Computer FAQ

for Aug. 27, 2003

Hi, All;

This week: The Viruses that are going around!

Well, it has been a very busy week for the hackers of the world with two viruses. The biggie, the "Bast Worm" is the worst one of the two, as it can cause some major interruptions in the work processes and can be destructive to the data on the machines that get it. The interesting thing about this one, I believe, is that it,s actually using a legitimate remote access into the Windows XP and NT platforms. RPC,s (Remote Procedure Calls) are used for things like the remote help function where a help desk can call into your machine and help you through a problem. But in the wrong hands, even the best intentions can be used for evil. The good thing about this "Worm" is that it will not work on the older Windows platforms like Windows 95/98/or ME.

The other Virus, "SOBIG," is a pain but not destructive. We have been hit with this several times this week and get returned messages from people or email address that we've never seen before, but no damage has occurred. I do not have an anti-virus program on my PC,s, preferring to run a free scan from the Internet. But if the viruses keep coming at this rate, we may have to purchase a copy. Most of the ISP,s have anti-virus software on their mail servers and usually do a very good job of keeping their files updated; the problem is that it takes time for a virus to be discovered and then time for the anti-virus companies to create a vaccine. That lead-time is when most damage is done.

Next Week: What can you do to protect your PC!

Til next week, (ComputerFAQ#153)

Robert

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Index to Past ComputerFAQ Columns:

(under construction)

July 05, 2000 Introduction to ComputerFAQ
July 12, 2000 Computer Definitions
July 26, 2000 More Computer Definitions
August 02, 2000 Defining Bits, Bytes and Hex
August 09, 2000 Internet Service Providers (ISP)
August 16, 2000 Backup up your PC
August 23, 2000 Backup Devices.
August 30, 2000 What is the slowest PC for Internet Access
September 06, 2000 PC Nomenclature
September 13, 2000What to do with Mail Attachements.
September 20, 2000What Happens at boot up
October 04, 2000Desktop Areas
October 18, 2000Start Button
October 25, 2000Display Made Bigger
November 01, 2000 More Monitor Controls
November 15, 2000 Right Click Display Menu
November 22, 2000 More on Desktop Menus
November 29, 2000 More on Desktop Menus
December 06, 2000 Desktop Properties Menu - part 1
December 13, 2000 Desktop Properties Menu - part 2
December 20, 2000 Desktop Properties Menu - part 3