There are several people on this list who have had their address books compromised. They have a virus or malware that goes into their address book. It sends out a blank subject (it will either come through on this list as [Azores-Genealogy] [*no subject*] or just plain [Azores-Genealogy]. They only thing in the body is a URL, such as www.freepills.com or www.myblogspot.com/blah-blah-blah.
At first there were only a couple. They were caught in the queue, flagged as spam, and I deleted them. I did not mark them as spam from the administrator end, because that function kicks the author off the list. I don't want that, as their computers have a problem and they may not be aware. Then there started to be more. I started to email the people privately to let them know to get their computers checked. I also made sure that the person is on moderation to prevent any more messages from getting through to the list. I am letting them know, so they can contact me after their computers are fix and I can unmoderate them. MOST of these are getting caught in the queue. A few aren't. Richard Matera's got through. Delete it. I wouldn't mark him as spam though. Suppose after he gets his computer fixed you find out you are his cousin. He emails you with the news. His message to you will go into your spam folder and you will never know. But that's just me. Do whatever pleases you. And since there seem to be several people on this list with the problem, I suggest this. Run your anti-virus, your malware programs (Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy), etc. Do this at least weekly. Then whenever you get a file, NEVER directly open it. I don't care if it's from me and all files you've received from me are clean. Download it somewhere (perhaps your Desktop, or your genealogy folder). Once it's downloaded, right click the file. A window will open. Choose the option that has to do with scanning with your anti-virus software. Once it completes and you know the file is safe, then open it. And never, never assume files from your cousin are safe because they were in the past. Back to genealogy! Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
