Dear Members, I wonder if any of you use the "PANDA ANTI-VIRUS PLATINUM" software? I have a query about scanning for virus infections using this programme. I regularly obtain "updates" and the company seems to be very good in this respect and post them almost daily. I believe the free version of "AVG" is only updated once a month and you can easily get caught in the meantime no doubt (Klez and co.!) I am unsure how to scan a particular e-mail after it has arrived in the INBOX (I'm using IE6/OE). I have removed a tick in the "preview pane" set-up (about downloading) after seeing a message on another site, but I still have the pane visible, which I would like to retain. Before opening the e-mail up to read it or any attachments, - that's the time I would like to scan the single e-mail and its attachments if it's possible to do so. I am not quite sure, but I believe that "PANDA" only scans for viruses after they're on your system, - nowadays we need to stop them earlier on obviously. There is a facility to scan the entire INBOX but I was wondering about scanning individual e-mails (when you find a strange one landing in the INBOX). SECOND QUERY: I have noticed a strange message on my start-up screen (black background) which reads (I think in Spanish as Panda is in Spain) ERROR renombrando archivo pav.sv programa abortado I don't know what I am supposed to do to correct this error? I notice there are two "flag" type files with "pav.sv" (one has an underscore following .sv) in the "Panda" Yellow Folder in "Program Files" and that these open in Notepad (say) to reveal a series of three letters and forward strokes (slashes) separating them. I have sent the message off to technical support at Panda, but a reply may take some time, -although there is 24 hour cover 365 days a year, so the company says. Thank you for any possible comments and observations from other PANDA PLATINUM users or anyone else familiar with the software. Regards, Victor (sent from sunny West London on Sunday 14th July, 2002 at about 4.13pm) PS. One final point, I also installed "PQR" a few weeks ago which is a quick test and available on reliable magazine CDs and on Panda's main site in Spain. (PQR = Panda Quick Remover). I trust that this has not upset my main programme which was a chargeable one with paid for updates as extras.

As far as AVG goes it seems to be on a every other week update , though they will do an update before that if it is deemed a high risk virus that has come on to the internet . It has been great at finding and quarantining all the various forms of the Klez virus that is out there . No bitches with it at all at this point, been running it about 3 months after CA discontinued Inoculate It personal support .

Dear "vipergg", Thank you for your message back and I am glad to hear "AVG" are updating weekly. In a computer magazine just out recently, it mentioned about "monthly" updates, still Panda is almost every day but they are charging for this service. Meantime I await any information on my queries. Can I just ask one thing, - is it only from an attachment that a virus gets in or is it by opening up the message itself (irrespective of whether there's an attachment or not)? Thank you, Victor Monday 15/7/2002 at about 3.46am, W.London.

Victor, you need to use the help portion of your Panda Software to make sure you have it set up correctly. Uninstall the PQR program, as it can cause a conflict. I believe Panda Platinum is supposed to check your email before it gets to you, as does Norton and Pc-illian, and it does this by using a trap for your outlook/express email. You should disable your preview pane in view>layout of outlook express for safety. Any strange email you receive should be deleted immediately, DO NOT OPEN, DO NOT WORRY, DO NOT GET CURIOUS, just delete it! Go to PC Pitstop and run the complete system scan to check your computer's performance, but even more important to check your security settings. The new IE vulnerability does not apply if you have set your computer correctly; Tools>Security>Internet Settings>Advanced Settings>Active X set to prompt/diasable/disable. You did not mention what firewall you are using, so go to PC Flank and read some more security information. All the best!

Dear Capt, Thank you for all the information and suggestions. I was rather interested in the "Panda Quick Remover" because it shows all sorts of viruses in my system but these are described as being "inactive" or similar words. The results from "Panda AV Platinum" run clear. Maybe some of the "inactive" items in PDR are the anti-virus definitions downloaded in the main programme (Platinum)? I haven't had any reply from Panda themselves yet. As to "Firewall", I do have a programme installed called "Net Commando" which came on a good quality magazine disc. I don't use it much after it started reported things when I was working on the registry and it seemed a bit of a nuisance. Do "Firewalls" prevent viruses getting in on your machine? Most of the programmes merely seem to mop up viruses after the event. Regarding lengthy manuals and detailed complicated texts on programmes, I have an aversion to these and try to get on with the programme as best I can with a little personal help. The 80 plus pages manual(on screen) that came with my "PlexWriter" are mostly unintelligible to me, so I don't bother with it and simply use the machine as I want to i.e. "as a floppy" or use the Wizard to copy a data CD. About my query about e-mails, I wonder am I right now in thinking that opening an e-mail without an attachment can allow a virus/worm in or is this wrong? Do you have to have an attachment and open it up to get a virus? Regards and thanks again. Victor (sent from W.London on 16/7/02 at about 2.50am)

Firewalls prevent hackers from getting access to your computer when you are connected to the internet. They can take complete control of your computer, plant trojans and just create all kinds of problems. Get Zone Alarm, Sygate or Agnitum's Outpost, these are all easy to use and set up. Check out Gibson Research, PC Flank and Wilders.Org for more information, along with the on-line PC Magazines like PC World, PC Magazine. Panda, Symantec and Trend Micro also have some good virus prevention tips at their websites. Take care!

Dear "Capt", Many thanks for your further message and pointers. I notice "Yokese" has posted on the main site and I will ask him for a translation of the "Panda" message. I have uninstalled the "PQR" as you advised. I am not sure if the message is still coming up, as a friend started my computer and it's been on ever since. Thank you again. Regards, Victor (sent on Wednesday 17/7/02 at about 2.25am from a very warm West London)