On (27 Dec 96) John Kismul wrote to Rick Collins...
RC> tv> A virus can and does spread through your system when it's active
RC> tv> in memory. It will spread when you traverse directories (which
RC> tv> is why it is bad to scan in this manner), and infect files along
RC> tv> the way. Each access to an executable file is like putting food
RC> tv> in front of it, and it uses that as it's new 'host'.
 JK> RC>
RC> DOS is a single-process system.  When it's executing the program that
RC> reads directories, it doesn't execute anything else.
 JK> RC>
 JK> That's WRONG stupid.  When a virus is in memory it will spread to the
 JK> files that you access, and to the directories you access.
Wrong, DOS is single-process.  As long as the scaning program DOES 
NOT use DOS or BIOS calls the virus can't get control passed to 
it.  If the system was COLD booted from a CLEAN floppy the virus 
will not be active in memory so it will be a mute point.
Gordon
... REDNECK: If your wheels on your car cost more than the CAR!
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