Andy wrote:

>This morning, I stopped by the store where I bought my pc, to ask their
>technical guys about the virus problem.  I needn't have worried.
>Fortunately, when I got my computer, I got a quality machine that doesn't
have
>this defect.  It turns out that only computers that have a serious fault
in the
>software are capable of being infected by one of these viruses, what the
>technical boys referred to as 'junker' pc's. Apparently, the market is awash
>with them, so be warned if you are thinking of buying.

It is indeed correct that software flaws do allow many viri to propagate
and cause damage.  Included amongst this poor software is:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft DOS
Microsoft Windows 95, 98, NT
Outlook
Eudora
Netscape
Internet Explorer
etc. ad nauseum

You see, a script file *IS* software.  If you open the file, then the
software executes.  A properly configured machine with an updated virus
checker will thwart many viri, but it will not thwart human error.

Repeating my original message.  Turn off your preview function if you have
it.  Do not open executable (script) attachments.  Check the property all
attachments to verify that they are not scripts or macros in disguise.
Additionally, in your word processor, disable the macro function, thus
preventing macro viri from causing problems.

Good luck and stay virus free.

James at Penn State
James Alpigini, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering
Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies
30 E. Swedesford Rd., Malvern, Pa 19355
e-mail: [log in to unmask]  Phone: 610-648-3357 Fax: 610-889-1334