Is it really a virus?

[Valerie Passoa]

Hello Fellow Leps-L List Users,
    I'm hoping the following message I sent in response to a "real virus" scare will be of help to you.

    When receiving an e-mail warning of a new virus, do the following:  Check one of several sites on the web to see if it really is a hoax!  

    Here is the site I routinely use:  http://www.datafellows.com/news/hoax.htm

    Click on the letter "S" on that page, since the virus name in the letter begins with "S". Scroll down the list. There you will see listed the name of the supposed infected "File" and a description of the hoax.

    The louder the message shouts "Don't open it! It will ruin your computer"...etc., etc., the more you should suspect it is a hoax. We will all be well served if everyone takes the time to check before spreading the fear...

    I also use the two following excellent sites:

To check on a supposed virus with a name:
http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/hoax/

To follow-up on a damaging Internet legend:
http://www.urbanlegends.com/

Regards, Valerie Passoa



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