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DACS' general meeting on March 5 will explore computer viruses. Facts and myths will be explained and illustrated by DACS' own computer viruses expert, Jeff Setaro.

Among the different topics that Jeff will explore are:

• How serious are those email messages from friends and co-workers warning about dire consequences if we open such and such a file?
• Differences between viruses, worms,Trojan horses, and other
  types of viruses.
• The advantages and pitfalls of virus protection software all computer users should have installed on their machines.
• What to have at the ready, should a virus become a reality on our computers. Jeff's first advice is: do not panic and second: regularly back-up what you consider are your important files, but of course before disaster strikes.

Jeff will dispense additional recommendations so that we are ready if a virus becomes reality.

Virus protection, or 'safe hex', to use one of Jeff's terms, may not always be our top priority. As I was preparing this preview, my own virus prevention software came to mind, and I have to admit that my antivirus software is not up-to-date.

As we need to stay vigilant on what could possibly affect our computers and our lives, and as it seems a lot revolves around the computer, the March computer viruses prevention meeting is very timely.

The presentation will take place at Danbury Hospital Auditorium. It will start at 7 p.m. with Bruce Preston leading the questions and answers session, followed by brief announcements. The virus prevention presentation will start at 8.00 p.m. Check DACS' web site at http://www.dacs.org for additional information on the meeting and other DACS related activities.