 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group News releases Ash Nallawalla ash@melbpc.org.au |
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One of the most requested features in the recent PC Update survey was
computing news. Consequently, here are some edited recent news releases. Please send feedback to pcupdate@melbpc.org.au.
Sony
Twenty years ago, music listening was revolutionised by the pocket-sized 14-oz Sony Walkman(R) personal
stereo. Introduced in 1979 as the Soundabout, the Walkman stereo altered the way we enjoyed music. Suddenly
music could accompany listeners anywhere, anytime: in the car, on the train - wherever life took them.
Just as music serves as the beat of popular culture, the Walkman personal stereo has become a popular culture
icon. It has become part of the landscape of street fashion, and everyday travel accessory, and a statement
about one's personal style and even commitment to fitness.
Since its introduction, Walkman portable stereos have been a huge product and marketing success. Led by the
Walkman stereo, Sony created a new industry of personal entertainment. Today, millions of portable stereos
have been sold. Sony Walkman personal stereos (cassette, compact disc and MiniDisc) sales will approach 100
million this winter.
Stay tuned for further celebrations to mark the 20th Anniversary.
Trend Micro
The destructive trojan worm virus, Worm.ExploreZip (also known as TROJ_EXPLOREZIP), has hit Australia. Trend
Micro is offering free protection from the rapid-spreading autospam virus on its website - www.trendmicro.com.au/housecall.
"The virus is Melissa-like in that it auto-emails from the user's address book," said Kenny Liao, country
manager, Trend Micro. "However, it is much more dangerous and destructive, with the ability to delete
critical files.
The worm virus emails itself out as an attachment under the filename "zipped_files.exe".
What to look for:
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If the user opens the attachment, the virus searches hard drives C:
through to Z:, selecting the Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, as well as source code files used by
programmers including C++, C and Assembler. It reduces the size of these files to zero, making the data
unrecoverable.
When executed, Worm.ExploreZip uses MAPI-enabled e-mail systems to autospam itself as an attachment, to
multiple other e-mail addresses on the user's system.
The virus will not spread further if the user is not using Microsoft Outlook, but files may still be damaged.
It works on Windows 95, 98 and NT systems.
Trend Micro have already received calls from two customers in Australia who received the email message. The
virus has also been detected in the United States, Germany, Norway, Israel and the Czech Republic.
How to defend your system against the virus Computers will need to have an antivirus solution that has been
updated to protect against TROJ_EXPLOREZIP.
"We strongly advise that all users, whether they are running antivirus software or not, visit Trend Micro's
home page for a virus scan, just to be on the safe side. This is free and can be done from any Web browser,"
said Mr Liao. "This is a very destructive virus and could cause serious, irreparable damage."
Existing Trend Micro customers can download the solution from Trend Micro's home page and must use pattern
files 543 or above.
Reprinted from the August 1999 issue of PC Update, the
magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
