Call Sign March 2002 - Page 29

Views on life as seen through the
eyes of David Kupler at...
KUPKAKE'S KORNER

NICER UP NORTH...?
I knew he'd be a legal
with his woolly hat and scarf,
So I charged him for the cases...
as big as a small bath!

He asked what route we'd be taking
before I'd even turned the wheel,
Just as if he had a clue...
but that was no big deal.

Told me he lived in Derby
or some such Northern place,
Where the air is so much cleaner...
and life's a slower pace.

"Couldn't live in Loondun
yo could not see me lad,
"Wi' t'all traffic an congestion...
T'would rightly drive me mud."

We soon reached Kings Cross Station
and he grumbled at the fare,
"Back 'ome that'd be a fiver...
An' there'd be sum to spare."

I sighed and smiled through gritted teeth
I'd seen it all before,
As he struggled with his luggage...
and piled it on the floor.

One can't compare - it's hopeless,
There's still the big divide,
T'ween us and them there Northerners...
when they in Taxis ride.

Kopyright Kupkake 2002

Many Call Sign readers have written to me about viruses and if you've had an email address for a while, then you'll be receiving them in your inbox on a regular basis. But how do you identify viruses like 'I Love You', 'Nimda', and 'SirCam' and more importantly, how do you stop them wreaking havoc on your PC? I'll explain...

   As I've mentioned before in my articles, an anti-virus application is a necessity - but not one that's two years old; you need one that's regularly updated. But which one do you buy? I'll describe two of the most common anti-virus tools and let you decide...
   First is McAfee, available at www.mcafee.com . McAfee have been in the anti-virus arena for years and they are my own preferred choice. For $49.90 (Ł35), you can subscribe to their 'VirusScan Online' application, or you can opt for the cheaper one-year subscription at $29.95 (Ł20). Once you've registered and paid by credit card, you start the online installation process. This was flawless for me, but did require a reboot of my PC. If you've a 56Kbps dial-up, it may
take up to 30 minutes to download and install, but once installed, you'll be protected by the McAfee ActiveShield tool that runs automatically on start-up protecting your PC. This tool is an excellent application that scans your PC and email client for malicious viruses and then fixing or deleting them - depending on your requirements.
   But what about keeping up with the more recent virus epidemics? Included in the price, McAfee update what are called your 'dat' files. At regular intervals, the McAfee VirusScan application will attempt to connect to their web site and synchronise your PC's dat files with the most up to date dat files located on their server. So when they identify a new virus, they immediately update their dats, which you then download. Safe, secure and money well spent...

The second is Symantec's Nortons Anti-Virus application www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt This appears to be offering all that McAfee offer, but at a higher price. For 1 year, including automatic updating of your dats, they charge $49.95. McAfee's price swings it their way...
If you want more comparative details of anti virus software, visit www.pcpro.co.uk and look at 'anti virus.' PCPRO mag always provides excellent comparative articles regarding all things IT.

Since most viruses are propagated by email, it's advisable to follow these rules:
1. Buy Anti-virus software.
2. Never open email attachments from people you don't know (delete the email and also delete it from your 'Deleted Items' folder). If you do know the person but are suspicious, check before opening the attachment as they may have been infected with a virus that sends itself to everyone in their address book.
3. Protect your email address, don't give it to everyone.
4. When you register on any site, take the time to uncheck the box allowing them to email you; they could sell your email address on.
5. If you do have to register on any sites, get an anonymous email address at www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com and use that instead.
6. Never give your real email address out on message boards, use one like fred@removethis-taxicab.co.uk so that automated scripts will get the wrong address.
7. Install a Firewall as mentioned in previous Call Sign articles. My recommendation is the free tool by ZoneLabs.com .The download is available at the following address:
found HERE
So, if like me you've got a Firewall Anti-Virus Software and you the heed the rules listed above, you shouldn't get bitten by nasty viruses and even if you do, then you can quickly get rid of them.

Be Lucky and see you next month...
Vince Chin

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