? re attachments

[Elly1]

:huh:
This a monumentally uniformed question - I've posted them before..
In light of recent Computer virus's which are in e mail attachments, I have come up with this question:

If one inadvertently opens an attachment (from a trusted source) is it only the address book from that e mail address which is affected? This seems self explanatory, but bear with me - I am old!!

I have several e mail addresses. Lately I have not been opening attachments - even from trusted sources - I don't even open most e mails!

[LeRoi]

Hi Elly,

I'm not exactly clear on what you are asking, but if you open an infected attachment, the whole computer can become infected, depending on the virus, not just the address book.

I say never open unexpected attachments, email the person who sent the attachment and ask if they sent you something and ask them to tell you ahead of time the next time they send you a file.

Always scan any expected attachments with your antivirus before opening to make sure (as sure as possible) it isn't infected.

You should have your pc set up to show all file extensions and don't open executables, unless you were expecting an executable file and know exactly what it is for (also scan before opening).

[added] This page has a good list of dangerous file extensions:

http://www.novatone.net/mag/mailsec.htm

To make your pc display most all file extensions open a Windows Explorer window>tools menu>folder options>view tab> uncheck "hide file extensions for known file types" and click apply, okay out of folder options.

[Ranger Bob]

No if you receive a virus it would probably infect the whole PC not just the address book. Depending on the virus it might just try to open your PC so a hacker can get into it and use it has they wish or it might completely destroy everything on the PC and try to spread to other PC's you have on a network or people you have in your address book. Safe computing and a good updated anti virus program are a must.

[Elly1]

Thank you both,

The question I was asking was regarding the e mail program I was using at the time of the alleged attachment opening! I am sorry if I was not clear. I think I said e mail address rather than e mail program.

Yes, I do have an anti virus program (Norton) and I do live updates frequently as I don't trust them to do them automatically. It is also set to scan any attachments. I also scan my computer for viruses at least twice a week. Once I have it scheduled to scan and I usually do it one other time as well!


Elly

[LeRoi]

Hi Elly,

No need for apologies. :P

Did we answer your question satisfactorily or do you need more help?

Always glad to help you! :jig:

[Elly1]

I am fine Ranger Bob and LeRoi...

You both have been most helpful..

This is a nice forum and I feel comfortable here.

Elly :) :) :) :)