Kosovo Orphans' Appeal Charity CD/KosovoOrphansAppeal.iso/utilities/_vzap/docs/philosophy

Text File | 1997-12-07 | 3.5 KB | 68 lines

                                  PHILOSOPHY
                                  ~~~~~~~~~~

I felt prompted to write this short document to counteract some of the
misconceptions going round about anti-virus programs. Some people (who
shall remain nameless) seem to believe that they have the 'definitive'
virus killing system and that anyone else who writes a virus killer is
doing the Acorn market a diservice.

This is plain rubbish. I make no profit from VZap and I believe this is
how it should be, providing a first aid service to people whose discs
may have become virus infected. I don't believe in profiting from other
people's misfortunes - in the same way you wouldn't run to someone
injured in the street and charge them for bandages before giving them
first aid.

Also despite what some people claim, presumably to 'sell' virus killers,
there are not hundreds of 'terrible' viruses waiting to wipe out all the
data on your computer system. If someone tells you otherwise, ask
yourself if they are trying to sell you something. I write VZap in my
spare time, and although I've been developing it since 1987 - yes it was
developed from the world's first Archimedes virus killer (!Guardian), it
doesn't actually occupy 'that much' of my time. Writing virus killers is
*NOT* a full time job for three, two, or even one person. Luckily Acorn
owners are much more mature than users of other platforms, thus there is
a fraction of viruses available, compared to other systems, say, the PC.

Apart from the already stated fact that I don't believe virus killers
should be charged for, what really counts is 'aftersales' technical help
and speed of upgrades.

To this end, I provide all registered users of !VZap as much technical
support as they require, and that I can provide. I run a 24hour bulletin
board, which anyone (even non-registered users) can log into in order to
download the very latest version. New viruses are dealt with as quickly as
possible and a new version is returned to anyone who sends me a blank 800k
formatted disc and SAE. Obviously speed will greatly depend upon the
complexity of any new virus, but in the past I am pleased to say I have
been able to return people's discs, complete with a new version, the very
next day.

Some virus killer authors also seem very secretive about releasing
technical details of viruses. Obviously there is a need to prevent potential
virus authors from learning new ideas, but I can't help but think some people
are witholding information because they 'think' they have a monopoly on it,
and that their virus killer is superior because it deals with all these
complicated looking viruses. Big deal! I could make up a whole list of
weird sounding virus names, claim !VZap kills them all and then refuse to
release details 'to stop virus authors modifying them'.

At the end of the day, I believe we should strive to make the Acorn world
a virus free and friendly place to be. I will continue to share information
and provide as much technical backup as I possibly can, whilst trying to
ensure that virus writers are given no additional help, by providing too
much technical description in my Help files.

To this end, I hope that all !VZap users will continue using my program,
safe in the knowledge that they can have as many free updates (on receipt
of a blank disc and SAE) as frequently as they want, full access to my
bulletin board for 24hour support and upgrade news, and the ability to
email me for prompt advice and help - all for FREE.

Any ideas/comments or suggestions for future upgrades are always welcome.

Paul Vigay
[e-mail]