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