>
>I have got a lot of the little information I have on computer viruses
>from the companies selling antivirus programs. I've looked up all the
>ones advised here by Listies (thanks again for all the help!). There
>was mention of incoming viruses on emails and/or attachments and viruses
>downloading from floppy disks.
> Going into all of this blindly I admit I've likely been overly
>apprehensive and gullible! Whats the worse thing can happen if a virus
>gets in? The computer doesn't mutate into an alien does it?? Hehe
>
>:)
>Kate
>
> Marc wrote:
><<There really isn't much need for anti-virus software on the Mac (in
>fact there isn't much need on Windows either if you're halfway careful
>about what software you run, how it's configured, and your habits in
>using it), though the companies that sell such applications do their
>best to keep the hysteria going. I keep a copy of Virex around to drag
>suspicious files onto, but I don't leave it running otherwise (ie. no
>extension or control panel) - that way it doesn't suck up any of the
>2400's meagre CPU time and memory when I don't need it. >>
Here's a pleasant take on the whole issue:
*************************************************************
WARNING, CAUTION, DANGER, AND BEWARE!
Gullibility Virus Spreading over the Internet!
*************************************************************
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Institute for the Investigation of Irregular Internet
Phenomena announced today that many Internet users are becoming infected by
a new virus that causes them to believe without question every groundless
story, legend, and dire warning that shows up in their inbox or on their
browser. The Gullibility Virus, as it is called, apparently makes people
believe and forward copies of silly hoaxes relating to cookie recipes, email
viruses, taxes on modems, and get-rich-quick schemes.
"These are not just readers of tabloids or people who buy lottery tickets
based on fortune cookie numbers," a spokesman said. "Most are otherwise
normal people, who would laugh at the same stories if told to them by a
stranger on a street corner." However, once these same people become
infected with the Gullibility Virus, they believe anything they read on the
Internet.
"My immunity to tall tales and bizarre claims is all gone," reported one
weeping victim. "I believe every warning message and sick child story my
friends forward to me, even though most of the messages are anonymous."
Another victim, now in remission, added, "When I first heard about Good
Times, I just accepted it without question. After all, there were dozens of
other recipients on the mail header, so I thought the virus must be true."
It was a long time, the victim said, before she could stand up at a Hoaxees
Anonymous meeting and state, "My name is Jane, and I've been hoaxed." Now,
however, she is spreading the word. "Challenge and check whatever you read,"
she says.
Internet users are urged to examine themselves for symptoms of the virus,
which include the following:
The willingness to believe improbable stories without thinking. The
urge to forward multiple copies of such stories to others. A lack of
desire to take three minutes to check to see if a story is true.
T. C. is an example of someone recently infected. He told one reporter,
"I read on the Net that the major ingredient in almost all shampoos
makes your hair fall out, so I've stopped using shampoo." When told
about the Gullibility Virus, T. C. said he would stop reading email, so that
he would not become infected.
Anyone with symptoms like these is urged to seek help immediately.
Experts recommend that at the first feelings of gullibility, Internet
users rush to their favorite search engine and look up the item tempting
them to thoughtless credence. Most hoaxes, legends, and tall tales have
been widely discussed and exposed by the Internet community.
Courses in critical thinking are also widely available, and there is
online help from many sources, including
Department of Energy Computer Incident Advisory Capability at
http://HoaxBusters.ciac.org/
Symantec Anti Virus Research Center at
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/index.html
McAfee Associates Virus Hoax List at
http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp?
The Urban Legends Web Site at
http://www.urbanlegends.com/
Urban Legends Reference Pages at
http://www.snopes.com/
Datafellows Hoax Warnings at
http://www.Europe.Datafellows.com/news/hoax.htm
Those people who are still symptom free can help inoculate themselves
against the Gullibility Virus by reading some good material on evaluating
sources, such as
Evaluating Internet Research Sources at
http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm
Evaluation of Information Sources at
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~agsmith/evaln/evaln.htm
Lastly, as a public service, Internet users can help stamp out the
Gullibility Virus by sending copies of this message to anyone who forwards
them a hoax.
------
I stole this completely, so feel free not to attribute it to me --
'though I think it is right on the mark.
(the other) paul (vail)
--
----
Paul Vail
[EMAIL PROTECTED] --- http://www.afterhoursconsulting.org/
After Hours Consulting: Macintosh Service, Support & Web Hosting
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