Virus warnings RootsWeb's mailing lists are filtered and attachments are not allowed. A virus that is distributed as an attachment will not reach you through a RootsWeb mailing list. A recent virus, and several imitations of it, may result in your receiving an e-mail (or a greeting card) with a virus attached, that appears to come from RootsWeb or from an address you are familiar with. Some virus will send a message to all the unread messages in the infected person's mailbox folders, with the virus attached. It may include the original message followed by instructions to look at the attachment. Another will use addresses found in the infected person's address book. They send messages using a forged address (for instance, using RootsWeb or the infected person in the return address). The subject line and message may indicate it is in response to a message you sent, making it even more credible. While it may appear to come from RootsWeb, that is only an illusion of the virus -- our address and the subject line is a forgery. What can you do? Protect yourself by never opening an attachment from someone you do not know, or that look suspicious. If an unexpected attachment comes from someone you do know, write to confirm they sent the attachment prior to opening it. If you have an e-mail from RootsWeb, and there is an attachment of any kind, don't open it. If you clicked on an attachment and received a message that the file was corrupted, it likely means your computer has been infected by the virus. Most importantly, use a virus protection program. Know what viruses are out there so you will recognize one when if you get it. There are sites that will help you, including those shown below. http://housecall.antivirus.com/pc_housecall/ http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/ http://www.stanford.edu/group/partners/hoaxes.shtml http://kumite.com/myths/ http://www.mcafee.com/centers/anti-virus/default2.asp http://www.europe.f-secure.com/v-descs/newapt.htm Remember, if you do not open the attachment, you substantially reduce the chances of becoming infected with a virus. Delete it. Then empty the trash bin to make sure it is gone. If you are using an e-mail program that stores attachments elsewhere on your computer, such as Eudora, find it there and delete it too. John H Green List Admin