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Archiver > GEN-MEDIEVAL > 1997-06 > 0865520856


From: "D. Spencer Hines" <>
Subject: Re: Cowardly Medieval Computer Virus
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 04:27:36 -1000


Bobby Miller wrote:
>
> Rob,
>
> Thanks for adding some important suggestions that I omitted.
>
> There will ALWAYS be virii that the best virus scanners can't detect
> yet, but most of them will detect THOUSANDS of other virii. To be in
> terror of using your computer because of the few undetected ones is
> silly. The backup precautions you mention will protect the vast
> majority of your data should you fall victim.
>
> Again, thanks for a helpful reply instead of a "sky is falling" rant.
> Back to genealogy...
>
> Bobby

None of these precautions will protect against the virus I encountered.
So, again, these homilies are off the mark and grossly misleading. I
have never suggested that one should be in "terror" of using one's
computer --- and to make such an emotional conceit is, again, to grossly
mislead the innocent.

What I have suggested is that we should be wise to forego transmitting,
receiving and opening attachments --- although they are pretty and
provide value-added --- until the waters clear. Surely that is a small
sacrifice to make for safety.

By all means, let's get back to genealogy --- safe genealogy --- without
careless and grossly erroneous information that may understandably
confuse honest folks.
--

D. Spencer Hines --- "I don't mind if you don't like my manners. I
don't like 'em myself. They're pretty bad --- I grieve over them long
winter evenings. And I don't mind your ritzing me or drinking your
lunch out of a bottle, but *don't* waste your time trying to
cross-examine me." Humphrey Bogart [Philip Marlowe] to Lauren Bacall
[Vivian Sternwood] in "The Big Sleep" [1946]

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