Re: Re: the virus

["Duncan/Rita Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

Exactly my point. I said know the ORIGINAL source. Had you e-mailed Vickie
and asked her a) did she send it and b) does she know who created it(not
just from whom she received it). In this case the first question would have
been sufficient. But if the first question had been answered with a yes,
then the second question needs an answer. Then you have to evaluate whether
you trust that person.

It helps to know what types of files can carry and cannot carry a
virus/worm. Part of the problem is the file types that can carry them keeps
expanding as new software is released - I assume that it can carry unless I
know otherwise. It is also necessary to make sure your machine displays file
extensions - the default status is unfortunately off for Windows: It is
necessary to go to Explorer (Not Internet Explorer, right click on Start and
then click on Explorer); then click on View, then Folder Options, then View
and then uncheck the box labled 'Hide file extensions for known types'. A
number of e-mail viruses have taken advantage of this bit of deception by
calling the file readme.txt.exe. With file extensions turned off this is
displayed as readme.txt which would be innocuous.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bette Lamore" <woa@stormnet.com>


> Good idea, Duncan
> But the problem in Vickie's case was that I KNOW and LIKE Vickie and
> TRUST her so when I got the email in my INBOX, (hadn't seen it on
> ridecamp yet), I attempted to open it... it was only a fluke I had not
> yet updated my Norton nor turned the email protection back on. Vickie
> had no idea the emails were even originating from her so the  known and
> trusted sender idea will not work.
> Is there anyway, John, that the Norton email program can filter out
> viruses on your server before forwarding to ridecamp? Don't know how
> these chat room things work and if there is any bottleneck in the system
> where a virus protection program can be added.
> This particular one was a bugger to get rid of because it would not let
> me right click and delete the kern32.exe and hksdll.dll files--- said
> they were either write protected or in use by Windows. Even Norton
> couldn't delete it. Had to go into DOS, the Windows System directory and
> then delete it. Most users don't even know about DOS (I used to be one
> and my knowledge is VERY limited) so this kind of Trojan virus could be
> VERY dangerous. Even created a "W" drive and then wouldn't let me access
> it--- I guess it partitioned mine. Because I have netscape, I guess it
> was unable to spread to my unread inbox senders, but Outlook Express is
> really vulnerable and I take it most ridecampers are using that free
> program. I'm even thinking about going linux and using Pine as NO
> viruses come in as Worms, requiring only opening the email.
> Is there a solution, John? Any computer guru?
> Bette