data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

I just got an e-mail from intel@shrapnelgames.com that had no subject heading and no message. All that the e-mail had was a data.pif attachment.

I'm not going to run or open this attachment unless I find out that it is not a virus. If it is I suspect that someone is trying to give a bad rep to shrapnelgames.

So whom should I notify about this e-mail?

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Edit: my my my, a quick virus scan and I find that the data.pif contains the WORM MYDOOM.a virus.

yes indeed, I think someone is trying to give shrapnelgames a bad rep. I seriously doubt that they sent the virus, but I have no way to trace the e-mail so I unfortunately cannot help find the evil vile scumm that sent the e-mail.

Oh well, another virus that failed to pass my common sense protection scheme.

Cheers, again. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[ January 30, 2004, 22:06: Message edited by: David E. Gervais ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Actually, it sounds more like some random player who has intel@shrapnelgames.com in their address book, who got a virus.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

you're probably right SJ, so if any of you have my sympatico e-mail address in your address book, please scan your systems for viruses.

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Edit: I'm so glad I don't use Outlook Express. I would have been infected 100 times if I did. Oh, and I keep my address book empty. I use the 'keep one e-mail from every sender in my in-box' technique of holding the addresses. This way I am not responsible for helping to spread viruses.

[ January 30, 2004, 22:14: Message edited by: David E. Gervais ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

I have Debian Gnu/Linux setup as email server. With Spamassassin and clamav for cleaning out spam and virusses. Works like a charm and i don't need to worry about those pesky bugs. Anyway, there are always going to be people who open such an email.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

I think I have a virus because I keep getting returned emails from random places I've never heard of... unfortunately no virus scanner I've tried has been able to find the problem yet... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Some (all, in my case) of those random return emails ARE viruses.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">You can very easily disable the preview pane, and then you would not be infected at all if you just delete the email and don't open it.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

how can you be infected from the preview pane?

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

That MyDoom virus is nasty. One of my coworkers got it from an email a few days ago. He opened the message which had as its subject "Hi" and there was just a "document.pif" attachment which he opened. Then a couple of other people got infected Messages from him, at which point the infection was discovered. The computer administrator spent an hour cleaning up and fixing the infected machine.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">If the message has HTML or JavaScript which dl's/triggers/activates/opens/whatever a virus or an attachment, the preview pane will execute that code when the message is selected. Yet another great idea ruined by short sight and shorter production deadlines at M$. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif I think most people would rather risk viruses than have to double-click on their Messages to open them--after all, that's double the effort! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

well, java is disabled for mail and newsGroups, don't know about html.

i'm using netscape, don't know if you can do that in ie.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

i got a weird email. how do you scan email for viruses in netscape?

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">My god why oh why do people do this!? I would have thought that by know most would know not to open attachements from supicious e-mails with extensions like .pif

BTW the MyDoom Virus fakes the "From" line (as do many viruses I think) so the message David mentioned was not from Shrapnel. Also don't think you can get MyDoom just from the preview panel.

Actually are there any known viruses you can get from the preview pane? I know it is a theoretical possiblity but has it been done yet.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That is exactly what MyDoom (also know as Novarg) looks like. I know the latest McAfee Online visrus scanner detects it. We got bombarded with MyDoom at work and it was dectecting it. If you think you have MyDoom you can also get a free detection/removal tool from Symantec.

MyDoom removal tool

Although you getting these e-mails probably just means somone with you in their adress book has the virus.

[ January 31, 2004, 10:52: Message edited by: DavidG ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Oh, I'm in no danger of recieving an e-mail virus, I use Agent and don't view html files and any attachments are not opened.

I just wanted to give the heads-up to everyone. Because if I got the e-mail then it surely means that someone with me on their mailing list IS infected.

I'm 100% virus free. (spyware does occasionally get on my computer, but only about 2-3/week and I run spybot search and destroy about twice a week. So, I'm healthy.

Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

I got to notices today that email I sent out had a virus. Well since my system has been down, I know I sent no emails. I ran a check anyways, and still no virus. They said it was a virus called DOOM. I suspect that it is someone who has me listed in there addresses.

These things go around, and it is always good to post a warning so members can check their systems for viruses.

And for the record, I would never EVER send any one any attachment without TELLING them what it was. So if you ever get an email from me with an attachment, and your not expecting or, or it comes with a lame asses subject line DO NOT OPEN IT. Do not email it back to me either. That will only get you blocked.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Actually, I think it's because of yet another "helpful" idea from Microsoft. WinXP (and maybe Win2000 as well) ships with a default setting of "Hide extensions for known file types." They assume you'll know what it is by the icon. The stupidity is that you can name a virus attachment "YASD.txt.exe" and give it the text file icon. Now the average Win-duhs user will only see "YASD.txt" and think, "Oh, goody, another story about some poor level 50 warrior getting slaughtered trying to fight through a worm mass--I think I'll open it and click yes to any prompts that come up warning me that this file type may contain a virus." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

[ February 02, 2004, 02:00: Message edited by: Krsqk ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Actually, I think it's because of yet another "helpful" idea from Microsoft. WinXP (and maybe Win2000 as well) ships with a default setting of "Hide extensions for known file types." They assume you'll know what it is by the icon. The stupidity is that you can name a virus attachment "YASD.txt.exe" and give it the text file icon. Now the average Win-duhs user will only see "YASD.txt" and think, "Oh, goody, another story about some poor level 50 warrior getting slaughtered trying to fight through a worm mass--I think I'll open it and click yes to any prompts that come up warning me that this file type may contain a virus." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Huh Good point. I never thought of that since turning on the file extensions is one of the first things I do after installing windows. It truly is a mystery why MS would think anyone would want them turned off.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Because of the risk of accidentally renaming a file to have no extension, thus removing the ability to open it with a simple double click. Rather than just taking yet another opportunity to bash Microsoft, why don't you consider the issue from all angles? There are almost always good reasons for why MS has chosen to do odd things...

[ February 02, 2004, 02:33: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

So due to the very remote "danger" of accidently renaming a file extension M$ has decided to try to hide yet another important information from the user which is inconvenient at best and even dangerous sometimes? To protect the dumb user - who will not really be able to rename a file with ease - M$ decides to make them even dumber?

What I do understand is that it is the M$ policy to keep as much information hidden from the user, so that they can interfere with the user's data and use hidden backdoors for their convenience and user control. Hail Big Brother M$ we worship you. This programming policy is the main reason for the virus vulnerability of especially M$ products, because virus programmers really like automated procedures that can be called without notification and supervision of the user. Despite all propaganda, I still doubt that this is beneficial for the user.

Rather than just taking yet another opportunity to glorify Microsoft, why don't you consider the issue from all angles? There are almost always bad reasons for why MS has chosen to do odd things...

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Yeah, whatever. Please explain how I in any way glorified Microsoft?

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Easy, guys. We all know how Microsoft can get all parties all worked up.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Unfortunately it is in W2K also http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif I understand that you can choose to use it, but why make it default? Like using big objects, web -scene (the space consuming, irrelevant, needless infopanel in the Windows explorer if you don't take it off) and all those things which efficiently prevent you from finding and seeing anything. Well, this was my flame against M$ and I don't do it again. What's the use of it anyway? Sorry guys http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

[ February 02, 2004, 06:37: Message edited by: Karibu ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

Microsoft does a lot of seemingly unusual things from an advanced useres perspective. Having done 3 years of direct support for Micro$ponge and an addtional 10 years of desktop support for a wide variety of Users I have found that there is usualy a logical reason for their desisions.
Hiding file extentions makes sence when you have seen as many files with the wrong extentions as I have.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Unfortunately, this will not keep viruses away from those addresses. Most virii are intelligent enough to scan those locations as well as address books. Any file it can read will do....

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Please esplain how I 'bashed' MS. For a guy that is constantly compaining about people claiming you said something you didn't you sure like to do it to others.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

That part was directed at Krsqk...

[ February 02, 2004, 22:39: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

I hardly consider the concept of "If you don't know what it does, don't mess with it" an advanced user concept. Maybe I'm way off on my idea of the average computer user, though--perhaps the "I already know it all, and I can fake my way out of it if I find out I don't know it all" attitude so prevalent in other areas takes root here, too. A little education might be in order here, so people aren't afraid of harmless actions and are afraid of dangerous ones. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

The average computer user these days doesn't have the first clue about what a computer is. This is why Dell advertisments are so successful and Dell has grown so big. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ February 02, 2004, 23:22: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The flip side of that coin is that now you have a whole bunch of new Users who don't know what 'file extension' means. (ie my parents http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif ) I suspect if MS really thought about it they could come up with a better way to prevent the uneducated user from accidentaly changing a file extension (and possibly even educating them as to what those Last 4 characteres mean).
Actually since windows warns you if you change a file extension it doesn't really require much thought at all. instead of having an option to hide file extension how about an option to allow you to change file extension which defaults to NO.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">No crap on this statement. This is 100% true. My uncle keeps calling me because he can't log onto his ISP. (True conversation)

"Type in the password then press enter."

"Ah these damn computers are so darn difficult I should just buy one of them there Dell things."

"Bob you don't need a new computer, your computer is fine. You just need to understand that when you type in your PASSWORD, that it is case sensative."

So whats he do? Yup, he goes out and buys a Del. I get this phone call at least once a week now.

"How do you log onto AOL?"

I just tell him to call Dell now.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

in defence of parents, my dad is 60 and knows how to use one.

on the other hand, he started in telecommunications when they where using telex machines.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

My grandfather is fairly computer savvy. It all depends on the person. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Most older people (60+) are not very good with computers because they are a completely foreign concept to them. Not having worked with them in your youth and such provides no reference point to fall back upon, and thus generally causes confusion. There are of course exceptions, but it is a general trend.

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Really? I thought it was because of Steven - of course we are talking pre-pot using Steven here.

"Dude, you're gettin' a Dell!"

[ February 03, 2004, 05:19: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

My grandmother bought her first computer at 78, and now at 81 is doing quite fine...

...on the other hand, my grandfather won't go near it!

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Yes, because the average user is not knowledgeable about computers... they get confused by all those numbers. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Notice how Dell commercials rarely have any specs on the computers they are advertising?

Pre-pot Steven? What are you talking about?

[ February 03, 2004, 05:29: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

One of my co-workers is 78 years old and he's pretty good with computers...

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The kid who played Steven, well he was caught with some pot and since then we haven't seen any more Dell commercials with him... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[ February 03, 2004, 05:48: Message edited by: Captain Kwok ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

I did say there were exceptions people! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif Go to a senior citizens trailer park and try to get them to use computers, and see how many of them are able to do so. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The kid who played Steven, well he was caught with some pot and since then we haven't seen any more Dell commercials with him... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">He was probably high for all of those commercials anyways.

[ February 03, 2004, 05:53: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

And let's be fair - I'd say some of our best posters here would qualify for senior discounts at many stores. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Re: data.pif from [email]intel@shrapnelgames.com[/email]????
 

When I was in high school, even the teachers weren't very familiar with computers. One time, for French class I submitted my assignment typed on the word processer. The teacher was amazed that my printout had all the accents on the words. What she always did was just type her stuff normally, and then on the printout, she'd take a pen and add the accents by hand.

The computer science teacher, sadly, knew less about computers than some of the students. While he was teaching us how to program in Pascal, he was taking his own course at university to learn the material to teach us. We were doing our work on the Macintosh, and he was really impressed when I added pull-down menus on one of my programs, because he didn't know how to do that. Sometimes when we made a mistake in our code, our program will get into an infinite loop, and the only way he knew how to get out was to reset the computer, and you lose your work. One time he saw me press the interrupt switch to stop the program without resetting the computer, and he was amazed because he didn't know about that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif