-aware by Lavasoft
Did you know that some web sites and online advertisers stick small programs on your computer that send them information about your surfing habits. Most are relatively harmless and used for legitimate purposes, but some cross the line into spying. Ad-aware is a free tool that helps you identify them.
Anti-Trojan.com
This specialized resource contains a vast array of trojan resources, including removal information, internet security tutorials plus huge files archives.
Computer Associates Virus Information Center
CA provides complete descriptions of current viruses and worms, including detailed information on how to spot them.
F-Secure Virus Info Center
The first and oldest professional anti-virus site contains descriptions and fixes for thousands of viruses and worms.
McAfee's Antivirus Center
The makers of VirusScan provide concise descriptions of current threats. Unfortunately, their fixes are limited to owners of their software.
Microsoft Windows Update
Some attacks (trojans, macro viruses) exploit security holes in popular software like Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Office. Make sure you have the latest patches and updates for these programs with this free tool.
My-eTrust.com
Computer Associates' eTrust EZAntivirus and EZFirewall provides world-class protection at a reasonable price. BreakTheChain.org highly recommends the EZArmor suite for total protection.
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot S&D is a free application (donations accepted) that helps protect your computer from adware and spyware that allows third parties to collect information about your surfing habits. It features innoculation against common threats and real-time monitoring.
Symantec's Antivirus Research Center
The makers of the Award-Winning Norton Antivirus provide useful information on the latest viruses, including removal instructions and recommendations to avoid future infection.
Trend Micro Virus Information Center
Trend Micro provides plain-english descriptions of currently circulating viruses and easy-to-follow instructions for curing infections with or without their antivirus software.
Trend Micro HouseCall
In addition to a great database of information, Trend Micro also provides HouseCall - a free online virus scanner that, while no substitute for the 24/7 protection of antivirus software, is great in a pinch when you think you might be infected.
ZoneAlarm
Equally important to a secure PC as antivirus software, a firewall keeps unauthorized persons and programs from accessing your data and prevents trojan and backdoor attacks. Zone Labs offers a free basic version as well as a more robust "pro" version of its excellent ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall.
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International Resources
Hoaxbuster.com (French)
RompeCadenas.com.ar (Spanish)
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