saddamhussien
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posted on July 30, 2002 01:18:06 AM new
I'm too cheap/lazy to install anti-virus software. I've received hundreds of emails from ebayers/etc. over the last 2 years and I don't seem to have picked up a virus. I open all of my emails but I never open attachments, not even from family or friends. Does that make me immune?
Can you pick up a virus from simply opening email?
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bidsbids
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posted on July 30, 2002 01:35:21 AM new
Same here. We had a computer in the early 1990's that we never defragged or did any maintenance for 5 years and it ran great.
Most viruses are sent by MS Outlook Express. If most users of that gawd awful thing would put a dummy address in the address book like "aa!" the viruses would never be able to be sent out as they would encounter the bad address and stop. ( at least that use to work ). 
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blueyes29
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:16:22 AM new
You've been lucky! I picked up a nasty virus (and I had McAfee installed) about a year ago. Promptly switched to Norton and run scans regularly. To me, it's worth the relatively minor cost when compared with losing all of my data. Just in the last two days, I've received 2 e-mail messages that were infected with viruses! I think people who send viruses out should be drawn and quartered and hung out to dry over a very slow flame!
[ edited by blueyes29 on Jul 30, 2002 08:18 AM ]
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rccomputers
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:32:35 AM new
I am in the computer consulting business and while back in the early 1990's it was harder to pick up a virus, now it is not a matter of if; it is a matter of when. Protection is an absolute must!
The answer to your question, yes you can get a virus from opening an email and not an attachment. In fact you can get a virus or Trojan just by being connected to the internet. Cable and DSL connections are especially vulnerable to scans being run by people looking to take over your computer without your knowledge. If you are a computer novice running a Windows based computer, Microsoft installs by default many open backdoors that the right hacker can access without your knowledge.
In the past week, I have seen two viruses; one wiped a customer’s hard drive. I managed to clean the 275 infected files on the other one without any permanent data loss.
The 50 bucks for Norton Antivirus is well worth it. The client’s bills for repairing the infected systems were $ 450.00 and $225.00 respectively. I tell clients up front now, pay a little now or a lot more later.
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mrfoxy76
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:42:48 AM new
I agree 110% the money you spend on anti-virus is well worth it....also remember to ensure it automatically updates itself aswel.
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stusi
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:43:13 AM new
Get a MAC. They are virtually virus proof!
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sanmar
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:44:03 AM new
Symantec just had a special. Get 4 software utilities including Antivirus 2002 for $29.95. Made me sore, as I had already upgraded to 2002 about 6 months ago. I agree with rccomputers, not if but when. The last count on my Norton A/V was over 60.000 viruses that it scans for. I have had 3 hits in the past 6 weeks. Thanks to A/V, I still am up & running.
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lindajean
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posted on July 30, 2002 11:33:58 AM new
I also do not run anti-virus software. I use my computer daily (practically 24-7) and have a cable modem.
I have purchased and installed McAfee, Norton and Panda. All of them interfered with EVERYTHING I tried to do online so I removed them before working anyway. Then I would get scared by all the virus talk and buy another one next year. Use it a week or two and remove it.
I back up regularly and if I lose my hard drive to a virus it will just have to be that way because constantly updating the virus programs and working around all the problems they cause is just not worth it to me.
BTW I have never had a virus and I use Outlook Express.
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on July 30, 2002 11:35:42 AM new
We don't use anti-virus software. We have Macs and run no Microsoft software. It's a beautiful thing.
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on July 30, 2002 11:40:29 AM new
Has anyone ever wondered how many virus writers are employed by software companies? The "fix", after all, is always to buy someone's product. Notice how the "fix" never lasts for very long.
Some months back, someone went through my neighborhood slashing tires. That day all the local tire shops were jammed with customers. Did we wonder? You bet.
The conventional wisdom for years, as quoted in mainstream publications such as Reader's Digest and Time/Newsweek, is that investing your retirement funds in the stock market is the best bet. If you look closer at where these magazines got that advice, invariably you find it came from a broker or financial planner. Well, DUH!
America needs to wake up. We're being taken on a rollercoaster ride.
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saddamhussien
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posted on July 30, 2002 12:16:41 PM new
If my computer did happen to pick up a nasty virus, couldn't I just run the Restore cd? (The Restore cd erases everything on the hard drive and then reinstalls Windows, giving you a clean slate).
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chris30
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posted on July 30, 2002 12:35:07 PM new
Ok I use both a Mac and a PC.
I am a bit confused. Even if your using a mac you can still get a virus. Especially a macro virus.
Also those using a PC. If you do not have a virus software how do you know you have never had a virus? With out such software many worms can spread emails with out your even knowing.
Also someone mentioned using a restore cd if they did get a virus. That may or may not work. Some viruses can actually mess with the CMOS/BIOS and totally screw things up, they can also become resident in memory.
The email address I have for eBay gets about ten virus attempts a day, lately it's been much higher.
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lindajean
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posted on July 30, 2002 01:47:47 PM new
I know I don't have a virus because once a month or so I do the online virus check--since I take the others off before doing anything anyway I figure that is sufficient, and it is always up to date. That and the fact my computer is operating just fine. I also have my alternate email address listed in my address book (the only address I keep in my address book by the way) so I will get an email to myself if I should pick up a virus.
I'm not sure I would be able to pass a virus on anyway because the one attempt I did receive was from someone I did not know. I just forwarded the email back to her and told her it must have been aimed at someone else since I didn't know the person it was discussing. Turns out the attachment, which I did not open, had the Klez or however you spell it virus, and my outlook express popped up a message that said "you have attempted to send an attachment with a virus and the attachment has been deleted from your email."
Maybe that is just something the cable does here? I don't know but if it worked that time it should stop any others? Right? At least from me sending, not my getting.
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rccomputers
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posted on July 30, 2002 02:02:49 PM new
Lindajean you are only asking for trouble. Just because you don’t think you have a virus, doesn’t mean that you don’t. Lots of virus programs like the new KLEZ virus don’t do anything that you would notice. They just blast emails to everyone in your address book. Also one of the reasons your system may be slow is because it is infected. I know that they may slow down your system somewhat but ask yourself this question. “Can I stand to loose everything on my hard drive and not have a working system for three days?” If that option is ok with you then go for it. Don’t run antivirus software.
I just returned from an appointment with a client that had antivirus software running but did not update it with the latest virus definitions and was infected with three different viruses.
As for Macintosh computers, it is not that they are impervious it viruses, there are many viruses that can infect them. The infection rate is very small because of the small number of people that use them. The last statistic I saw was that Mac’s only makeup about 3% of computer users. I am not picking on them they just have a low percentage of use. If Windows computers were only 3% and Mac’s 97% I am sure most viruses would attack Mac’s. Windows systems are the big easy target.
As for restore CD’s Chris30 has it right. They may or may not work. Put a floppy in that infected system to try and save a file you need and kiss that clean reloaded system good by the first time you put that floppy in.
As for infected emails, it has been quiet the last few days. My last infected email was on the 22nd.
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rccomputers
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posted on July 30, 2002 02:05:05 PM new
Lindajean, you may be lucky that your cable company has antivirus scanners on their network. These high volume scanners are relatively new to the industry and they should be installed everywhere.
What cable service do you use?
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REAMOND
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posted on July 30, 2002 02:12:10 PM new
rc is right. The only virus you'd know about are the ones that effect your performance, such as deleting your HD.
Many don't do anything "destructive" or that you'll notice. Some just allow others to snoop through your system and report passwords, banking info etc. back to someone.
If you install anti-virus software, you might be surprised. My system had two virus' on it that I was unaware of until I ran the scan.
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lindajean
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posted on July 30, 2002 02:24:20 PM new
I use the Las Vegas Cable Modem in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was very surprised (and embarassed as I certainly did not intend to return a virus to anyone) when the deleted virus message popped up.
As far as knowing if I have a virus. I just stated I have bought 3 anti-virus programs over the years (one just a few months ago), and they have never detected a virus on my computer. I do sell on Ebay so the emails I receive from customers could send one anytime, but to date, none have been found. I also run the online virus check monthly.
My computer is slow because I am using a 1998 Sony for the cable hookup and keeping my new Sony away from the internet as much as possible (just in case).
If my computer were to be down for some reason I have a backup one in the other room with almost exact info on it. I do that because we have loads of important papers from our business on them and I wouldn't want to risk losing all the information from a disk crash or a virus.
[ edited by lindajean on Jul 30, 2002 02:25 PM ]
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chris30
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posted on July 30, 2002 02:41:33 PM new
I guess I just don't understand why people would take a chance? I would feel horrible if one of my customers were to get a virus due to my neglect.
Since I posted my prior message I have received 3emails containing W32.Yaha.F@mm virus.
-From Norton's web site-
W32.Yaha.F@mm is a mass-mailing worm that sends itself to all email addresses that exist in the Microsoft Windows Address Book, the MSN Messenger List, the Yahoo Pager list, the ICQ list, and files that have extensions that contain the letters ht. The worm randomly chooses the subject and body of the email message. The attachment will have a .bat, .pif or .scr file extension. Depending upon the name of the Recycled folder, the worm either copies itself to that folder or to the %Windows% folder.
The name of the file that the worm creates consists of four randomly generated characters between c and y.
It also attempts to terminate antivirus and firewall processes.
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dacreson
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posted on July 30, 2002 06:12:50 PM new
Hello
This is an interesting thread and I appreciate all your input.
If you are not a seller or only sell once in a while then this response don't really apply to you but if you are a seller and wish some success then you must have some type of virus protection. If you as a buyer send me a virus then "Oh well" but as seller if you send one you obviously are not professional, are sloppy, cheap and it reflects on you to the point that I and most others will avoid you.
Virus aside I have fought "cranky" computers for years. I bought mcaffe (spelling?) and was not pleased with it. Last year I went DSL and bought Norton firewall and 2002. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with Norton. Norton found 234 problems with my computer soft ware. Many were meaningless but I don't crash any more ever etc etc. This may sound like a Norton commercial but they are rock solid and good. I prefer listing lots, e-mailing buyer, collecting money at Pay Pal or Bill Point etc NOT fighting a cranky computer or dealing with viruses. Again this is a nice thread I have enjoyed it
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sanmar
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posted on July 30, 2002 06:15:16 PM new
After reading this last entry, I am glad that I don't use any of these files. For several years I have had a Parson's Technology Address book., so have never used Microsoft Address book or Outlookj Express & have used Norton A/V for many years. I have 2002 on my PC & 2001 on my laptop, which I don't use on line very often , but I update it almost everytime I go on line. I really think that anyone who goes "naked" is really riunning a huge risk of getting infected.
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chris30
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posted on July 30, 2002 06:34:50 PM new
dacreson,
I had always used Macafee. Mostly due to it being bundled with my computer purchases. It always seemed to cause conflicts. I picked up Norton for my mac and was impressed. I went out and purchsed Internet Security 2002 for my pc. Not only the virus protection but the ad-blocking and privacy features work great!
It's well worth the price for ones own privacy and security!
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rccomputers
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posted on July 30, 2002 07:14:56 PM new
I didn’t want to recommend a product in the thread, but since everyone else is posting their opinion, here’s mine.
Norton Antivirus 2002 with Norton Internet Security.
I have run Norton products for years and have tried products from McAfee, Computer Associates, and others with poor results. Norton is the only one that has been a top performer for me consistently.
I run both on my system and I am also behind a Cable Router/Firewall. A Cable Router/Firewall is a device that allows you to use more then one computer on your cable modem while also protecting you from intruders scanning your computer. It does NOT protect you from viruses.
I agree with dacreson about lacking professionalism if you don’t have virus protection. I would add lack of common sense. In my humble opinion a person that does not use antivirus software to protect against the further proliferation of viruses on the internet is as bad as a spammer sending out thousands of emails a day promoting his bogus product.
Sorry if that last paragraph gets some people angry but the internet is a resource and it costs us money to use. The more we allow viruses and spammers to get away with their actions, the more our service providers have to deploy expensive solutions to stop the abuses. This costs them more money and eventually us more money.
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mrfoxy76
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posted on July 30, 2002 07:50:46 PM new
some people do not realize what a virus can do to your computer until it hits you hard then you will wake up...
for my 2 cents i agree norton is the best....
now they own mcafee also  no more price breaks
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bidsbids
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:10:01 PM new
Some people don't realise how much money and time they spend on anti-virus protection. It's up to the individual.
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stusi
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:23:49 PM new
rccomputers- You may know computers but you don't know statistics. The rate has nothing to do with the number of items. If one out of ten or nine out of ten people had a MAC and 1 out of ten Macs were infected, the rate is still 10%. They are in fact more impervious to viruses.
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chris30
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:35:11 PM new
I've used mac's since I was a kid. It's not that Mac's are impervious. The people who create the viruses, for what ever Jolly, target the Windows Market because they want to get the most exposure. I just looked at the Virus definations for Mac. There are many.
There are many flaws in both windows and the MacOS. There are even more with the OSX.
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bidsbids
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posted on July 30, 2002 08:59:40 PM new
There are virus protection programs for Mac's.
The worst decision in computing in my eyes to buy a Mac. Everything seems way more expensive than WinTel stuff and it's harder to find.
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JACKSWEBB
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posted on July 30, 2002 09:01:33 PM new
JUST SO I CAN SEE WHAT IS GOING ON.
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Roadsmith
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posted on July 30, 2002 09:58:36 PM new
Norton is the Anti-Virus King, in our book. Very reliable, and very protective.
I have to say that the three or four times "friends" have accidentally passed on viruses to me were very hard emotionally. I found myself resenting the friends' incompetency or carelessness in not protecting themselves.
Just thought of something: Isn't this discussion similar in many ways to those about condom/no condom protection? Those singles, for example,who don't use them will say they've never had a problem etc. while those who believe in their protection will say that you only need to suffer one time to realize that you should have had that protection!
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JACKSWEBB
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posted on July 30, 2002 10:02:23 PM new
ROADSMITH,,,,,,,,,,I AM SHOCKED!!!!!!!! AT THE ANOLOGY!!!!!! HAHAHHAHA. IT'S TRUE.....
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