 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Cybec Vet 9.2 Bob Burt bobburt@melbpc.org.au |
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In the competitive world of specialised software, there is usually a rather select group of programs which gain popularity. This is particularly true of virus-detection/eradication programs, for several very good reasons. First, reliable detection and elimination of a virus is a serious matter, particularly for business enterprises. A program that fails to detect the vast majority of such invasions will certainly not become popular. Second, with the continuing appearance of new viruses and new methods of attack, any company wishing to establish a place in this market must be prepared to continually update its product to meet the new challenges. Third, the company must be prepared to provide an advisory service which can deal promptly with its clients' problems. On all three counts, the product Vet, by Cybec, is a healthy contestant.
Vet is supplied in various versions to operate under DOS, Windows 3.1x and Windows 95. It is also available as Vet_Net (Ver 9.10) and Vet for Windows NT Server. The comments I make will refer specifically to the Win 95 version, simply because that is the system that I normally use. The Windows 95 version is on its own disk, but if you are running Windows 3.1x you will find that one disk provides both the DOS and the Windows 3.1x versions.
Installation
Vet is installed in its own subdirectory and consists of around 30 files, using a modest 1 MB or so of hard disk space. You are given the opportunity, during installation, to prepare a boot-up disk and you would, of course, be wise to follow this suggestion. That disk holds copies of the essential Vet programs.
Virus protection
Vet has the capacity to detect virtually all PC viruses and will automatically remove almost all boot sector viruses. It will recover files infected with all the common viruses.
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VET-RES is the resident portion of the program, which works unobtrusively in
the background. You have control of the options which it can provide, by calling up VET and working through
the Options on offer via its menu.
These are essentially
- Scan Type - A Fast Scan, the default setting, which examines the entry point and selected areas of the files and Full Scan, which examines every byte of the file and is, of course, markedly slower
- Replacing Boot Sector - select one of three sets of conditions - when a Known Virus is detected (the default), when a Known Virus or Invalid Sector is found or when a Known or Unknown or Invalid Sector is found
- Monitoring Files - control which file events VET_RES will monitor (any or all) - Executing, Opening, Closing, Moving or Renaming files may be selected. By default, Vet scans MS Word document (DOC) and template (DOT) files for Winword Macro viruses. There is also a free-standing program, VETMACRO.EXE, on the disk, but this is not copied to the Vet directory.
Help and advice
The Windows-type Help file is particularly detailed. Called the Virus Encyclopedia, it provides general information on types of viruses and the principles upon which they work, useful both for the uninitiated and others who wish to bring themselves up to date. Even more comforting is the inclusion of every known virus that Vet can deal with, with detailed description of its behaviour and effects. In essence, this online help replaces the hard-copy manual, a change that was made in response to feedback from users. The manual is still available, for the 20% who didn't want to change, otherwise a much slimmer Vet Manual Update is provided to new customers.
Cybec also produces a periodical called Cyclops, which provides users with information on Cybec's offices and staff as well as important virus-related conferences or discussions. Cyclops also features up-to-date information on new virus types and comments about "regulars" reported to be particularly active.
Personal technical support is provided by ringing 1800 807 062 or by sending an e-mail message to support@cybec.com.au. Cybec's web site is at http://www.cybec.com.au.
48-hour guarantee
If you suspect your system is infected with a new virus, Cybec offer a guarantee. Send them a diskette with your problem and they will guarantee to provide a solution within 48 hours.
Reprinted from the April 1997 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
