W32.Sobig.F@mn virus - Avoidable?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Papa
  • Start date Start date
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Papa

Is it possible for my PC to get this virus if I do NOT open any attachments?
If so, how?

I use Outlook Express 6.0 for email.

Thanks
 
No, but why not have good antivirus software that scans your email as well?
You need that, and a good firewall of some sort, on *any* computer. See
www.grisoft.com for a nice AV program - they even make a freebie version -
set it to update itself daily if possible. www.sygate.com makes a free
personal firewall, or you can enable the XP firewall.
 
From what I read, I don't think so. It only comes in the form of an
attachment, that has to be run.
 
You can get a virus or trojan from just downloading a file off the internet.
Doesn't have to be in email. You can also get a virus from going to certain
web pages. Just visiting a page like this will infect you. Also, you could
get an email from a friend that you trust, but they could have a virus and
not know it and pass it on to you cause you trusted their email. If you use
a file sharing program you can get a virus as well. I download files(mp3's
and programs) off winmx and in the last month my AV program has caught and
stopped 3 viruses. You can get one many different ways, not just in an email
attachment. Some virus and trojans just search the internet for an open
computer and silently install without you knowing or without any action on
your part. This is why an AV program *is essential* when using a computer
today. Everyone should have one.
And usually it only takes a day or so for the av companies to update their
definitions to include the newest reported viruses. If you stay updated you
will be very safe.
And last, not sure what av programs you tried that caused you probs, but
none of the big boys have ever caused me probs -- AVG, Nortons, Mcafee,
Pc-illin, sygate. I've used them all at one time or another. AVG is my
perferred choice now.

Unknown said:
Absolute hogwash. I virus program is NOT needed if you don't open
attachments or accept e-mail from unknown sources. They do nothing more than
cause all kinds of problems. Whats more the latest worms can't even be
caught by virus programs.
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
No, but why not have good antivirus software that scans your email as well?
You need that, and a good firewall of some sort, on *any* computer. See
www.grisoft.com for a nice AV program - they even make a freebie version -
set it to update itself daily if possible. www.sygate.com makes a free
personal firewall, or you can enable the XP firewall.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
You made some very valid points. Thank you.

purplehaz said:
You can get a virus or trojan from just downloading a file off the internet.
Doesn't have to be in email. You can also get a virus from going to certain
web pages. Just visiting a page like this will infect you. Also, you could
get an email from a friend that you trust, but they could have a virus and
not know it and pass it on to you cause you trusted their email. If you use
a file sharing program you can get a virus as well. I download files(mp3's
and programs) off winmx and in the last month my AV program has caught and
stopped 3 viruses. You can get one many different ways, not just in an email
attachment. Some virus and trojans just search the internet for an open
computer and silently install without you knowing or without any action on
your part. This is why an AV program *is essential* when using a computer
today. Everyone should have one.
And usually it only takes a day or so for the av companies to update their
definitions to include the newest reported viruses. If you stay updated you
will be very safe.
And last, not sure what av programs you tried that caused you probs, but
none of the big boys have ever caused me probs -- AVG, Nortons, Mcafee,
Pc-illin, sygate. I've used them all at one time or another. AVG is my
perferred choice now.

Unknown said:
Absolute hogwash. I virus program is NOT needed if you don't open
attachments or accept e-mail from unknown sources. They do nothing more than
cause all kinds of problems. Whats more the latest worms can't even be
caught by virus programs.
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
No, but why not have good antivirus software that scans your email as well?
You need that, and a good firewall of some sort, on *any* computer. See
www.grisoft.com for a nice AV program - they even make a freebie version -
set it to update itself daily if possible. www.sygate.com makes a free
personal firewall, or you can enable the XP firewall.

Papa wrote:
Is it possible for my PC to get this virus if I do NOT open any
attachments? If so, how?

I use Outlook Express 6.0 for email.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
If you re-read my reply, you will see that I answered "No" to the question,
and suggested a second layer of defense with regard to antivirus software. I
have a firewall, I have good AV software, and apply patches religiously and
haven't gotten any worms/trojans/viruses yet...

....one level of protection is never enough. :-)
Absolute hogwash. I virus program is NOT needed if you don't open
attachments or accept e-mail from unknown sources. They do nothing
more than cause all kinds of problems. Whats more the latest worms
can't even be caught by virus programs.
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
No, but why not have good antivirus software that scans your email
as well? You need that, and a good firewall of some sort, on *any*
computer. See www.grisoft.com for a nice AV program - they even make
a freebie version - set it to update itself daily if possible.
www.sygate.com makes a free personal firewall, or you can enable the
XP firewall.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
No prob. :o)

Papa said:
You made some very valid points. Thank you.

purplehaz said:
You can get a virus or trojan from just downloading a file off the internet.
Doesn't have to be in email. You can also get a virus from going to certain
web pages. Just visiting a page like this will infect you. Also, you could
get an email from a friend that you trust, but they could have a virus and
not know it and pass it on to you cause you trusted their email. If you use
a file sharing program you can get a virus as well. I download files(mp3's
and programs) off winmx and in the last month my AV program has caught and
stopped 3 viruses. You can get one many different ways, not just in an email
attachment. Some virus and trojans just search the internet for an open
computer and silently install without you knowing or without any action on
your part. This is why an AV program *is essential* when using a computer
today. Everyone should have one.
And usually it only takes a day or so for the av companies to update their
definitions to include the newest reported viruses. If you stay updated you
will be very safe.
And last, not sure what av programs you tried that caused you probs, but
none of the big boys have ever caused me probs -- AVG, Nortons, Mcafee,
Pc-illin, sygate. I've used them all at one time or another. AVG is my
perferred choice now.

Unknown said:
Absolute hogwash. I virus program is NOT needed if you don't open
attachments or accept e-mail from unknown sources. They do nothing
Click to expand...
more
than
cause all kinds of problems. Whats more the latest worms can't even be
caught by virus programs.
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
No, but why not have good antivirus software that scans your email as
well?
You need that, and a good firewall of some sort, on *any* computer. See
www.grisoft.com for a nice AV program - they even make a freebie version -
set it to update itself daily if possible. www.sygate.com makes a free
personal firewall, or you can enable the XP firewall.

Papa wrote:
Is it possible for my PC to get this virus if I do NOT open any
attachments? If so, how?

I use Outlook Express 6.0 for email.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
If you re-read my reply, you will see that I answered "No" to the question,
and suggested a second layer of defense with regard to antivirus software. I
have a firewall, I have good AV software, and apply patches religiously and
haven't gotten any worms/trojans/viruses yet...

...one level of protection is never enough. :-)
Click to expand...

Religiously means you (as I do) pray they'll work without other problems?
:-)
 
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