Dear List Members,
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PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE ON THE LIST!
If you have further questions, reply to me offline
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I have hesitated to send this message, but I feel it is necessary
because of the recent proliferation of viruses that are attacking
Mailing List users.
--> First, be aware that NO VIRUS IS EVER SENT TO YOU FROM ROOTSWEB.
Sometimes, it may seem like that has happened, because some of the
viruses falsify their "From" lines. The "plain text" and "no
attachments" rules pretty much eliminate the possibility, which means
we can continue to exchange messages ONLINE (i.e., through this
mailing list) with no fear of infestation.
--> Second, the most common way to receive a virus is by opening an
attachment. We used to say, "Don't open any .exe files," but this
latest bunch often masquerades as some other extension. So, the first
rule of prevention is NEVER to open an attachment which comes
unsolicited, even if the "From" line is that of someone with whom you
are acquainted.
--> Third, it is absolutely essential that we all arm ourselves with
some form of anti-virus protection. Most of this current bunch have
been aimed at the PC users, but the Mac is not entirely exempt, and
should also be protected. Further, this protection needs to be
updated frequently; perhaps once or twice a week, at least.
Badtrans, Magistr, Hybris 95, and W32/Hello.worm are the most
recently seen examples being reported to the RootsWeb Listowners. You
can read more about them, and get protection, from the following
sources:
McAfee
http://vil.mcafee.com/dispVirus.asp?virus_k=99069&
Norton/Symantec
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/index.html
SmartReminders
http://SmartReminders.com/index.cfm?method=demoemail&TopicID=53&m...
We haven't had a serious outbreak on this List, although as the
Listowner I've received a few "bounce" replies that contained a virus
attachment. Some of the Lists have had a problem in which private
correspondence between subscribers ("offline") has spread the
infestation. In those cases, the Listowner has had to unsubscribe the
"infected" e-addresses until the members involved could rid their
computers of the virus.
It's easy to get an analysis and identification on these viruses.
Just forward the email with a suspected virus attachment to
virus_research(a)nai.com
I want to commend all of you on your avoiding most of these viruses
so far, and urge anyone who does not currently use some form of
Anti-Virus Protection to recognize the danger they are placing
themselves in. I think most of us feel that if we are going to use
computers and e-mail, then AV Protection is just one of those CODBs
(cost of doing business) that we accept.
Warm regards!
JS
List Custodian
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James Shuman, instructor
Modesto High School
jshuman(a)telis.org
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