RE:

[trappe@PHYSICS.UTEXAS.EDU (Karl Trappe)]

Thanks Cindy for caring to warn us, and thanks Brad for reminding us how
easily we fall for it.  I was about to send a reply saying that I thought I
remembered this being a hoax from some time back, when I got Brad's
message.  I guess the kids are back in school with access to computers
again!

Brad: Are there any general guidlines as to when its worth worrying about,
and what kind of action on the recipients part can lead to a virus being
capable of working?  (In addition to your post about email not doing it)
Thanks, Karl

> On Sun, 24 Aug 1997, Cindy Schwarz wrote:
> > > Info for you:
> > > A few hours ago, Someone opened an E-mail that had the subject heading
> > > of ao4free.com
> > > Within seconds of opening it, a window appeared and began to display
> > > all files that were being deleted.  The user immediately shut down the
> > > computer, but it was too late.
> > > This virus wiped all out. It ate the  Anti-Virus Software that comes
> > > with the Windows '95 Program along with  F-Prot AVS. Neither was able to
> > > detect it.
>
> Will someone please KILL this "Urban Legend"!!  You cannot receive a self
> executable virus VIA reading E-mail!  Why does this crap always come up at
> the start of each semester?  LET IT DIE!  It's all a bunch of CRAP!
> ==============================================================================
> James Bradford Shue                             jshue@comp.uark.edu
> University of Arkansas                          Voice phone:(501) 575-6059
> Physics Lab/Demo Curator                        FAX Number: (501) 575-4580
> WWW Page                                        http://comp.uark.edu/~jshue
> ==============================================================================

Dr. Karl I. Trappe                              Desk Phone:  (512) 471-4152
Physics Dept, Mail Stop C-1600                  Demo Office: (512) 471-5411
The University of Texas at Austin               Home Phone:  (512) 264-1616
Austin, Texas 78712-1081