AHHHHHHHH!!!! What's the big deal???

[Warthog]

Viruses wouldn't be a problem if no one ever clicked on wacky, random attachments....or didn't click on attachments at all unless they were positively sure if wasn't a virus. I personally don't click on attachments. The only time I would, would be if I was expecting a file from a friend. Not that you can even trust your friends but I'd know what the file was. Use common sense!!

I think that right now if I owned a sizeable business I would hang up signs, send out mass emails to all of my employees, etc. to let them know what I said above about clicking on attachments! That may not solve the problem but sure would greatly minimize the amount of people that clicked on the virus.

Why???? Why does it happen?!?

Many uninformed friends of mine believe that the virus protection software they have will not let any virus in their system. BUT they have to update the .dat files frequently! Many people I know, don't know that small fact. They only update it once every 1 or 2 months when the little warning pops up that tells them they should update. I understand that obviously even the latest .dat files won't protect you from a brand new virus some moron created. That brings me back to my original point: use your head!

Wouldn't it be easier to let others know to "be careful what you click on"? I think so.


Ok...I'm done with my rant. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog


*forgot to do the very handy spell checker

[This message has been edited by Warthog (edited 05-05-2000).]

[Ptrper]

You're absolutely right Warthog! People should use better judgement when it comes to attachments. As for myself, if I don't know who is sending an attachment, I delete it right away!!! Call me paranoid. But that has relieved me of great anxieties over whether or not I've got a virus. Also, people do feel impervious to viruses because of the great "advertising" syndrome. Hopefully, they will see the error of their ways.

Ptrper

[Biff]

Yeh, thats one thing I do, delete email from anyone I dont know or expecting. BUT let me ask ya this, would it be correct to say that, certain viruses check you address book and send emails out to those people you have in there? so if a buddie got a virus would I not be the reciepient of a message from them that is infected?

[Dallasmcse]

This thread is off to a good start.
Someone needs to start a "Safe e-mail" campaign like the "safe sex ones" Anyone want to pick this up and run with it? Maybe Bill M$ for good PR? Maybe AOL? Maybe Bill Clinton? (NOT!!)

[happyhamster]

Agreed 110%. Just be careful, know computers and use common sense, and it'll save you 99% of time. I'm trying to fit that description, and I haven't caught a virus a single time. I don't run those antivirus stuff, only scan once in a while just in case and to protect from the remaining 1% of more sophisticated viruses, but so far it found exactly zero.

to Biff: That's exactly what the last couple of widespread viruses including the last I LOVE YOU did - scan address book and send it to all recipients there. That's why some people get caught by surprise, "Oh, that's form John I haven't heard in a while, and he still loves me!". Click! So be careful even if the message comes from familiar email address.

[Warthog]

I'm glad others agree with me. I was just so sick and tired of seeing a new "deadly" virus discovered on CNN Headline News every month. Well, gee....it wouldn't be deadly if certain people didn't click on it. Just had to get this out of me. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I agree wholeheartedly with you, Dallas. Some of the more well-known people should do it (like the people you mentioned). The only catch is that, I would think, for a campaign like that to be succesfully carried out by businesses, there would have to be some sort of money making involved.

C'mon...you other Sysopt members don't have opinions on this matter? I'm fed up with the **** viruses and their victims.

Warthog

[Biff]

Yeh, thats what I thought happyhamster, you cant trust any mail, if friends machines get infected! thanks for clearing that up for me.
Biff

[Brangwen]

I agree with the common sense policy. However, I do update my Norton AV files religiously... why? Because I like downloading data, no matter what it is! Seriously, my anti-virus program has snagged a couple viruses since I've used it over the years. In fact, I think it quarantined Melissa, but my recollection is poor this a.m. And you never know if - by sharing floppies, etc., that might pick up say a bootstrap virus, even an old one, that can really mess up your system. So, common sense and an AV program.

Brangwen