Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!unix.cis.pitt.edu!dsinc!netnews.upenn.edu!vax1.cc.lehigh.edu!cert.sei.cmu.edu!krvw From: PHYS169@csc.canterbury.ac.nz (Mark Aitchison, U of Canty; Physics) Newsgroups: comp.virus Subject: Re: VIRRUSSUM format Message-ID: <0010.9105211425.AA07798@ubu.cert.sei.cmu.edu> Date: 21 May 91 05:23:00 GMT Sender: Virus Discussion List Lines: 21 Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu BOXALL@qut.edu.au writes: > It is far easier to view the document with a file viewer, say LIST. > This works quickly and effieciently as the user simply has to do a > search for a keyword and the information is presented immediately. > > Not everyone wants to use a database to access the information, as > this will take more time and increase the complexity of retrieving > information. There is a (growing) need to find virus information when a simple search is insufficient (no disrespect to Vernon's program) - there are simply too many viruses to make this convenient unless you are familiar enough with them to search the likely places first. So I suggest a smallish index file (in DIF format, which most people/programs can understand) *as well as* the big virus lists. The index should be public domain and list several important attributes of each virus, one per line. I could go into further detail if anyone needs it. Mark Aitchison.