>
>You may receive, or may have already received, an e-mail message from a
>well-intentioned individual warning you about the terribly destructive powers
>of an Internet computer virus called "Good Times".
>
>This warning message is a hoax.
>
>In late 1994 a warning message attributed to the FCC (Federal Communications
>Commission) first appeared in mailing lists and on computer bulletin boards.
>The warning described a new computer virus "unparalleled in its destructive
>capability". The virus -- called "Good Times" -- is reportedly spread by
>e-mail, and the e-mail message always has the subject "Good Times". By reading
>the message, the warning states, your computer will be infected with a virus
>that makes all other viruses "pale in comparison".
>
>The warning message apparently originated on AOL (America OnLine), and the
>message reappears, word-for-word, about every six months. It ends with the
>instructions "warn your friends!", which most people do. The following facts
>support the mythical nature of this "virus":
>
>o There have been no "sightings" or confirmed infections of this virus in the
>  13+ months since the warning message first appeared.
>
>o The CIAC (Computer Incident Advisory Capability -- a well-respected U.S.
>  computer security agency), U.S. government agencies including the FCC,
>  and vendors of anti-viral software have all categorically stated that the
>  virus warning is a hoax.
>
>o The crux of the warning is that the virus is spread by reading e-mail text.
>  This is not possible. A virus can only be spread by executing a program.
>  E-mail message text is not a program. Even if a program was contained in
>  e-mail message text, reading the text would not execute the program.
>
>The warning hoax itself could be considered a "virus". For those who already
>know it's a hoax, it's a nuisance to read the repeated warnings. For people
>who don't know, it causes needless concern and lost productivity. The virus
>hoax "infects" mailing lists, bulletin boards, and Usenet news groups.
>Concerned system administrators needlessly worry their system users by posting
>dire warnings. Many well-known companies and U.S. government agencies have
>reportedly fallen for this hoax; the warning has been mentioned on network
>news broadcasts. Spreading this "social virus" is probably what motivates the
>originators of this message.
>
>Viruses in general are a problem, mainly for those on PCs and Macs. You still
>need to protect yourself by running virus scanning software and by avoiding
>the use of software and floppy disks from unknown sources. If you have any
>questions about this you can contact myself or the HOTLINE. But, enjoy your
>good times and don't worry about your Good Times.
>--------
>

 Susan Horein, [log in to unmask]