Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does each webcast require a separate registration?

No, once you establish a SANS Portal account you will have access to SANS webcasts.

Q: I have a Portal account but seem to be stuck in a loop, when I try to sign in?

If you are stuck in a loop when signing in on the webcast information page go to portal.sans.org and sign in directly at the portal. Once you are signed in click the link to the webcast at the top of the Portal.

Q: What kind of software is required to listen to the webcasts?

You will need either Real Audio Player or Windows Media Player. Both are available for download on the Webcasts webpage.

Q: What ports are used to broadcast the webcasts?

Real Player uses port 80, Windows Media Player uses ports 1755 or 554.

Q: Why does Windows Media Player give me a file not found error?

You need to check the TCP option. In Media Player go under the "Tools" menu and select "Options". Then click the "Network" tab. Check the TCP option.

Q: Is the webcast available in a non-streaming format like mp3?

No, not at this time.

Q: I can't get my player to work or can't get past my companies firewall, is the a phone number I can call into?

No, the webcasts are only available via the World Wide Web.

Q: Will there be an archive available?

Yes, the webcast archive will be available one or two days after the webcast.

Q: How do I log in for the webcast?

Log in to your SANS Portal Account. Click on the "Webcasts" link on the top of the SANS Homepage. Select the webcast you would like to attend. Click on the "Click Here to Proceed" button on the right.

Q: When will the presentation slides be available?

The presentation slides are typically available a day before the webcast starts.

Q: Where do I download the presentation slides?

Log in to your SANS Portal Account. Click on the "Webcasts" link on the top of the SANS Homepage. Select the webcast you would like to attend. Click on the "Click Here to Proceed" button on the right. The PDF of the presentation slides is on the left side of the page.

Q: How do I download the presentation slides to my computer?

Once you sign-in to the webcast you can download the PDF in two ways.

1. Right click on the "PRESENTATION SLIDES (PDF)" link and select "Save Target As ..."
2. Click on the "PRESENTATION SLIDES (PDF)" link, and once it opens your PDF viewing program should have an option to save the file. In Acrobat Reader this option is indicated by a disk icon at the top left hand corner of the Acrobat window.

Q: I'm hearing an echo, how can I get rid of it?

The echo is caused by your player's connection speed being set incorrectly. Adjust the player's network speed to match the rate of your Internet connection.

If you experience any problems that are not answered here please contact us at webcast-support@sans.org