malicious behavior. The problem is catching these guys. This year we added a Firewall that blocks the hackers and it also tells us the exact date, time and the internet address of the computer from which the hacking is occurring. Then with a site called SamSpade we can trace the URL and decode it and get the internet provider for the hacker. That has let us notify the internet services that they have a hacker and tells them which computer was used. Then it is up to them to go after the hackers. They suspend service. Just who is responsible for prosecuting is sort of up in the air. Websites that are attacked do pursue these guys. Harvard Neuro finally started prosecuting and internet service providers do cooperate. The really talented hackers can do a "bounce" though and fake the address of the computer and they can't be easily traced. Most turn out to be college kids just messing around. Our hackers this year have been from all over the nation and we had a couple of them from university computers in Europe. Basically it is our responsibility to protect ourselves. It may not be fair but that is just the way it is. With a good Firewall we can at least prevent damage to our own systems and potentially to those of all our address book contacts. We get an average of two hackers per week now. And a variation on the theme is probing ports to look for ones they can enter. Most are still trying to spread viruses and we keep getting SubSeven Trojan Horse attempts. If you are on the internet you should protect your system. patti shultz > Why can't someone design a virus that will do something good for a change. > And why is there no law against such malicious behavior? > > Terry >