Linda Kilcoyne SLM 521 Summer 02 Elective

I have received your warning about the virus. I must, however, treat it as a hoax. Hoax emails are as common
as real viruses so it is not a good idea to send unconfirmed warnings to everyone I know because all it does is contribute
to the already mountainous amount of junk mail in our mailboxes. Validated warnings have return addresses and are usually signed. The next time you receive a warning about an email virus, I suggest you go to http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org to educate yourself about computer virus hoaxes. Perhaps you should
consider subscribing to those online organizations that put our reliable warnings.

Tips for Avoiding Viruses

A virus is a piece of damaging code that is attached to a useful program.
An email virus is damaging code that is transferred by email messages.

1. Purchase a virus scanning software program that offers frequent
updates.

2. Avoid attachments to email with file extensions like: ".exe", ".com" or
".vbs". These files can launch a virus if opened.

3. Be aware of email virus hoaxes. Some hoaxes would have you delete
good files. Check with a legitimate source. Try http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp.

4. Be aware that most viruses are spread by infected diskettes.

5. Make sure you have at least two backups for all your files!