Ainley and others who pass on virus warnings
Some thoughtful people have set up various websites
where, before you pass on a virus warning, you can check
to see if it is a hoax.
For instance
http://www.europe.datafellows.com/hoaxes/verycool.htm
says of this supposed virus:
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NAME: Open: Very Cool
ALIAS: A.I.D.S., AIDS, Open:Very Cool hoax
This is a simple hoax warning about a fictitious virus with incredible
powers. Here's an example of the hoax.
THERE IS A VIRUS GOING AROUND CALLED THE A.I.D.S VIRUS.
IT WILL ATTACH ITSELF INSIDE YOUR COMPUTER AND EAT
AWAY AT YOUR MEMORY THIS MEMORY IS IRREPLACEABLE.
THEN WHEN IT'S FINISHED ..... <snip> Ignore this hoax warning
and do not pass it on.
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Now, at their virus site,
http://www.europe.datafellows.com/v-descs/aids2.htm
there is a true virus called:
---------------------------------------------------------
NAME: AIDS II
REPAIR: Yes
This virus is in the form of a .COM file, which will locate a .EXE
file and create a corresponding .COM file, exploiting the fact that
DOS will first execute the .COM file, containing the virus. The
virus will then later execute the .EXE file.
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There are many sites on the web where you can check first
before sending on virus hoaxes and urban legends.
For example
http://www.europe.datafellows.com/
http://www.mcafee.com/
http://www.snopes.com/
Such checking would help us all. Thanks.
Christine Kilmartin
