As (hopefully) you all know by now, you cannot get a virus upon opening mail from the Clinton County mailing list (this is because RootsWeb, our "server" will not allow attachments). However, a number of you are used to seeing my "name" ([email protected]) or Dorothy's ([email protected]) or a few others on e-mail we send to you directly in response to requests for information. Mail sent directly from one person to another CAN contain viruses in an attachment. My purpose in clarifying this is that I want to reassure all our Listers, while advising them of the possibilities. Today I received from "Dorothy" an e-mail with an attached zip file which is infected. Of course, the mailing isn't really from Dorothy .... it's just that both her name and mine are contained in the address book on a computer that's been infected. The way this particular "worm" works, is that it "raids" the address book, picks a name to put as "sender" and then sends itself to everyone in the adressbook. It was pretty easy to tell right away this was a bogus e-mail because Dorothy and I have known each other long enough to know each other's writing "styles", but it might not be that easy for others. (The fact that it used her old e-mail address was another dead giveaway). So, as a precaution, if you receive anything from "us" be certain it really IS from us before you download an attachment (simply opening an e-mail will not give you a virus unless you use Outlook Express and have not installed the security patches). In the rare case that we send attachments, it will likely be in response to information you requested and the text message will be specific as to what the download is ("worm" messages are generic). If you  have any concerns whatsoever, simply contact the sender directly to ask if we really did send the e-mail (we won't be offended). For any questions regarding this, please contact myself or Dorothy OFFLIST. Laura Asst Admin