If the 1980s were about quality and the 1990s were about re-engineering, then the 2000s will be about velocity. - Bill Gates.


Computer Information


Have you received a virus warning in email? Don't pass it on without checking to see if it's a hoax! Here's how:

  • Hoax warnings This page is considered the industry standard information source for new virus hoaxes and false alerts.

  • (U.S. Dept of Energy-- Computer Incident Advisory Capacity)

  • Symantec.com (Norton Anti-virus)

    How to Identify a Hoax

    There are several methods to identify virus hoaxes, but first consider what makes a successful hoax on the Internet. There are two known factors that make a successful virus hoax, they are: (1) technical sounding language, and (2) credibility by association. If the warning uses the proper technical jargon, most individuals, including technologically savy individuals, tend to believe the warning is real. For example, the Good Times hoax says that "...if the program is not stopped, the computer's processor will be placed in an nth-complexity infinite binary loop which can severely damage the processor...". The first time you read this, it sounds like it might be something real. With a little research, you find that there is no such thing as an nth-complexity infinite binary loop and that processors are designed to run loops for weeks at a time without damage.

    When we say credibility by association we are referring to who sent the warning. If the janitor at a large technological organization sends a warning to someone outside of that organization, people on the outside tend to believe the warning because the company should know about those things. Even though the person sending the warning may not have a clue what he is talking about, the prestige of the company backs the warning, making it appear real. If a manager at the company sends the warning, the message is doubly backed by the company's and the manager's reputations.

    Individuals should also be especially alert if the warning urges you to pass it on to your friends. This should raise a red flag that the warning may be a hoax. Another flag to watch for is when the warning indicates that it is a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) warning. According to the FCC, they have not and never will disseminate warnings on viruses. It is not part of their job.


    Other Computer Information:

  • Help me get started surfing the net!
  • Our favorite new search engine. northernlight.com What's cool about it is: that it will sort out all of those results for you so you can find stuff really easy!
  • Everything you need to know about anything. A dozen SEARCH engines.
  • This search engine will get you more specific information: Metasearch.
  • Just take me to Yahoo!
  • Don't have e-mail yet? Get it at Hotmail.com!
    (Hint - Also good to use for personal mail if all you have is a work e-mail address...)
  • This free email has special features such as Auto Forward Mail and Search featureJayde free email.
  • Internet answering machine! Callwave.com When you're online and only have one phone line! Save money! Don't miss calls!
  • Always wanted your own home page? Here is where you can get one free! Delphi Personal Home Pages.
  • Another free source of web pages! Tripod's Home Page Builder!
  • Here are some graphics for your free web page:
    Rose's background archive
    Icons for web publishing from www.desktoppublishing.com.
    Media Links free graphics.
  • Want to start your own forum on the web? Do it here free! www.customforums.com
  • The Free Site - Home of the Web's best freebies.
  • After you start your own web page or forum, sign in the URL (web address) in the marshallmich.com guestbook so everyone can find it!

    Or for higher traffic, consider a listing in the Marshall Business Directory.
  • Computer tech stuff.
  • Michigan Electronic Library - Many Resources for Michigan. Check it out.
  • This page is best viewed using either Netscape or Internet Explorer browsers. Download at either site for free and see what you're missing!
  • Set up the Marshall Home page as your home page button on Netscape!

  • Look under the Edit menu, at the top of your screen, for "general preferences." Look for the "home page location." Then type in:

    http://www.marshallmich.com


  • You will have instant access to the very best & quickest sites for national & local weather, news, search engines, sports & inspiration!
  • You'll enjoy opening your internet visits with a quick stop at Marshall, Michigan.
    (even if you're not from Michigan at all!)

    Attention Marshall residents,  and ex-Marshallites and "wanna-be's",
    please sign Marshall's guest book on the Marshall Home Page.
    List your e-mail and the URL your home page (if you want to hear from old friends or new friends!)

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