OT: PENPAL Virus Hoax

Iris List:

This PENPAL Virus hoax has been going around for months.  It was only a
matter of time before it appeared on the list.  Computer techies with
whom I have discussed this assure me that you cannot infect your system
by opening e-mail.  There may be a possibility if the e-mail is "linked"
to another site but then only if you follow the link. If e-mail could
effect your computer it would be too late the instant you clicked "GET
MAIL."

Here are several ways you can protect your system:

1.  Install a reliable antivirus program and keep your virus definition
file up to date. There are several.  I like Norton A-V as part of the
Norton Utilities package.  And NO! I do NOT want to start a controversy
over which one is best.  To each his own.  There are several very good
offerings on the market.  If you ask off list I will be pleased to send
you some references so you can do your own research.

2.  Be careful about from whom you accept floppy disks and other
magnetic media.

3.  Be careful about what you download and from where.  Use only
reliable sources like software publishers patches and downloads.

4.  Don't use "pirated" software or software that does not come
shrink-wrapped in the original manufacturer's packaging.

Something infected my daughter's computer and finally did a number on
some of her system files shutting down her computer.  Meanwhile she was
transferring text on magnetic disks from her computer to mine I infected
other disks given to several friends.  Their computers were set to sound
bells and whistles and flash lights when encountering a virus.  Mine was
just set to "disinfect" without warning me.  Beth has since installed
Norton A-V and we meticulously update her definition file every month
and my machine is also reset to warn me so I don't accidentally infect
someone else.  She came THIIIIS close to losing her doctoral
disertation.  Once bitten twice shy?

Al Limberg
Concord, CA
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