March 1999
HUG Happenings
F-Prot, Version 3.04a has just been released. It includes the stand alone Windows Word and Excel macro virus checking program F-MacroW (execute the SETUPFM.EXE program to install), in case you want to check for macro viruses only. The main F-Prot program now also includes checking for those same macro viruses.
The main archive (FP-304A.ZIP) contains a version of the macro virus database (MACRO.DEF) for both programs, and the main virus signature database (SIGN.DEF). There is a new macro virus database (MACRO.DEF) in a MACRDEF2.ZIP archive file, and a new main virus signature database (SIGN.DEF) in a FP-DEF.ZIP archive file. The four files (ENGLISH.TX0 and F-PROT.EXE, from the FP-304A.ZIP archive, SIGN.DEF from the new FP-DEF.ZIP archive file, and the MACRO.DEF file from the new MACRDEF2.ZIP archive) are all you need on a boot floppy disk, in order to do a COLD boot from the A: drive and run F-Prot from there to thoroughly check your computer for viruses. That is the ONLY way you can be certain that your computer is not infected, because viruses could be resident in memory and survive a warm boot.
There is also a SETUPFS.EXE program included (now contained within a F-STOPW.ZIP file), for Windows 95/98 users, which will install a TSR program called F-StopW in your Startup group and constantly monitor for viruses in email, downloads, floppy disk accesses, etc. You also have the option to check in ZIP or ARJ archives, compressed executables, etc. during the F-Prot scanning.
You can get these archives, as well as a lot of other useful information about viruses in general and F-Prot in particular at: www.complex.is. You can get the program and/or updates to the F-MacroW database at ftp.complex.is/pub. The macro virus database archive is updated frequently. There is usually an update to the SIGN.DEF database there also, in a FP-DEF.ZIP file. This is updated less frequently, but you should always get and use the latest version available. The FTP address is a very small server, and very busy during the daytime and weekdays, but you can usually access it in the evening. If you absolutely must go in the daytime, you'd probably be better off using the WWW address.
I would still like to have another large hard drive in our club computer, to replace the 130 MB hard disk, for the DOS utilities/applications, as well as the Windows 3.xx stuff. So, if anyone reading this has an old used hard disk (in good working order, no bad space) that they don't need any longer, and would care to donate it to a worthy cause, please give me a call at 497-2462. A 420MB to 850MB size would be nice, larger would be even better of course. I will be happy to donate a free service house call to such a person, if that is any incentive.
As I hope you all know, we now meet twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays. Due to lack of interest in DOS and Windows 3.xx, we will now be teaching Windows 95/98 and its applications on BOTH the first and third Tuesdays, as well as everything else, like Internet, Anti-Virus, Utilities, Windows 3.xx, DOS, etc. We will mainly concentrate on the Windows 95/98 and Internet stuff.
I hope that from now on we will regularly meet on the third floor of the ECPI building, in Room 352. If we are not in that room, look around, look for a note on the door, or ask in the office (we may be in Room 205 occasionally, when they are using 352).
In case you hadn't noticed, your old 5 1/4" floppy disk cases are almost exactly the right size to hold your CD-ROMS. You'll probably never use the 5 1/4" disks for anything, so you might as well get some use out of the cases that held them. Save you from having to buy new cases.
As you should know by now, the Umbrella is now only available on the World Wide Web, where you can read it on line, or download it either as text or HTML, to read and/or print out at your leisure. For those that do not have access to the WWW, I will download it for them, put it on a floppy disk, and make them a copy the next time they attend a meeting.
When you come to the meetings, it would be a good idea for you to always bring several 3 1/2" blank, formatted, virus free diskettes, of the 1.44 MB capacity that is. Reason is, I frequently bring in some shareware programs that I think will benefit you, and I will make you copies of same while you are on your break. For example, at our last meeting, I was making copies of version 3.04a of the great F-Prot anti-virus program. If you need something else, don't hesitate to ask. It may be on our hard disk, or I may have it at home, or I may be able to download it from the Internet for you. But, if you don't ask, you will never know.
Our schedule for March 1999 is as follows:
Mar 2 Windows 95/98 Operating System & applications
Mar 16 Windows 95/98 Operating System & applicationsIf any member has a new email address that I do not know about, please send me an email message so that I may get that address. I mail out some material, from time to time, and you might be missing something of interest. Also, if you change your email address, please let me know.
If you know of anyone who might benefit from our group, please tell them about us and urge them to join us. Check your own expiration date, and if you plan to renew, please do so promptly. Make checks payable to HUG, for $25.00, and mail to me, Bob Ennis, 637 South Westgrove Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455-5737.
In case you did not know, your $25 membership fee entitles you to a limited amount of telephone assistance from me. If you have a problem with your computer, please do not hesitate to call me, and I will try to help you. As long as you do not abuse the privilege, I am glad to help. But, if the help requires over an hours time, you really need to get me out there for some private assistance and/or tutoring. Also, you are welcome to bring your computer into the meeting for trouble shooting, if you have a problem you can't resolve. Just let me know beforehand, to avoid conflicts.
For further information contact any of the following Officers. Members are encouraged to submit ideas or material for this column.
Bob Ennis Pres/Treas 497-2462 or email Bob Ennis
Bob Fred Vice Pres 855-7595 or email Bob FredFor those of you who might not know, I am available for assistance and private tutoring on WINDOWS 95/98, or any of the other applications mentioned previously. Call me at 497-2462 for information regarding fees, times available, etc.
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