Hi Doug, The message may have been "stripped" into an attachment by my firewall. Note my .gov address....I have anti-virus software and firewalls out the wazoo. We have been under severe attack by foreign hackers for the last few months and have beefed up security unbelievably. But, I must add our network security has done an outstanding job. It is all invisible to us, we can freely communicate with anyone and, hackers have not been able to compromise our system one bit. [aside: the rate of attack at one point was thousands per minute] I had assumed the attachment would turn up harmless since it was not intercepted by our security (they notify me when this happens). But I hate to be the first one to find a new front of attack. lol
True a .txt would not run as an executable, but it would be opened by windows 95, 98, NT, Me, 2000 or XP if you double click it in the explorer which is how many people would "open" it. Most of these operating systems default to use a specific program (normally notepad or Word) to open .txt files. If it were Word then macro capabilities are possible and hence macro viruses which are the most common right now. This is one of the distinct weaknesses in Microsoft products (also one of their basic strengths). They allow macros that can be very potent. If you open .txt with the right program no problem but the wrong one could be trouble. Of course, most virus authors don't want to rely on a multi-step user interface, but they have been fairly creative as of late and have been exploiting users curiosity and naivet�. Don't let your guard down too much or as in my case don't fret it too much but keep a good back-up! To make a long post longer, as a warning as to how bad the hacking can be, junior hackers are now targeting optimum online users (and other high speed users). The optimum system has a dedicated IP address for each user and makes it easy to find a specific computer. With dial up service you never have the same IP twice in a row. When I started Optimum (for my daughters) at X-mas time I would not allow them to use it until I had put on a firewall and some of my own security. The first day my daughter used it, she downloaded a music file (this is one of the biggest uses for teenagers right now) and the music files typically are on private small servers (home computers that have allowed shared access) because most of the music is pirated. While she was downloading (I hope not pirated music) the host computer started hacking and tried to get into my system. My security software notified my daughter and she got me. I watched a lines as the program was searching for software and then locked it out. This is a new way that "kid hackers" are using to steal software. Invite you to download, then upload a program to your system and backdoor some software copying. While harmless to you (but not software manufacturers) it can just as easily be turned into malicious behavior. Use a firewall. BTW, My leos have started laying for the new season. (just to be topical). Now if those milli and Rhacs would just get going.... Regards, John Doug Johnston wrote: > I also use Netscape for my mail program and did not get the link as an > attachment... just a valid link I was able to follow. BTW... a .txt file > would not execute even if opened as it's not an executable filetype. > > John Heiser wrote: > > > > No Problem! I am just paranoid ; ) I am fully protected with all the latest wiz >bang security software but I'm still cautious. Heck I don't > > even use Outlook because I don't like the lack of security. I still use Netscape >for mail and I am immune from all those macro viruses. It > > was just that the message stated if you can't see it copy to hard drive and try to >open it. That is a no-no thing to state and with the recent > > new virus (on the news last night as a matter of fact) that is going after >anti-virus programs well I just wanted others who may not be fully > > protected to be wary. > > > > Regards, > > John > > > > ps It may be my use of Netscape that caused you message to come to me as an >attachment as opposed to fully open as a few others received it. I > > bet they were all using Outlook. > > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > > > Hi, > > > I'm not much on the technicalities of computers, really just a user of >technology. > > > > > > This e-mail might "appear" diferent because I sent it directly from KOMO, the TV >station. > > > > > > If you do open it you will actually discover that a gecko from India hid in a >box of crane lawn ornaments. The package originated in India. > > > > > > Did not mean to cause alarm. > > > > > > Elizabeth > > > > ########################################################################### > > THE GLOBAL GECKO ASSOCIATION LISTSERV > > WebSite: www.gekkota.com Archive: [EMAIL PROTECTED]/ > > The GGA takes no responsibility for the contents of these postings. > > ########################################################################### > > -- > Doug Johnston
