Advice on Viruses:

Like Spam, viruses are expensive to deal with. Here are some tips on what to do about viruses:

  • First things first: Our servers are UNIX based. Before you say: "DNX gave me a virus!", you must understand UNIX machines don't get viruses like Windoze systems do. We flatly don't send out Microsoft viruses. --Period! If you believe we gave you a virus, you're in all probability quite wrong!

  • If you've got a virus, we're sincerely sorry. However, it's candidly not our problem. Did you get it from the Internet connection? Perhaps. We'll gladly tell you to get Anti-virus software, but you're on your own to install it. If you would like us to help we'll be happy to. The rate is $115/hr., and expect at least three hours to do the job. It's worth it to take ownership of the matter at hand! If your virus strongly interferes with our network, we may temporarily block your access until you can correct the situation.

  • We don't send vague generic E-mails out to our customers, and never have we signed any official E-mails using the phrase: "...support team...". If someone here is E-mailing you, it's specific, personally addressed, and does not contain vague statements which don't make perfect sense to you. We do send shutoff notices, however they are normally not unexpected.

  • Use Anti-virus software and keep the subscription up to date! Do NOT let it lapse for even a day! Viruses are constantly in a race between their inception and their cure. In other words, they flurish early in their existance. As soon as your AV subscription has lapsed, you're at the most risk! Keep it current!

  • Insure your system is up to date. Go to Windows Update to get things protected, or have your machine check for new updates automatically. (If you use a dialup connection, we suggest you only have it check for new updates, and you choose exactly when to download them, but download and install them diligently!) If you don't do regular updates, you'll keep getting viruses, (your AV software should capture them), but it's far better to not get infected which can severly damage your system. If your Windows installation isn't legitimate, (i.e. you got a burned Windows Installation CD from a buddy), you're screwed! (You know that's stealing, right?) Why not sleep better tonight and get a honest copy? (Author strongly dislikes Microsoft, however it's the correct thing to tell you!)

  • Norton?, McAfee?, AVG?, E-Trust? --Most are just fine. Get the yearly subscription!!! Don't let it lapse!

  • Why doesn't DNX just scan the E-mails for viruses for us? Actually we do! That being said, many viruses are also received from malicious web sites. We provide "Basic" E-mail protection, with absolutely no guarantees! You must take responsibility for your own computer. Any ISP, (i.e. AOL, DNX, etc.), does virus scanning, not as some great service to their clients, they do it to reduce the bandwidth and hassle viruses cause their network.

  • Don't go to "risky" web sites. As stated above, malicious web sites can infect your computer.

  • Don't open E-mail from people you don't know. (The standard time-honored advice.) In addition, do not allow your E-mail program to automatically open E-mails. Have Outlook remove the preview pane, and disable the option which automatically adds entries to your addressbook!

  • If you keep getting a virus E-mail from someone, you may want to use Web Mail to examine the Message Headers. Look for the last header line that says: "Received: from xx.xx.x...". That is usually where it's coming from. Another header is "X-Originating-IP:". Often this may give you an idea about where it's coming from, but nothing is for sure with a virus! Never believe the E-mail came from the E-mail address in the Return-Path, or in the From: address. It's almost always a lie!!