E-Musings Mon Immorata

Are You Being Bored? Last year's hits might strike you out again This week, prepared to be bored. If you have little to zero interest in reading about how to ensure your safety online, don't waste online time (and money) reading the rest of this column. It's not for you. But if you are aware of the danger of the Web, then please give me your undivided attention for the next 5-10 minutes (depending on your reading speed). The idea for this week's column came from a friend who'se contribution has been selected for chapter two of the great Indian online crime thriller.

Now as many of us know, there are thousands of viruses -- originals, wanna-be clones, and the odd mutated variety -- on the loose out there. If you don't believe me, check your anti-virus software's signature file. And like the common cold or viral fever, just because you have an antidote doesn't mean you may not get re-infected. There are several important dates just past., and around the corner. And I think you should take stock of the risk certain types of email and its attachments can pose to your data.

Most of the viruses set to strike this week are of the Word Macro variety. The simple way to disable them is to open Tools|Macros in Word and disable all macros; including the ones you've either downloaded. Either as part of a software utility set. Or ones you have (proudly) created. Better safe than sorry. The only real nasty is Flip. This affects Windows executable and .OVL (overlay) files. It could also overwrite your MBR and FAT! The only way to get Flip to run is to directly execute an infected file. The other possible nasty is but of course last year's Melissa and its Love clones. There are lots of new Internet users who are bothered about antivirus software or the need to prevent such email from spreading.

For the next couple of months (until the summer madness wears off), avoid sending attachments with your email. And don't click any attachment received. Instead, use the various free online storage and sending services like Mydocsonline or Whalemail. Registration is next to painless.

At special risk are all users who connect to the Web via "always-on" connections like DSL and cable modem. Remember, its is you responsibility to install a firewall; not your service provider's. There are several product available free for personal use. So download and install one today. I like Tiny Personal Firewall. But a caveat: it can be a pain to configure and the odd chat program doesn't always get with it.

That's all for this week. Incidentally, my editors and I are working at boosting this column, to make it more informative and user friendly. We'll keep you posted. Just keep visiting.