Date: 28 Aug 92 15:52:10 EDT
From: Gordon Meyer <72307.1502@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject: File 3--Dvorak, Viruses, and Cracking

A Cu-Digest reader recently suggested that John Dvorak's column in the
May 1992 issue of _PC Computing_ was worth a laugh or two.  I eagerly
looked it up at the local library...

Well, I can't honestly say that the librarian tossed me out for
excessive giggling, but I did find some of Dvorak's concepts
interesting.   For example, it appears Mr. Dvorak believes that
anti-cracking laws are responsible for the current wave of computer
virus attacks...

     "...a large group of dedicated hobbyists are writing their
     {virus} code out of boredom.  I think it all stems from the
     new federal law prohibiting computer cracking.  Cracking
     used to keep these kids busy."  (p108)

Hmmmm.  And I suppose before kids kept busy with cracking they used to
shop- lift.  I guess it wasn't coincidence I lost my copy of _Steal
This Book_ a few weeks before I broke into my first minicomputer.  If
only I'd been at the drug store stuffing comic books under my jacket
instead.

Another interesting tidbit found in the same issue is a discussion of
"stealth" viruses.  Yes, viruses that you don't know you have and
can't be detected.  I can't wait for the first 'anti-stealth' virus
protection software.  Reminds me of the old joke about Elephant
Repellent.  "But there aren't any elephants in NYC"..."See how well it
works!." In all seriousness, I've heard of 'stealth' viruses, but
Dvorak is really sounding the alarm in this issue, much to the
amusement of Jim Seymour, his debate opponent on the matter.

Finally, Dvorak treats us to some major 'tsk-tsk'ing' (for our foreign
readers: an expression of moral contempt) over VR and sex.  He says
the entire concept of using Virtual Reality for sexual gratification
or exploration is simply "un-American" (whatever that means).  Oh
Damn, that's exactly what I was going to turn to once the anti-virus
laws kick in.   ::sigh::

Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253