Virus Alert Please Read

Subject: RE: Virus Alert Please Read
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 21 Jul 01 - 10:39 PM

First: Thanx Jeri! I'm clean again Second: Apologies to anyone who's gotten an infected message from me. Third: I got the damn thing from someone. A fast fix is to avoid sending me attachments. I realize that this can slow things down when compared to the speed of transmitting non-text files (.ZIP, .JPG etc.) but I don't think the speed is worth the risk. I'll take my chances with .NWC and .MID files, but they're about the only ones that can't be exported as text, then cut and pasted into the body of the E-Mail. And if your E-Mail program won't do this, SHOOT IT!.

Subject: RE: Virus Alert Please Read
From: Jande
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 03:22 PM

I haven't run OE for many many years. I prefer Pegasus (even though it does have a couple of r *irritating* habits).

I just wanted to remind some of the OE and Windows users that the default setting in the Windows Operating System has file extensions turned off.

That is the reason the worm has two .extensions. wormname.zip.bat. It's written that way to fool inexperienced Windows users into thinking the file that has arrived is called wormname.zip. The default windows setup hhides the last dot and three characters in a filename.

If I Remember Correctly, This default setting can be changed by double-clicking on My Computer Icon and choosing View|Folder Options then in the view tab, under Files and Folders, click the square box to remove the check mark before Hide file extensions for known file types. Now you should be able to see all file extensions,including any double ones that *may* be some kind of virus.

Hope this helps someone...

~ Jande

Subject: RE: Virus Alert Please Read
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 03:36 PM

I unchecked that box a LONG time ago...I hate it when I can't see exactly what is there. I always show the 'detailed' view of all directories, so that all data and settings are clear...I can hide or change anything I want IF it ever seems temporarily useful to do so....

I truly hope this set of recent problems does no lasting damage to anyone, and encourages those who had a scare to go through the process of protecting themselves and learning as much as they can about their computers. Basic virus protection and control over settings and features is just good insurance.

It's sort of like your car...you don't have to be a mechanic or understand physics to learn to change the oil and check the water level in the radiator.(maybe catspaw has better metaphors!)

Subject: RE: Virus Alert Please Read
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 04:26 PM

Jande:

Thanx. I just made that change.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Virus Alert Please Read
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 06:18 PM

We're past 100 posts, so please go to BS: Virus Alert (continued) if you want to continue the discussion, or even if you just want to see my apology to Jeri.