As a new member of any list, I am always hesitant in posting something of this nature without clearing it first with the List Moderator, to which Justin has graciously consented. Am sure that you all have probably heard by now about the latest threat to PCs -- the W32.Goner.A@ mm. ABC News states: Like other so-called computer worms, Goner spreads through Microsoft's popular Outlook e-mail program. The file arrives as an attachment to an e-mail with the subject line of "Hi." The e-mail message reads: "How are you? When I saw this screen saver, I immediately thought about you I am in a harry [sic], I promise you will love it." Exactly what does this worm do? All sources I've read state that this particular one is a bit more nastier than most and will attempt to delete files of common anti-virus and personal firewall products.When the attached document - Gone.scr - is executed, the worm modifies the registry, attempting to delete files of common anti-virus and personal firewall products. If the files are in use and cannot be deleted, the worm will create the file %SYSTEM%\Wininit.ini, which causes the files to be deleted when the computer restarts. It is not known if this affects Outlook EXPRESS or not, but to be on the safe side, I'd assume it does. For you folks who use Macs... there are new virus definitions available at Symantec's site which were released yesterday (the same day as this new worm). So, Mac machines that run a Windows-type environment can be just as vulnerable as PCs with this particular worm. FYI for Mac Users... there are 4 major worms/viruses that DO affect Macs: 1. Mac.Simpsons @mm 2. SevenDust 3. CODE 9811 4. MBDF So, what does all this mean? Keep your anti-virus programs updated at all times, and during times of heightened virus activity, check for updates several times during the day as virus writers are constantly "at it". Run a complete virus scan at least once or twice a week, and never open an attachment from someone you don't know. You might even want to suggest to those you correspond with to notify you ahead of time if they're going to be sending you any attachments so that you'll be ready for it. One last point and I'll close... Even if you know the person that's sending the attachments, it's always a good idea to scan attachments even if you have your anti-virus program set to filter your email. It's better to be safe than sorry (and a lot cheaper in the long run!). Hope this helps someone in keeping their files and documents a bit safer! Best regards, Jacquelyn E. Bean jebean@ccape.net Bean Technical Services www.beantech.net beantech@ccape.net ("When I'm Not Doing Genealogy")