VIRUS HOAX
InterNet Access Network ( )
Fri, 23 Apr 1999 11:42:06 -0400
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>Internet Tip of the Day:
>
>VIRUS HOAX
>
>You have probably received email messages warning you not
>to open certain emails because they contain viruses that can
>damage your computer. The great majority of these warning
>emails are hoaxes.
>
>Before we continue, we should probably explain what a virus
>is and how it works. A virus is nothing more than a computer
>program. Sometimes people write virus programs to cause
>damage, sometimes just to do funny things. The thing that
>makes a virus different from other programs is that it replicates
>itself. Viruses are purposely written to spread from computer
>to computer.
>
>You may be asking yourself how viruses are passed around.
>One method is to hide the virus within another program. For
>example, a friend or relative may send you a cute program
>that displays a bouncing ball on your computer screen.
>Unbeknownst to them, that cute program may have a virus in
>it that could cause damage to your computer.
>
>So, can viruses be spread through email? Yes and no. Plain
> text email message can't contain viruses. You *can't* get
>a virus simply by reading an email. However, people often
>send files that accompany emails. These are called
>attachments. If somebody sends you a cute little program,
>it's possible that it may contain a virus. Be very careful before
>running any program that you have received via email...even
>if the email is from a friend or relative. They may have no idea
>that they are passing on a virus.
>
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>Web Site of the Day
>
>If you would like more information about virus hoaxes,
>visit the Computer Virus Myths website:
>
>http://kumite.com/myths
>
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Dayton, OH