From Buzz Butters...Subject...2001 tuition, contains the Sircam virus.DO NOT OPEN THIS MESSAGE. Thanks Norton

Recently I recieved an email that states "need your opinion" it then
had a picture of the different "actions" of a fishing rod. The file
had text about someone's wanting a bass rod made. It was written as if it was asking my opinion. The sentence structure was such that it seemed to be written by someone who does not use English very much.

This email contained a virus. My anti-virus program was unable to detect it. I am no longer sending out emails from my home until the problem is corrected. I have given the email and virus to the officer at work who handles Internet related investigations to see if he can trace the originator. From the vague way the message was written it appears that this message was the origin of the virus directed to rodbuilders. I will post more when I learn more.

Buzz Butters
can be reached at work at rbutters@cityofripon.com

it's not directed at rodbuilders exactly. it takes into account the sites you visit on the internet, then "tailors" them to those standards. you are correct about the grammar used, that's the easiest tip-off, next to the subject.

this is a fairly hearty virus, that will need to be edited out of your registry. here's a little tip:

in your email program's contacts list, create one with the title 000!. this will be the first one in your list, and will slow the virus down from replicating itsself to everyone in your address book/contacts.

Matt,

Wrong! - The 000! fix is a total hoax. Go to this website for information:


[www.vmyths.com]

@#$%&

It got me last week. man, it cost money to repair. Norton did not stop it.

i stand corrected! there goes my security blanket...LOL

No viral program will work unless its DAT files are updated regularly, and it is configured to work within the various parameters of its capability. If you don't use it to its fullest potential, don't expect it to work.
NEVER, NEVER open attachments unless you know exactly what they are. If in doubt contact the person who sent it, or delete it.

Norton 2002 updates itself every 4 hours. Well worth the $40.00.

I can't imagine using computer equipment that is susceptable to viruses. I thought we moved past that in the 1970's. Well, some of us did.

Oh well. Here's a tip for you who use equipment that is susceptable to such viruses - do not not send or accept attachments. They are not necessary. Use your "copy and paste" edit function to place the desired information directly in the message window of your email program and send as plain text. If someone sends you an attachment, do not open it - reply to them asking for them to copy the attachment into their message window. This greatly reduces the chances of sending or receiving these viruses.

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Tom,

What computer equipment are you using that is not susceptable to virii?

I won't speak for anyone else but I know that my Macintosh does not get viruses. I can open any attachment including those that put my workplace IBM in a tailspin and the Mac just laughs them off. It really is a more advanced piece of equipment. Do not know what Tom uses but my Apple has never caught a virus, never crashed, never had a problem. My unit at work is down for several hours every other week due to some problem. Maybe we should all go back to typewriters.

I believe the Sircam virus is what is going around. It is a worm and usually begins with the heading of 'Need Your Opinion' or something like that. If you have a IBM compatible and get that in your mail box, don't open the attachment. Just delete it. It is making the rounds quickly.

Like most people in the publishing, graphics, news and entertainment fields, I do not have time to waste on viruses, hard drive crashes, funny program problems, software incompatibility, etc., etc., etc. Thus, like them, I use a Power Macintosh. I can do twice the work in half the time, have access to better software and just don't have to put up with "computer" problems. I won't put up with computer problems - it isn't necessary and hasn't been for about 20 years now.

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If only Apple had been as good at marketing as they were at hardware/software design.

That is one of the most astute statements ever made regarding the computer industry. Apple has always had the very best technology and equipment, but never took the time to tell the public about it.

I suppose we need to get back to rod building topics now.

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