I will be sending an update for the Daniel DNA Project, soon. Results are coming back VERY slowly from the lab. There is other interesting news to report, but I wanted to include some results, too. Most viruses are targeted at Windows OSes. Permissions on Linux file systems do not allow viruses to install the programs on these systems, that you see on Windows systems, where basically everyone in your address book is sent contaminated email with you as the source. These viruses use weaknesses inherent in the WIndows OSes and Outlook which do not exist in Linux/UNIX. "There are about 60,000 viruses known for Windows, 40 or so for the Macintosh, about 5 for commercial Unix versions, and perhaps 40 for Linux. Most of the Windows viruses are not important, but many hundreds have caused widespread damage. Two or three of the Macintosh viruses were widespread enough to be of importance. None of the Unix or Linux viruses became widespread - most were confined to the laboratory." There is a really good article on Windows versus Linux virus vulnerabilities at: http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/56/33226.html I also hardened my system with Bastille and use a firewall router. It is very unlikely that a Linux system would be spreading viruses to Windows machines unless the mail user was logged in as the root user OR was manually forwarding a message with an infected attachment. I set up a few simple filters and I get almost no spam email, maybe 10-12 per week, and have never detected an attempt by a virus to compromise my system, though I have automated scans running. I highly recommend Linux desktops for those who are tired of problems with viruses and spam. Lindows is a good choice for Windows users who are not technical. Walmart is selling some good systems preloaded with Linux for the average user, for under $300. Kevin John R. Clarke wrote: > Payne, > Just becuase you only use a certain address for the DANIEL list > does not mean that your address has not been intercepted and used by > others. Anytime some replies to your email, your address goes in > their address book. Anytime they get infected, out goes an email to > you. That, is how these suckers work. > I never have sent but a handful of messages via of my > outdoorwriter@hotmail.com address but every spammer in the world knows > it, so if you are on the internet with an email address, these > spammers and infected creeps can find you. > Just think the world that Norton protects you from becoming > infected, assuming you keep your virus definitions updated. LINUX may > not become infected since it is basically a UNIX system but that does > not mean it cannot pass on infected messages to others and without > good anti-virus protection to scan each message in an out, you can > pass one on without even knowing it. > > John R. Clarke > Thomasville, GA > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Daniel" <kevin@kevindaniel.com> > To: <DANIEL-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 11:29 AM > Subject: Re: [DANIEL-L] Be Alert > > >> I run Linux!!!! >> >> Payne Daniel wrote: >> >>> Someone out there is transmitting the W32.Netsky.P@mm virus. It is >>> not on >>> my system but I keep getting messages that it has been intercepted. >>> I only >>> use this email address for Daniel-List and the Crowell-List, so who >>> dunit? >>> >>> Payne >>> >>> >>> >>> ==== DANIEL Mailing List ==== >>> DO NOT FORGET: This is a Genealogical Mailing List and the posting >>> of messages that do not relate to the DANIEL Family, its collateral >>> families or those of a historical nature relating to genealogical >>> research -- are not allowed on this list. >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> ==== DANIEL Mailing List ==== >> If you are have any problems receiving the DANIEL List, would like to >> change your subscription method or email address or you have a >> suggestion you think would improve the operation of the DANIEL list >> -- feel free to contact me at any time - My email address is >> JClarke@rose.net >> >> > > > >