Thanks for the info.
While the tour quote did not really clarify anything much as far as
*email* viruses is concerned, I think maybe I'll say a thing or two
here. (seeing as I started the last email virus scare with a joking
subject line containing the line GOOD TIMES). It elicited a good
deal of chatter.
At any rate, yes Virginia -- contrary to what the experts may have told
us based on old info -- you _CAN_ get a really nasty virus, bomb,
tojan, etc. _by email_!!!!
However in order for that to happen, YOU MUST:
1. Have a system that the nasty entity can act upon -- eg: a PC
virus or whatever will not bother a Mac or UNIX computer.
2 The email must actually be downloaded to your own computer, not
read on a shell acount.
3. You must be:
a) using an advanced mail program that can -- and is
set up to -- *execute* or display *attached* files automatically
OR
b)you must decide to execute the attachment yourself, believing that
it is benign.
4. And you must receive email from someone really nasty (or stupid).
You see, a program can be sent almost anywhere by attaching it to
email. Trojans can ride along that way, and depending on your
system setup, could do much damage instantly after being unleashed.
Therefore be careful of *attachments*. The email itself is harmless.
DE complained about receiving files on his hard drive some time back
when getting his mail. Some snickered, but his virus detection
software must have been set on 'bulletproof', since it noticed the
attachments being saved as files. These files, while likely benign
(MS mailers tend to send two part messages), are cause for some
vigilence and concern.
Now, these files can sit on a drive for a long time until you wonder
some day what they are and doubleclick on one. Therefore some
awareness is advisable.
If you don't think that the net is full of holes, try this URL:
http://Kiev.home.ml.org
I *think* it is harmless, but it will extract your AUTOEXEC.BAT file
from your computer -- without your permission and display it to
you!!!! It is put up by a fellow CUUG member.
The only reason that we are not overrun with trojans, etc. is that
most people are pretty careful and take care of one another.
If you know who is sending you email, and don't have automatic
decoding and execution enabled, and you delete any suspicious
attachments, you should never have to worry.
FWIW
Have a GOOD TIME(S) !
Regards
Allen
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>
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