September 20th 2003 There's a new virus in town and it's another blaster-like virus in that it doesn't always come through email, but comes through Kazaa and IRC - through your Internet connection, whether you're using the Internet or not. All you have to be is dialed in or have your Cable and DSL on and your computer on. You don't have to get an email attachment to get this virus. More info is here: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.swen.a@mm.html On the other hand, you may get an email from a company posing as Microsoft (but they aren't) which asks you to install a patch, which comes as an attachment. Don't! I've been seeing these types of email for about 2 weeks, but this new one really looks like it's coming from Microsoft. Microsoft will never email you a patch unsolicited. If you registered for tech updates, they would send you updates as websites, but never attachments. Do not open this attachment, just delete it. You can see what email will look like here: http://arstechnica.com/wankerdesk/03q2/worm.html Tips for keeping your computer virus and worm free: 1. Verify that you have a current version of anti-virus software and it's up-to-date. It should update on its own. 2. When you get an email like this from me, update your anti-virus definitions. 3. Install a firewall and configure it, whether you have DSL, Cable or Internet using your phone. 4. Run "Windows update" on a regular basis (best to run weekly). 5. If you get a virus warning from a friend - do 1 of 2 things: a. Check the source. If there is none, don't forward email, don't do what email says, and delete email and attachment. b. If there is a source, it should only be a trusted news source or a tech site. If you're unsure, go to www.google.com and do a search on it, before acting on email or forwarding it. As you guys have heard me many times, I receive about 1-2 virus hoaxes a week - and 1-2 real virus warnings a year (this email was prompted by one). 5.  If you or your kids are running Kazaa or one of the other file/music sharing programs, I highly recommend you uninstall the program. Purchasing CDs at the store is $15/each or songs can be purchased for $1/each online. Reinstalling your computer or buying a new one is $500-$1,000. We're always here to help via phone (408.732.8500), email ( clyde@itmcomputing.com), remotely, or for an onsite visit. ************************ Hope you enjoyed the ride.... Clyde Lerner, In The Moment Computing Phone: 408.732.8500 E-mail comments/feedback to: http://www.itmcomputing.com/contact_computer.php This newsletter is a service of In The Moment Computing and is Copyright 2005 Clyde Lerner. All worldwide rights reserved. If forwarding, please forward all of e-mail, not any portion therein. To see past issues of This and That Computer Tips newsletter, please visit the web at: http://www.itmcomputing.com/newsletter.php and click on "Archives." Please note: Unless requested, questions pertaining to this newsletter will be answered in a 3-4 week time frame. If you need a faster response, there will be a small consultation fee of $15 per e-mail response. You will receive a reply within 48 hours. "Complete Computer Help (Networks, New Computer Installs, Software Training) for Individuals and Small Businesses" "Designing your Perfect Website, at an Affordable Cost, in a Timely Manner" Eliminate and Destroy unwanted email: http://spamarrest.com/affl?1337207 Send a greeting card through the Internet so recipient gets card in their postal mailbox: www.sendoutcards.com/7197 - let me walk you through how to send a card - it's easy. ©2003 In The Moment (ITM) Computing. All rights reserved.