Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!unix.cis.pitt.edu!dsinc!netnews.upenn.edu!vax1.cc.lehigh.edu!cert.sei.cmu.edu!krvw From: VANVLECK_TOM@prune.bitnet Newsgroups: comp.virus Subject: Virus naming Message-ID: <0009.9103191337.AA19481@ubu.cert.sei.cmu.edu> Date: 14 Mar 91 00:49:00 GMT Sender: Virus Discussion List Lines: 18 Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu I like the idea of a "virus hash ID" if one could be computed. For the popular name, suppose we named viruses like they name comets, with computer type, discoverer's name, year, and a letter? e.g. "PC Skulason 1990c" If you discover a new virus, you name it and report it to a central place. Earliest accepted report is the one that's recognized. Doing so would glorify the virus fighters instead of the jerks. The name wouldn't depend on sizes (vary, different viruses same size), or strings in the virus (sometimes offensive). Old viruses: leave the names alone; they're cute. Arguments about priority, renaming when more info comes in: bio science puts up with this. Who's the central authority? Some "virus researcher" who can tell when 2 viruses are the same, and has safe storage for samples. Volunteers? Tom Van Vleck