-=> Quoting David Desrosiers to Rick Collins <=-
-=> FidoMail to 1:163/215, please.-=<
rc> DOS is a single-process system. When it's executing the program
rc> that reads directories, it doesn't execute anything else. 
dd> DOS is a single process operating system (in most cases), but if
dd> I am running a scanner that loads signatures into memory (rather
dd> than locking out memory access during the scan) *IT* will
dd> traverse the directory structure, and if a virus happens to be
dd> in memory while it's opening and closing all those file handles,
dd> you're more prone to infection than if it was only doing one
dd> directory, or just the MBR/Partition table. I didn't say that
dd> just running DOS would have this affect, I said SCANNING in this
dd> manner would have this effect. 
You will have to be more precise.  Viruses "in memory" are not a
problem.  Viruses that are "active" are a problem.  Scanners tend to
search for "active" viruses before they begin scanning files, hence
what you are suggesting is unlikely.  Not impossible, but unlikely.
The best bet, in _every_ situation, is to scan after botting from a
clean, write-protected floppy.  Some would say it's the _only_ way a
scanner should be used - and I won't disagree with them.
TTFN. Rick.
Ottawa, ON 26 Dec 17:37 
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