***Moderator Notice: Virus Alerts and Hoaxes***

["Quindo Ma" <Quindo-Ma@xxxxxx>]

I want to remind everybody here, that even though virii are common, and
everyone finds them on their PC now and then, I still have to remind you
guys, that this list isn't for Virus Alerts, if there is a real threat or
not.
We've been having enough info about this hoax by now, can you all stop this
thread please?

As for those, who are susceptible to such hoax messages, always *ALWAYS*
double check the information you have before you do ANYthing. Check out the
internet for hoax sites (there are dozens; maybe even hundreds of them you
can easily find). Check out the date of the file creation if the message
tells you to delete it. In most cases, the File is actually older than those
14 or whatever days that the hoax message tells you the virus stays dormant.
Usually because these files are part of the Operating System Installation,
and those that fall for these messages tend not to do such things (install a
new OS) themselves.

Add to the fact, that if you really have an AV program on your pc, and you
UPDATE IT REGULARILY! (and I don't mean every few weeks, or month, check at
least twice a week for updates), then even the newest virii won't have much
chances of getting on your pc: And those that do (in the early days, before
your AV provider updates their virus definitions), usually are aggressive
anyway, and don't "lie dormant" for any time at all. Virii these days don't
rely on being hidden and acting weeks after infection to do their damage,
they try to do as much as possible, as soon as possible.

In the end it comes down to three things:
- Virii barely, if ever, wait long times before engaging
- UpToDate AV definitions will keep your system clean, even if some say
that's not the case (they usually haven't had their own definitions up to
date)
- Always double check your information before you do something!

And to come back to the beginning, please do *not* post to the lists
(usually all lists are the same, not just this one) about any virus alerts.
If you really feel the need to protect the ppl on the list, send a mail to
the list owners, they will, if deemed ok, inform everybody about the threat,
and if they actually care about their list, they will check the information
before it's posted.
I know I do.

Regards
Quin