This is still correct (in absolute terms), but, under certain circumstances may not be true for practical purposes. It has recently been found that an error in processing certain encodings of e-mail can allow malicious code to run on your PC. Read details at https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/980499 ; http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-2001-06.html and at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-020.asp. Note that MS Internet Explorer ver 5.01 SP2 is not affected by this problem. If your version is affected, Carefully read the method and requirements for applying the patch provided by Microsoft. Note to AOL users: The AOL browser is or was based on MS Internet Explorer, so you may be affected too. Check with AOL. This should NOT cause a panic, but if your version is affected you should pursue the resolution described at the sites listed in a timely fashion. Now that the problem has been published it will only be a matter of time before one or more nefarious persons make use of it. Thank you for your time. Eugene T. Sears, MCP X-Message: #2 Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 22:20:54 EDT From: KSSOONERS@aol.com Subject: Re:questionable e-mail In a message dated 4/6/01 9:02:43 PM, ROOTS-L-request@rootsweb.com writes: << When finding a questionable e-mail. Does the virus have to be within the attachment; or the email itself? Is it safe to just read the message without opening the attachment? >> A computer cannot be infected with a virus unless an attachment is downloaded to the hard drive and then opened. Reading the e-mail is harmless. sbd