I think the original point here was to identify emails from like-minded
people (which would not be intentionally harmful), which makes it
easier to identify and delete those from unknown people (which could be
intentionally harmful). We know it doesn't prevent viruses, it just
helps.

Also, though I am no expert, I thought some viruses could infect
computers solely by viewing the email in the preview pane of email
programs. Another reason to delete messages from unknown senders before
you even see the content of the email. And yes, honest people can
unwittingly send viruses.

It's all part of the reason I switched to Mac, but Macs can still
spread virus files to PCs, so I'm game for anything that helps.

Bruce Whittington
Victoria, BC
mailto:fieldnat at pacificcoast.net