One has to recognize that the virus are a form of vandalism
indulged in by aberrated minds. As such one should learn to live with them just
as one deals with all similar crimes on society. Knowledge of viruses certainly
helps one to see the problem in the proper perspective and one has to be
prepared - or as the authors of this very informative book would like us to
think - prepare our defence against the War on Virus. Just as all wars are best
avoided, it is also best that one does not have to implement an active defensive
action, namely repulse and clear the debris. It would be foolhardy to think that
one has Vaccines or Anti-viruses to take on any infestation. We don't have, nor
will we ever have such an universal antidote because the virus game, if one can
call it that, is to show one's so called intelligence (perverted no doubt) in
finding new ways of break-in, propagate and damage: Proven "keep them off"
approaches mentioned in this book are the best protection we have. Even if the
problem with a virus infestation is not clearing of the machine or loss of few
files (often more damaging) there is that non-zero probability of a diskette or
file in the archives harboring the virus and reinfect the system at a later
date. Cleaning up after an infection should be tackled really on a war footing
checking every, repeat every, files in the archive. If one gets complacent and
virus lives on as an insider!
The authors have done an excellent job of compiling information on known
viruses and such a knowledge is useful to detect an infestation. Information on
vaccine is equally valuable and authors intend to publish updates in the journal
of their Microcomputer Users' Club. It is welcome that a diskette with
anti-virus accompanies the book. I sincerely hope every person, organization
using computers will make it mandatory for all persons working with their
computers/terminals to take a short course on virus based on this book and
answer a quiz - just as applicants for drivers' license in some countries are
expected to. Using computer to run an enterprise large or small has become
essential and one cannot overstress the need for user education as regards virus
- a realistic approach based on awareness is mandatory.
I am very happy that a band of hackers of PC (I use the word hacker as a
compliment) have come forward to help the computer community in India by
compiling their rich experience and so save the day for all of us.
Prof. H N Mahabala
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India