The Bubbleboy e-mail Worm
It first was suggested in 1995 that it may be possible to send an e-mail that could contain a self activating attachment. This was by using the HTML function of Outlook. It was not until Bubbleboy was invented in 1999 that this was proved but then only "in the lab".Bubbleboy type viruses will only work if you have Outlook or Outlook Express. Microsoft regularly produced patches to solve these little annoyances. You should check often to see if there is an update for your system. Just use "Windows Update" fom your START - Settings - Windows update... button.Another piece of advice. Since Ver. 6 of Microsoft Outlook Express one has been able to turn off HTML in e-mails.
Do It! ( Tools -Options - Read -Tick "Read all messages in plain text" ) It will now be impossible of a virus to automatically activate. And please can I ask you to only sent e-mails in "plain text" that way I know it can't be a virus. It also takes up a lot less room.
It is worth visiting the Myths site to see what they think of the hype surrounding Bubble boy, other viruses and virus hoaxes.
Back to Advice page
Macro Worm Viruses
If you are unable to turn on Words Macro Virus Warning in Tools-Options-General. You all ready have a Macro Virus. As Deleting that option is the first thing these little pests do. The quickest way to rid your self of it would be to buy an antiviral program. You can do it manually by getting advice from the relevant news group.Back to Advice page
Practice Safe Hex
Never, ever:
- Open files or attachments from someone you don't know.
- Open files or attachments forwarded to you even if they are from someone you know.
- Open unsolicited or unexpected e-mail attachments until you've confirmed the sender actually meant to send them.
- Open a document with macros enabled, period.
- Boot from a floppy unless you personally created it, write protected it and its been hidden in your sock drawer since then.
Always:
- Backup your computer regularly.
- Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date (both the definition files and scanning engine).
- Scan file attachments or downloaded files before you run or open them.
- In the event disaster does strike... Don't Panic. Very often users will do more damage with panicked recovery attempts than a virus or Trojan horse would have.
Back to Advice page