Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!van-bc!rsoft!mindlink!a864
From: a864@mindlink.UUCP (Jono Moore)
Newsgroups: comp.binaries.ibm.pc.d
Subject: Re: viral risk of shareware/PD
Message-ID: <3644@mindlink.UUCP>
Date: 25 Oct 90 16:57:22 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada
Lines: 32

> own@castle.ed.ac.uk writes:
> 
> Msg-ID: <6868@castle.ed.ac.uk>
> Posted: 26 Oct 90 13:42:27 GMT
> 
> Org.  : Edinburgh School of Agriculture
> Person: O Morgan
> 
> Sorry if this question has already been treated ad nauseum...
> I'd like to know peoples opinions about how 'hygienic' it is  to
> download files from c.b.i.p. (and Ftp sites such as Simtel & chyde.fi).
> This is mainly due to colleagues feeeling uneasy at the ammount
> of external programs I am downloading for evaluation, and I would like
> to know if there is justification for quaranteening my machine.
> 
> My feeling is that since these programs are tested and moderated, then
> any virus/trojans will have manifested itself before being posted,
> (unless it's a delayed action one, using a mechanism that is not catered
> for by the antiviral programs?).
> Also, for shareware, since the developper has to identify himself in
> order to receive subscriptions, it would seem illogical to include
> programs with harmful side effects - then again you never know.

My view is that you are responsible for checking whatever comes onto your
computer... I check the software that comes on to my system, no matter what the
source was.

--
USENET: a864@mindlink.UUCP     |  "I've got compassion running
BITNET: usernk1z@sfu           |  out of my nose, pal. I'm the
INTERNET: Jono_Moore@cc.sfu.ca |  sultan of sentiment."
DATA: (604)983-3546 MSDOS only |  --Albert Rosenfield (Twin Peaks)