Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!wucs1!wuibc!gmat From: gmat@wuibc.UUCP (Gregory Martin Amaya Tormo) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc Subject: Re: Anyone infected by "Brain" virus? Summary: I must protest! Message-ID: <295@wuibc.UUCP> Date: 29 Sep 88 04:14:47 GMT References: <1380@holos0.UUCP> <3644@dad.UUCP> Reply-To: dwd0238@wucec1.wustl.bitnet (David Deitch) Organization: Washington University in St. Louis Lines: 28 In article <3644@dad.UUCP> steve@dad.UUCP (Steve Cook) writes: >in article <1380@holos0.UUCP>, fsg@holos0.UUCP (Frank Glass) says: >> >> Fascinating. A computer virus which selects users of pirated software. >> A vigilante virus! As desirable as this may seem (1/2 smile), it's probably >> a hoax. I DO PROTEST!!!!! The hardest hit from the very real virus are research institutions and educational systems from Israel to the US. Contrary to what appears to be your belief, the majority of software found on BBSs are public domain, the result of hard work by many ametuer programmers whose utilities you might even be using. The old image of the "hacker" running around trading stolen and illegally copyrighted software is a stereotype that could set PC hobbiests back years if leaked from this net. First, All major software manufacturers no longer copy protect their software, a sign that they do not perceive software piracy as the major threat it used to be. Second, the rapid expansion of Fidonet and fido compatible BBSs (over 4000 now) have set high standards in how BBSs are operated and what kind of software is distributed. So even though you only gave your comment half a smile, I hope you will retract it on behalf of all the programmers and users. Yes, some people still pirate software, but the majority of us public domain collectors are honest. Take a second look. David Deitch, Computer Connection dwd0238@wucec1.wustl.bitnet Fido 1:100/22