I'm a long-time lurker on this and other rootsweb lists. I'm also a computer network administrator. So, I feel somewhat qualified to speak about this topic. These files are indeed so-called backdoor files that are downloaded to a user's computer by a Trojan (similar to a virus, but different). It is unclear whether they cause any destruction or whether they just monitor user habits (what websites you visit, etc.). HOWEVER -- These trojans are well-known and will be detected and stopped by any currently available virus protection software. Therefore, this should not be an issue for anyone who follows one of the cardinal rules of owning a computer. Get a good virus protection program, scan your computer regularly AND KEEP YOUR VIRUS SOFTWARE UP TO DATE. Keeping it up to date is the part most computer owners overlook. All virus detection software companies release new updates continuously. You MUST download and install virus updates regularly to catch any new virus that has been released. It is also advisable to run a thorough virus scan on your computer on a regular basis. *******Back to lurking mode********* Lana Stuart Webmaster/App. Support Spec. Public Information/Management Info Services Dougherty County School System Albany, Georgia 229.431.1245 www.dougherty.k12.ga.us "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." --Arthur C. Clarke, Technology and the Future. -----Original Message----- From: Loneskye/Cecilia [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [GA-Roots] Off Topic for some. Do you have a secret back door? Is this to be trusted? It seems like a lot of hooey to me. Surely my firewall system blocks this kind of intrusion. Can anyone enlighten me, please? -------Original Message------- From: [email protected] Date: Thursday, May 30, 2002 4:47:10 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [GA-Roots] Off Topic for some. Do you have a secret back door? To check to see if you have a Secret Back door on your computer go to find files and search your hard drive for the following files. AUUPG.EXE BVT.EXE ABSR.EXE AUSVC.EXE MNSVC.EXE IF YOU FIND THESE FILES ON YOUR COMPUTER YOU HAVE A SECRET BACK DOOR THAT is being used to keep track oof what you do on the internet. Go to this web site for more information. http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2002/05/07/malware/?x --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.368 / Virus Database: 204 - Release Date: 5/29/02 ==== GA-ROOTS Mailing List ==== Faye Dyess [email protected] Listmanager Thou shalt not use e-mail for any illegal or unethical purpose. GA Volunteer lookups:http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ga/state/volunteer.html . ==== GA-ROOTS Mailing List ==== Faye Dyess [email protected] Listmanager When in doubt, save thy message overnight and reread it in the light of dawn. GA Volunteer lookups:http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ga/state/volunteer.html