Netiquette
http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/courtesy1.html
#12
Do not forward virus warnings!
Forwarding of virus warnings from friends are generally always hoaxes;
See; Symantec's Virus Hoax Page;
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/refa.html#hoax
and; Hoaxbusters
http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/HBHoaxInfo.html#identify
- especially if they tell you to forward to everyone you know.
Delete those emails and do not forward them!
Definitely ignore those forwarded emails instructing you to delete files on
your computer -they could be critical files that your computer needs to
operate.
Only warn friends if you KNOW you have a virus that you have inadvertently
passed on to them.
Rely only on your virus software and your software provider's Web site for
the real scoop. If you get one of these wacky emails from a friend or
associate, go to your virus software provider's site and read what they
have to say before you unnecessarily alarm folks, delete files off your
hard drive and in the process end up looking rather silly to say the least.
There are many urban legends purely in existence to watch all the
Newbies screw up their computer's config files or forward to everyone
they know and end up looking rather foolish in the process.
There's a Newbie born every minute! ;-)
With the advancement of technology, it is now possible to get a virus
without even opening an email. That ended with W32.Nimda.A@mm in
September/2001 that merely required you click on the subject of the
email in your email program or for those that use Outlook Express have
your program set to preview.
HINT: Turn PreviewingOff!
Nimda also propagated itself by taking advantage of bugs in Microsoft
servers to plant itself on the server and then transfer itself to those who
visited the Web sites on that server through Internet Explorer
(IE is buggy too).
Several of the latest viruses actually use email addressed farmed out of
your address book or In Box to send the virus and propagate itself to all
those listed with your name in the FROM: field.
Later virusescan send out the virus with your friend's names in the from
field!
Yikes!
The need for a 24/7 real-time virus protection software is no longer a
choice - it is your responsibility to remain virus free.
You will also need to update your virus files regularly so that your
computer is protected from the latest releases.
The Hackfix AV Program Updates are posted to my web page every Friday
http://www3.telus.net/mikebike/
Basics for virus protection:
Get an active program that is always "ON". This will catch any viruses as
they are being downloaded so they can be quarantined and cannot infect
your system.
Update your virus patterns daily or every time you log on. These updates
can be downloaded from the Web site of your virus software manufacturer.
Norton and most other AV programs have a scheduler to tell your computer
to do this automatically - how convenient!
You need to ensure your system is protected from the latest viruses which
may have just been discovered since last you were online.
New viruses are identified daily!
Never click on any attachment or an .exe
(example: Happy99.exe, free stuff, click here or ILOVEYOU) file attached
within an email without making sure the attachment has been checked for
viruses.
Even if the mail appears to come from someone you know very well!
They may unknowingly be infected and are not aware of the virus on their
system which has just spawned an email that has their name on it and is
addressed to you. The email may look like it is from your friend just to get
you to open it when in fact it is an email generated by a virus.
As a courtesy to your fellow Netizens, try to learn what this is all about -
ignorance is not bliss online.
Mike ~ It is a good day if I learned something new.
See my Anti-Virus pages
http://www3.telus.net/mikebike/mikes_virus_page.htm
________________________
Replying to Email
http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/courtesy6.html
When replying to emails, always respond promptly and edit out unnecessary
information from a post you are responding to.
Responding promptly is the courteous thing to do. Don't let folks wonder if
you received the email or are ever going to respond to their communications.
Think about how quickly you would return a phone call or voice mail. Email
is no different especially considering most folks have expectations of a
faster response as email is received so quickly. Outside of any emergencies
such as surgery or lack of connectivity, always respond as soon as you can.
If you need more time to gather your thoughts, simply pop off an email
stating you are planning on responding in more detail and when.
Don't just hit the reply button and start typing. Edit out unimportant parts
of the email you are responding to and respond point by point.
Yes, there may be times where keeping in the entire previous email is
important, especially if you are adding folks to the conversation
via CC. But that is the rare occasion - again, use your common sense.
Editing your email is accomplished by deleting information from the
previous mail that is not necessary to continuing the conversation.
At the very least edit out email headers and signature files.
Lazy is hitting reply and sending a one word answer.... please.
Is your time more important than those you are corresponding with?
Aren't your associates or friends worth taking the time to make
communicating with you easy?
Especially when email conversations on the same topic are ongoing.
Why would you possibly want to have copies of the last 3-4 (or more)
emails added to the growing list of back and forth?
You make the person you are communicating with look for your response
amongst all the text. Be sure to hit the enter key twice before typing after
a previous email's comments. Doing so will ensure that your comments
are directly after the previous email's content you are replying to. The
recipient will then know exactly what part of their email your comments
were directed at and this will help with clarity in your reply and avoid
misunderstandings.
By not editing your email, your lack of understanding in regard to smooth
communications, bandwidth and trying to keep the online environment not
overloaded with unnecessary noise will be apparent. Always edit/delete what
is not necessary for the conversation to continue.
This is a skill well worth developing that over time can add tremendous
clarity to your communications.
As a courtesy to your fellow Netizens, please down edit your posts
keeping only what will contribute to the ongoing conversation.
Mike ~ one of the Moderators
It is a good day if I learned something new.
Editor MikesWhatsNews http://www3.telus.net/mikebike/