MLVIRHLP.RVW   990213

"VirusHelp", Henri Delger, 1995 -,
http://pages.prodigy.net/henri_delger/confirm.htm
%A   Henri Delger henri_delger@prodigy.net
%D   1995 - 
%O   http://pages.prodigy.net/henri_delger/vhelp.htm
%P   ~ 10 p. monthly
%T   "VirusHelp"

VirusHelp does not predate the creation of the alt.comp.virus
newsgroup, but with the current suspension of the VIRUS-L/comp.virus
list it forms the oldest and most reliable ongoing interactive virus
information resource on the net.  Moderated by Henri Delger, it is not
something you can set your watch by, but you can generally expect at
least two issues per month.

Each issue contains several questions or comments from readers,
generally with answers or expansion from Mr. Delger.  However, there
are numerous leading antiviral experts who subscribe to the list as
well, and who may write in with answers or information.  Because of
the moderation the quality of the discussion is very high, although
traffic is relatively low.

In comparison to other virus lists and groups, many messages relate to
the operation, strengths, and weaknesses of specific antiviral
software.  Other discussions include the usual calls for help when
noticing some strange happening, as well as warnings about new viruses
or trojans on the loose.  Debate about potential, but not actual, new
virus operations or concepts related to viral or antiviral technology
is not unknown.  Although the majority of messages are associated with
Wintel systems other platforms are not excluded and messages about
Macs, for example, are proportionately much higher than on other
lists.

Generally the moderator will comment on all messages received, even
those providing, or purporting to provide, information.  Virus
"experts" seem to grow under every bush, so Delger is quite free with
correction when it is called for.  He is free with opinion, but
clearly indicates it as such.

Each issue also contains a large, if not exhaustive, list of recent
antiviral software releases for a number of operating systems.  The
inventory specifies software, filename and release date, although the
location of the file is left to the reader.  (If you are a Prodigy
subscriber, all of the listed files are available from a library
there, and Delger does provide a list of vendor sites.)  A recent
addition has been a consistent warning against Internet hoaxes,
particularly false virus alerts.

Subscriptions are free of charge, and may be obtained via the Web at:
http://pages.prodigy.net/henri_delger/vhelp.htm
General virus information is available at
http://pages.prodigy.net/henri_delger/index.htm
and back issues of VirusHelp are available
at http://pages.prodigy.net/henri_delger/confirm.htm
Messages to the list itself can be addressed to
virushelp@listserv.prodigy.com.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1998, 1999   MLVIRHLP.RVW   990213