Re: VIRUS ALERT! -- MIDRANGE-L

Steve

Short Answer = it depends on YOUR PC, what anti-virus software you have, what 
other security software you have, what browser you are using, what e-mail 
server you are using, if you installed it correctly, how often you update 
your security software, if you have the latest patches, if the latest patches 
are any good, if the vendors are any good ... do not get me started on a 
Microsoft rant.

Longer answer - We have had this kind of discussion before, with respect to 
why HTML in e-mail can be a bad thing & we will probably have it again in the 
future.

I suggest you visit both
http://grc.com/default.htm Shields Up then all Tests then all FAQ 
and
http://security2.norton.com/sa/1033/sym/sym_intro.asp?j=1&bhcd2=957949319
Norton Internet Security Testing

Shields Up has clearer FAQ
Norton has a more intensive inspection of your PC

Basically you give permission for your PC to be audited on-line.
These sites simulate what a bad guy could do to you, without actually doing 
anything bad, then gives you a report on what you need to do to repair the 
security on your PC.

I recently installed Norton Personal Firewall then went here tos see if I had 
installed it properly & I ran all the tests.  Surprise surprise, I was told 
that even though I have Norton Anti Virus & the protection is up to date 
against all the latest viruses, the actual software is several years old & I 
ought to upgrade to a more current version of the NAV itself.

I suggest you visit my package of links to computer security education at
http://www.TechRepublic.com/forumdiscuss/thread_detail.jhtml?thread_id=20600
then update it with anything that I overlooked or not kept current

Also, whatever security system you have on your PC, contact their tech 
support forum & ask this same question, being sure to mention all the details 
about what kind of PC OS you have, browser, e-mail system, etc.  And while 
you are there, sign up for their e-newsletter on the latest risks, hoaxes, 
etc.

> From: srichter@AutoCoder.com (Steve Richter)
>  
>  Are you exposed to a virus just by opening an email msg or do you have to
>  open the attachment for the virus to be able to execute?
>  
>  similar question on links to web sites.  If the email msg contains a web
>  site link, does clicking on the link and browsing to the web site enable a
>  virus to execute?
>  
>  -Steve Richter


MacWheel99@aol.com (Alister Wm Macintyre) (Al Mac)
AS/400 Data Manager & Programmer for BPCS 405 CD Rel-02 mixed mode (twinax 
interactive & batch) @ http://www.cen-elec.com Central Industries of 
Indiana--->Quality manufacturer of wire harnesses and electrical 
sub-assemblies - fax # 812-424-6838

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