Microsoft Director of Y2K Readiness John Jones explained that these companies are offering the same packages they typically offer commercially, but for an extended trial period. These signature files can change daily and are also offered free of charge during the 90 day trial period.” “One is to install the antivirus software by Decemthe other is to check the chosen antivirus software manufacturer's Web site periodically for updated virus signature files. Also, analysts predict that as network administrators and IT staff become busy preparing for other Y2K-related issues, they might neglect virus protection.Īccording to the Microsoft Web site, two actions are critical. Given the sense of humor of many virus makers, and the history of major-date time-bomb viruses, we can probably expect some number to be set for January 1, 2000.
As in the world of biological viruses, computer viruses with long incubation periods can be particularly deadly. These viruses can be especially destructive because they lie dormant for long periods, passing unnoticed from computer to computer. The Mao virus, for example, hit the college community particularly hard, wiping out hard disks across the US on the birthday of Chairman Mao, the late Communist leader of China.
Virus producers like to set “time-bomb” viruses for notable dates. Once you download it, the software will remain functional for 90 days.Įxperts are predicting a viral meltdown as 2000 approaches, and there are substantive reasons for believing that viral activity will increase as Y2K rolls around. You can download the software any time between November 1 and December 31, 1999. The company's Web site offers links, categorized by language, to the antivirus partners. Microsoft has partnered with several software vendors to offer free antivirus software to help ameliorate expected Y2K virus problems.
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