for Mar. 3, 2004

Hi, All;

This week: A correction from a reader to ComputerFAQ #178 of February 25th.

You said in the article "I think that just looking at an email in a "Preview" screen should not be able to infect your PC." May I correct you on your thinking?
Any Java, and other scripts that are in the email (subject, body, etc) will be run when viewed by the Preview screen. Quite often these scripts are set to execute an attached file. The attached file could well be the virus installer. It is easy enough to also 'hide' the script such that it cannot be seen when reading the email. I would suggest a modification to your article that corrects your misimpression about the preview screen. A good practice is to disable the preview screen AND to only input emails as plain text, not as HTML

R. Williams

I thank you, Mr. Williams, for the correction. I was misinformed about the preview screen. I also like the idea of receiving emails in plain text; it would make a lot of sense to change to plain text on your email system. Again, my readers have helped us all in getting more proficient in using and understanding our PC's and their software. '

Til next week, (ComputerFAQ#179)

Robert

 

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Mar. 3, 2004 HTML Email Viruses: Disable Preview and Receive Only Text Email

Feb. 25, 2004 Spoofing and Zombies

Feb. 18, 2004 Using Spyware

Feb. 11, 2004 Spyware

Feb. 4, 2004 Phishing and the MyDoom virus

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Jan. 7, 2004 Microsoft quitting support for Windows 95 & 98 plus minimum computer requirements for Windows XP

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Dec. 10, 2003 Backing Up using an external USB Hard Drive

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Nov. 26, 2003 Disgusted about Spam

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Oct. 22, 2003 Fall Cleanup Part 3

Oct. 15, 2003 Fall Cleanup Part 2

Oct. 8, 2003 Fall Cleaning of Your PC

Oct. 1, 2003 Explanation of DSL

Sept. 24, 2003 Installing DSL at the Shopper

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Sept. 10, 2003 What New Computer Should I Buy?

Sept. 3, 2003 Protecting from Viruses and Worms

Aug. 27, 2003 Current Viruses "Bast Worm" and "Sobig"

Aug. 20, 2003 Does Microsoft Password Make Changing Passwords Easier?

Aug. 13, 2003 Passwords and Passport Part 2

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July 23 & 30, 2003 Where Are Microsoft Passport Passwords Stored? and More About Passport and Passwords

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July 2, 2003 Some More Icons Explained

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June 18, 2003 Followup on Refilled Ink Cartridges

 

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