Computer viruses now 20 years old

[Kellanved]

Now most viruses arrive via e-mail
This week computer viruses celebrate 20 years of causing trouble and strife to all types of computer users.
US student Fred Cohen was behind the first documented virus that was created as an experiment in computer security.

Now there are almost 60,000 viruses in existence and they have gone from being a nuisance to a permanent menace.

Virus writers have adapted to new technology as it has emerged and the most virulent programs use the net to find new victims and cause havoc.

...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3257165.stm


So let's say Happy Birthday to an integral part of Computer use as we know it :toast:

[everythingsxen]

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I :loveya: Computer Viruses!

:yourock:

I also love the way all I have to do is NOT open emails from people I don't know and to scan a file before I run it. :P

[alfredo]

5. going unix has cut my virus worries to a minimum.

http://www.apple.com/macosx/

If one hits this account, I delete it and make a new one.

[Deja Q]

6. It's better to eliminate the possibility than accept a small possibility

Virus writers, logically, try to hurt as many people as possible. So they'll stick with MS for now. Of course, MS makes it easy for them to do their dirty work...

I'm sure somebody out there will start attacking the minority platforms as thoroughly as possible, only to remind people that naivity is not a good thing. ALWAYS remain vigilant and even I am looking into antivirus software for my Unix variant (Linux). Seems better to keep the need of re-creating an account at 0% probability.

It's sad they exist. But I didn't create the conditions that wrack this world.

[RobertSeattle]

2. Thank god they can't drink yet!

[Kellanved]

3. But they can drive

Can be worse IMHO.

And of course: in Europe they'd be allowed to drink and drive.(or actually)

Not that they were law-abiding fellows in the last 20 years.

[alfredo]

4. worms have been around for a long time too. Remember-

arf
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arf

infinite loops were too easy in BasicV. two lines; a print command and a goto referring back to the print command were all you needed to send a newbie into a panic.

[Deja Q]

7. Those were the days!

:D