We've said it before...but because of recent epidemics we're going to say it again.

Watch out for VIRUSES and "pseudo viruses!"

Just today I received an email with an attached file that is a WORM--WORM is not a metaphor and a WORM isn't a true virus, but you don't want one on your computer!

This same file was received 5 times in the last week, by fellow webmaster and Henry Countian Beverly Howell (Howell Productions/blueschat.com)

"PLEASE tell folks on your mailing list about this problem that's currently making the rounds; that if they receive email with the attachment Happy99.exe NOT to download it...once it's on your system it will attach itself to their outgoing mail and spread like wildfire; it's shown up in two of the newsgroups I subscribe to in the last ten days or so. People don't realize how epidemic this is. And if their system is networked, they need to check ALL computers, not just their own." (A network shares information on all computers connected to the network, it shares viruses system wide too.)

Part of the noxious characteristic of this particular file (HAPPY99.exe) is that you may not notice or realize that you have received this and it is incubating and thriving on your computer. Superficially it will display a little fireworks graphic on your screen, but while it is doing this, it is already overwriting your WINSOCK file and spreading through your system. When an infected computer (OR NETWORK) sends email or sends messages to newsgroups they have no idea that either just before or right after their bona fide email, the HAPPY99 worm is sending the file to the last addressee.

Standard advice regarding attached files is to not download them unless it's from someone you know. This "rule" is worthless when it comes to HAPPY99, because it appears to be sent by someone you have already communicated with and might even be a friend.

A mother doesn't want to scare her children from learning how to cook, she wants them to be safe. She teaches them kitchen safety--"grease splatters; it hurts," "use pot holders, don't get burned."

We don't want to scare people right off the Internet, we just want ya'll to use this great tool safely.
Think of these recommendations as "oven mitts" for the Internet (so you don't get burnt!)

1.) Purchase, install and USE an anti-virus program! There are several anti-virus web sites listed below. (Don't forget to get updates--someone with talent, but little sense is creating a wasteful or damaging virus as I write.)

2.) Don't load anything from a diskette that you haven't scanned with an anti-virus. This includes purchased software!

3.) If you have a teenager at home using your computer, don't rely on them to remember the "house rules" about diskettes from friends. Use an Anti-virus program. A lot of teenagers think they are invincible. Please don't be offended teen friends--honestly, there are a lot of adults that think they are invincible too. A virus doesn't care how old you are, but if you're older you might just be a little more experienced. Libraries and colleges will not allow users to insert "brought from home" diskettes in the computer drives, there is a reason for this!

4.) Don't download files from sources that are unknown. (AND even from known sources use caution! See info about the HAPPY99.exe above!)

5.) Even if you receive one of the file types mentioned below from a known source, before downloading it, send reply mail to the sender and ask them if they meant to send you this file. (This may keep you from getting a WORM--see above re: Happy99)

6.) Be suspicious of "Executable" files. An executable file initiates action in your PC such as formatting the C: drive and other unpleasant things. Here is a list of file types that are "executable":
.EXE
.COM
.BAT
(Also be cautious with .ZIP, .SIT and .ARC files, it's possible they can be self-extracting and initiating.)

7.) If you receive or send Microsoft WORD .DOC files, also be warned. It is possible for hacks to embed viruses in the .doc files macros. (Most current anti-virus programs can find these--so again, use an anti-virus program. The ONLY virus I ever received on my computer was embedded in a .doc file from a friend. It was relatively non- destructive, but it shouldn't have been there! An anti-virus program detected it and removed it from my system.)

8.) If you discover you've contracted a virus don't be embarrassed into silence. There's nothing to be ashamed of UNLESS you continue to spread the virus and your don't warn your frequent file-sharing friends that they need to check their system. Anti-virus software can also remove infectious and infected files.

9.) Very sneaky viruses and virus contamination:

a.) Until about a year ago, you could feel relatively secure opening an email as long as you didn't download an attachment. Things have changed a little. It was discovered that two common email programs, Microsoft Outlook and Eudora, could have virus sent in their subject line! The tell-tale sign that you shouldn't open one of these emails is a subject line with in excess of 200 characters. If something looks "fishy" don't open it. Eudora (also see http://eudora.qualcomm.com/security.html) and Outlook both have patch files that should reduce some of the hazards.

b.) Don't' fall victim to "FREE SOFTWARE!"--For example: to this day you see email that comes to your box unsolicited and says GET AOL SOFTWARE FREE (or AOL4FREE.exe.) Sound like a good deal?--Nope! Many of these are viruses can erase your hard drive or are "Trojan Horses." A Trojan Horse, once installed will wait for the next time you sign-on, then it will send your screen name(s) and password(s) to whomever initiated or modified the file and THEY get the free AOL--yours! AOL (and all the reputable software companies that I know of) doesn't email software, you must download it from their site.

c.) I receive many emails warning me about "this" or "that" virus: "DON'T OPEN Free Holiday Vacation it's a virus." Some of these may be sincere warnings, some are hoaxes, some are "Internet urban legends," and some are annoying "spams." Best case scenario: they are just annoying advertisements; worst case scenario: they are viruses. Play it safe. Best advice? Delete them unopened.

d.) Another new tactic: Email with clickable links that don't readily display where you are actually linking to. Over the last 5 months I've seen this at least once a month. When you click the link it takes you directly to an FTP (file transfer) address that begins a download. Many virus files are rather small and this file will download in no time--especially bad if you don't have anti-virus software to stop you before it's too late.

Even clickable links that "say" they are http://www.microsoft.com can just be a camouflage. I can make any text I want be a hyperlink to wherever I want. Want to see?

AOLers, try this link to http://www.mycottage.com (Don't worry, I'm not a nasty person.)

Best advice to avoid this one? Wow, it would be overkill to tell you to NEVER use a clickable link--I use clickable links! Either don't click the link unless it's from someone you are confident is legitimate, or USE anti-virus software.

Am I sounding like a broken record? Well, I guess I can't stress enough the importance of virus protection. Let me give you a little more insight. While friends and colleagues have spent hours repairing their PC's and having to replace expensive equipment, on 6 computers over more than 11 years I have only had one virus. You can say I'm very lucky or you can say that I am very cautious. I think it's both.

Try these links for more information about HAPPY99.exe and WORM programs and also check out the anti-virus software, you can even try a SHAREWARE version of most of these programs:

NORTON/Symantec
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/happy99.worm.html

F-Secure
http://www.f-secure.com

McAfee
http://www.mcafee.com

AOLer's use keyword: VIRUS, VIRUS INFO, and NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
(but don't by-pass the web sites listed above.)

See HoaxBusters about Hoaxes, Trojan Horses, CHAIN MAIL, and many more subjects than I could ever keep up with!  This is a must for those of you that are serious about stopping rumors and hoaxes, bandwidth wasting chain email, and true viruses.

OR you can at least get a free scan at House Calls--this is not "real-time" virus protection, but it will detect whether or not you are infected and may offer to "clean" you computer. http://housecall.antivirus.com