[LINK] Ponderings on the effects of computer viruses

[Rachel Polanskis]

On Wed, 2 Oct 2002, Jan Whitaker wrote:

> At 01:42 AM 2/10/02 +1000, you wrote:
> >I'd be interested in reports from other Linkers on whether the "the biggest
> >risk isn't losing your data - its having everyone else view it" line has a
> >greater effect on User behaviour; if Linkers care to try it on Users they're
> >working with.

Most PC users I know couldn't care less abvout viruses or their data, until after
the problems start and then they start complaining, worrying, begging......

> I think it's also worth commenting on embarrassment factor.  I just had to
> mention to a friend that more than likely her PC is infected with
> Bugbear.  I received four courtesy messages from Yahoo and others that a
> message with my address attached had been sent and rejected.  I have NAV,
> so doubt very much if my system did it at all.  And the giveaway was that
> my friend:
>
> - uses Outlook - I don't and I screen out lots on my server before even
> bringing messages in
> - belongs to one of the Yahoo groups that sent the alert and I don't
> - and is probably not updating her virus software regularly or properly,
> mine is automatic

I think the solution is simple.   Get a UNIX shell account or have your own
Linux/Sun or whatever and keep your email on that.
I am currently using my mac to type this message,
but it's actually logged into my Sun workstation and I'm using PINE.  That way, no viruses
or other rubbish infect my more vulnerable systems.  I also have the luxury of
filtering and storing all my email in bulk on my Sun.    I know it is not for everyone,
but a shell account with a simple email client is all you need and it is not that
hard to learn!   The solution for attachments is simple - you unpack them in your
UNIX shell and decided whether they are worth exporting across to read by running
"strings" on them.

Jan, didn't you used to post from a shell account?


rachel

-- 
Rachel Polanskis                 Kingswood, Greater Western Sydney, Australia
grove@zeta.org.au                http://www.zeta.org.au/~grove/grove.html
      "People don't say sorry in this country" - Max Connors (Seachange)

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