Number 569 March 16, 1990
COMPUTER VIRUS UPDATE
More than 50 campus IBM PCs were infected by the Stoned or Mari-
juana virus last month. This virus infects floppy disks by in-
stalling itself in the boot record, and it infects hard disks by
installing itself in the Master Boot Record. The Master Boot
Record is used to describe the attributes of the hard disk, but
it is not used to boot DOS, so a computer with a hard disk infec-
tion can still be initialized or booted.
Symptoms of this virus include being unable to boot or initialize
from a floppy disk, and getting the message "Your PC is now
stoned!" Software packages may become unusable when the virus
infects the hard disk.
The virus does not affect IBM PS/2s or 3.5" floppy disks.
If you suspect your PC has been infected by this, or any other,
virus, contact a Micro Lab consultant at 107 McVey Hall, 257- y
2207, or notify your local micro lab manager immediately.
Jack Coffman, the UKCC's computing security officer, can also
help identify and eradicate most known viruses. He can be
reached at 257-2273, UKA051@UKCC.UKY.EDU, 218 McVey Hall.
PET/OWNER MATCH-UP CONTEST
The LSO Pet/Owner Match-up Contest is drawing to a close. The
pet photos, a list of owners, and ballots will be posted in the
King North staff lounge until Friday, March 23. A prize will be
given to the person who correctly matches the most pets and own-
ers. You don‘t have to be a member of LSO to submit a ballot.
A special morning break will be sponsored by LSO on Tuesday,
March 27th at 9:30 a.m. in the King North staff lounge to an-
nounce the answers and winners. Complimentary refreshments will
be served. Don’t delay. Cast your ballot now!
(Submitted by Judy Brown.)
‘Iné Newsletter of the Umversnty I
O I
of Kentucky Lnbrarnes