How can I check to see if a program calls back to the internet

How can I check if a program is connecting to the internet as a precaution for cracked stuff?

I guess you can use netstat. Anything easier?

Can software hide connections from netstat -b?

Thanks

the best way is having a firewall that alerts you to and optionally blocks outbound traffic. i use kaspersky internet security. there is also a must have tool for windows called: activeports (freeware) which is like a graphical netstat that lets you see additional info about connections and processes using them with the option to kill the processes. Also, if you wanted to see the traffic that was being communicated from a program you would use a packet sniffer like ethereal.

Netshark, proxifier and proxyfirewall (always) should do the trick.

I use proxyfirewall sometimes outside of the standard use just to see if I've got weird connection traffic, and proxifier checks EVERYTHING to a creepy level but is still readable. Netshark is a monster and tells you everything ever, in my experience it's information overload a bit.

N

You are correct. I haven't opened it in forever, mes apolos.

N

I use Zonealarm, which always does its job of alerting me when something is trying to connect to the internet.

what about mcafee security center? will this block so I will know, I'd like to know first or if it calls home (and mcafee doesnt block) I'm shit out of luck..
anyone tried mcafee?