Actually, most viruses are written to attack Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which is the gateway from the internet to your computer. Word itself is not a target, so giving it up does not protect you in any way whatsoever. Perhaps changing a browser may offer you some protection, but Netscape and Firefox are also targets for virus writers. Instead, use your operating system's firewall and keep your virus protection up to date. That should keep you safe. Not using good word processing software gains you nothing. -- Christine Wands cmwands@alum.syracuse.edu