One correspondent recently requested info on free virus detectors. These are still about, but I think the usefulness of them is questionable because of the difficulty in keeping up with new virus definitions.
I use Norton's Antivirus (6.0.2) which is not expensive and can still be regularly updated online with new definitions at no extra cost. The process is automatic. Simply toggle an onscreen button and the software does the connection and downloads and self-installs the latest patch in a few minutes. Norton issue new patches at least every few weeks. Their server can also detect if you have the latest patch, so this saves needless downloading. Microsoft Internet Explorer users might also think about installing the latest version of their browser, because it has patches intended to overcome some previously exploitable weaknesses by the bad guys. The current release of MSIE is 5.1.4 (4231). Outlook Express is 5.0.2 (2022). For new Mac owners, you can easily check your existing version number while it is running by taking a peep at "About .........." at the top of your Apple Menu. While you are at it, consider having too the latest free version of Acrobat Reader (5.0.5) which is compatible and cooperative with MSE. I reckon this latest version AR is fantastic. It brings out certain qualities in past PDF documents I have created which I never dreamed possible. My service provider Starwon http://www.starwon.com.au/ has recently introduced a spam filter service. Any spam I get is forwarded to a special Starwon email address and anything from that spammer to me is then automatically blocked. I can easily access and make changes to this list if I wish. Starwon are apparently also involved in some sort of program with other service providers to collate data on spammers with a view to their true identification and hopefully eventual eradication. My provider has said it is not helpful to try to return spam to senders. Regards, Paul.
