Virus hysteria

[Walter E.]

In view of the current virus hysteria I would like to clarify something, if
I may:

I am using AVG virus checker, XP firewall and Zone Alarm. (Belts and
suspenders).

1. Can I get a virus or worm or any other critter if I just click on a
message, either in the newsgroups or in e-mails, without opening any
attachments.I thought malware cannot be contained in a text message.

2. Can I get a virus by just going to a URL without downloading anything
from or opening anything on the site?

Thank you

 

[Wesley C. Martin]

In view of the current virus hysteria I would like to clarify something, if
I may:

I am using AVG virus checker, XP firewall and Zone Alarm. (Belts and
suspenders).

1. Can I get a virus or worm or any other critter if I just click on a
message, either in the newsgroups or in e-mails, without opening any
attachments.I thought malware cannot be contained in a text message.

Generally the answer is NO, unless you have your system set such that .DOC
file attachments are automatically loaded into your MS-Word application.
There have been virus infections using MW-Word's Macro execution technique.
Since I don't have MS-Word (I use a Freeware clone!) I cannot be "macro"
infected. Now, if you see an .EXE file sent as an attachment to an e-mail
and you 'open' that attached .EXE file, it gets activated and you can be
infected. Since you use AVG (I do), the XP firewall (I use Sygate's), and
Zone Alarm, I believe your system is rather well protected against e-mail
virus protection. I recommend checking AVG's Home site every week for virus
update descriptions to keep your system secure.

2. Can I get a virus by just going to a URL without downloading anything
from or opening anything on the site?

This is where both the firewall & Zone Alarm will give you some pretty good
protection because that's what they're supposed to do. Again, your system
sounds pretty safe to me. Just remember that Microsoft - and most commercial
companies - will never send you an 'update' or a 'fix' via e-mail
executables. They WILL send you an e-mail - if you've asked to be notified -
of a new patch/update/fix that you can DOWNLOAD from their secure site.

Thank you

You're welcome.

Wes...

 

[David]

In view of the current virus hysteria I would like to clarify
something, if I may:

I am using AVG virus checker, XP firewall and Zone Alarm. (Belts and
suspenders).

1. Can I get a virus or worm or any other critter if I just click on a
message, either in the newsgroups or in e-mails, without opening any
attachments.I thought malware cannot be contained in a text message.

2. Can I get a virus by just going to a URL without downloading
anything from or opening anything on the site?

Thank you

Well, Firewalls won't stop a virus and won't stop a worm that is
comfigure to use an open port. And, AVG is only as good as it's
definitions. So, if you don't keep it up to date, or a new virus gets to
you, it won't protect you. So, don't really on software to protect you.
Pratice safe computing and don't open un-solicitated e-mail attachents.


--

David

"Due to Viewer dicretion...
Graphic violence is advised"

 

[Alonso]

You can go an extra step further and change your firewall to Black Ice, it
not only is a great firewall but has an application protection feature that
won't let unauthorized apps to run or install (read worms or viruses). I get
a good laugh opening these attachments and letting Black Ice kill them, in
fact I think none of these attachments has ever gotten through my AVG
(updated of course).

Alonso

 

[David]

You can go an extra step further and change your firewall to Black
Ice, it not only is a great firewall but has an application protection
feature that won't let unauthorized apps to run or install (read worms
or viruses). I get a good laugh opening these attachments and letting
Black Ice kill them, in fact I think none of these attachments has
ever gotten through my AVG (updated of course).

Alonso

Black Ice??? That's about as secure as a screen door on a vault! Even
Kevin Rhoades of The Screensavers walked through it and his hacking
skills are questionable. Every Security report I've read recommends
staying clear of Black Ice.

--

David

"Due to Viewer dicretion...
Graphic violence is advised"