All,

This is rather dangerous advise. A non-Microsoft browser or mail client
provides zero protection against most viruses. The resent MSBlaster and
Nachi worms would be unaffected. The Sobig.F virus would still infect your
machine if you open the attachment, it just wouldn't spread to others.
Other recent viruses use html and Java to do their mischief -- all browsers
support this technology.

To protect yourself you must do 5 things:
1. Apply all critical updates to the OS.
2. Install a anti-virus softtware and set it to automatically download and
apply the weekly virus updates.
3. Install a personal firewall (ZoneAlarm is good and free), or a NAT
router.
4. Activate the SPAM filter from your ISP. If your ISP doesn't provide one,
switch ISP's
5. Don't open attachments unless you are expecting it.

Rick

Rick Taylor
Everett
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jane Hadley" <jhadle at drizzle.com>
To: <allyn. at tardigrade.net>
Cc: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2003 1:23 AM
Subject: Re: tweeters viruses


> Allyn Weaks wrote:
>
> [snip]
>
> >I'll third the suggestion for a mac, but I also realize that it's a
> >significant cost for the change of hardware and software. It's easiest
> >to do when you need a new computer anyway.
> >
> >To escape from windows cheaply, and in a way that you can get your feet
> >wet without making a full commitment, try out linux.
> >
> [snip]
>
> Another, perhaps easier, way to reduce your exposure to viruses without
> giving up on Windows is to use a non-Microsoft browser and e-mail
> client. I use the Mozilla browser, which includes an e-mail client. I
> really like both the browser and the e-mail client, and they allow me to
> escape many viruses, which are targeted at the Outlook e-mail client and
> the Internet Explorer browser.
>
> You can download Mozilla for free at www.mozilla.org The Mozilla
> browser, by the way, is the browser that Netscape is based on. You can
> also avoid many viruses by using the Netscape browser.
>
> --
> Jane Hadley
> Seattle, WA
> jhadle at drizzle.com
>
>
>
>