Thanks Chris.

The Latest 'Virus', the 'I Love You', is what is known as an Internet 'Worm'.  Although it does move files around on your computer, It's main purpose was to replicate as fast as possible, by reading addresses from address books and sending itself to all those addresses.

How are Viruses transmitted?  The first thing to mention here is that you CAN NOT catch or transmit viruses just by reading your e-mail. Viruses can only be attached to some files, such as word documents and exe files.  It is perfectly safe to read a message labelled 'I Love you'.  It's the file attached with it that causes the damage.  The only exception to this is with (shock, horror) Microsoft products.  Some versions of Outlook and Outlook Express, have an Auto Preview function. When a message is opened, the program automatically opens the attachment for you, activating the virus. Apparently Microsoft thought this was a good idea.

Infected files don't only come through the e-mail.  They can come from Disks, or just downloaded straight from a website.  Basically if it's a files you can execute, then it is possibly for a virus to attach itself.  Pictures are safe because you are only viewing the file, not running it.

So how do I minimize the risk of a virus?  The easiest way to protect yourself is to get a Virus Scanner. The one I have most experiance with is Norton Antivirus, which retails for around $99.  Most AV programs run in the background all the time. If you download and open a file, it will be checked automatically first.  The main thing to remember is not all programs will protect against a new virus, so some common sense is still needed.

Common sense basically means don't open any files you aren't sure about.  The worst part is it will normally be sent by a trusted source, because of the way it spreads.  If you are not expecting a file, don't open it.  Another way is simply refuse to open, Or send, Word document files, or .exe files.  Instead of sending a .doc file, send a .rtf file, or a .txt file.  They are more compatible with other programs, and cannot carry a virus.  To save as a .rtf or .txt file, when saving a document, click in the box 'Save as Type' and select another file type.

Remember, most viruses only spread because of peoples lack of     under-
standing.  If noone e-mailed .doc files, viruses such as 'I Love You' and 'Melissa' would be a lot rarer.  Please everyone, start using .rtf and .txt formats !

Chris
Chris's Corner at Riverland.net.au