TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
SNIP
"If you receive an email titled 'Win a Holiday', DO NOT open it. It
will erase _everything_ on your hard drive. This is a new, very
malicious virus and not many people know about it. This information
was announced yesterday morning from Microsoft"
Just passing this on so you can take the necessary actions.
Ralph E. Robinson
SNIP
I'm not trying to dive on you Ralph, but did anyone actually *see* *hear* or *read* this "announcement from Microsoft"?
Just for reference purposes, most announcements of this type are hoaxes which perpetuate the terror people have of computer viruses. By forwarding these warnings to "everyone on your mailing list" (which most of these announcements tell you to do) you're just "cluttering up" the email system.
The Microsoft Corporation has a complete list of emaill addresses for their clients which they could use to send out warnings of this type which would be "official-looking" because of the return address. This would be a more effective way of spreading the news than having people forward this stuff to others, don't you think?
(And since this is a bit off-topic for the list, let's put it on-topic, because, oddly enough, this ties in with a project I'm working on...)
Anyone have some ideas about viruses? I'm putting together a seminar on computer viruses aimed at end-users, and I'd like your input. (I know alot about them, but I'm always collecting facts, if you've seen or heard of anything interesting pertaining to viruses, I'd sure love to hear it.)
Send replies off-list, and I'll summarize and send a copy to whoever wants it.
TIA
Lisa Comeau
IS Super-User/Trainer
Certification and Testing Division
Canadian Standards Association
Rexdale, ON
comeaul -at- csa -dot- ca
