North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Tom Olenio <tolenio@sentex.net>]

Lutesville wrote:

> 1. If I didn't open the attachments, did I get infected? The literature
> isn't clear on this, but seems to say no. Can anyone tell for sure?

Hi,

It depends if you are using a Microsoft product for your email, and the 
version of the software
you are running.  The Klez virus exploits security holes in some MS products, 
which auto-run the
attached viruses.  So if you had the wrong MS version of the right software, 
you would not have
to manually run the attached virus (MS would do it automaticlly in the 
background). [fun eh?]

I use Netscape and there are others that are not affected by most viruses.  
Hackers write viruses
to attack MS email products as most everyone uses them.  That way they get 
the biggest bang for
the buck.  Use a lesser known product (there are many Eudora, Opera, 
Netscape,etc) and you have a
much smaller (if any) bullseye on your computer.

Antivirus software is a GREAT idea, but some viruses attempt to shut them 
down, and make them
useless.

Personally, I have all my email screened by my ISP for viruses.  A free 
service, totally
automated and GREAT inusurance.

Lastly, you have to be alert, look for "off" emails, and never run an 
attachment.

Later,
Tom