[Milsurplus] RE: Virus Emails

[Mark Richards]

I advise caution regarding the following:

	>>PS.  As Meir pointed out, if you're not currently 'doing' anything
>>on your computer, but the drive-activity light is blinking-up a
>>storm, SHUTDOWN your system.

That's not always the best advice, although well intentioned. =20

Windows writes back cache to disk during idle periods and does other =
spooky
disk things on its own.  Pulling the plug on these operations in =
progress
could cause more mangling than any worm can.  Generally, the most
destructive operations are already carried out by the time you notice.  =
If
you're connected to the internet, by all means pull that plug (Ethernet
cable or phone line).  That's the least destructive approach if you're =
at
all uncertain.

For protection I recommend (for Windows systems):

1) Installing a comprehensive anti-virus product in place which includes
file and activity-triggered scans, anti-script protection, and automatic
updating so it's always current;

2) Installing a hardware router, such as the Linksys BEFSR41, to =
completely
isolate your ip address from your pc and thereby preventing attacks;

3) Installing a software firewall to prevent unknown applications from
un-commanded or unintended data transfer;

4) Installing a privacy protection tool, such as Ad-Watch, to detect and
prevent "spyware" tools and "Trojans";

and...

5) Gaining at least a rudimentary knowledge of appropriate file-handling
safeguards to prevent the unwanted and potentially-destructive =
triggering of
various nasty stuff.

I do all of the above and it's worked well.

OR...

Dump your windows system and install linux.  They give away most if not =
all
of your software and some of the bells and whistles you've come to
appreciate (or loathe), in exchange for a secure, stable, and able O/S.

Mark Richards
Boston