Computer Viruses, Worms, Data Diddlers, Killer Programs, and Other Threats to Your System: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Defend Your PC, Mac, or Mainframe

Excellent Book

YA-- This book is written in terms that are understandable to those with limited computer knowledge, yet it goes deep enough into the subject matter to answer the questions a seasoned hacker might ask. McAfee and Haynes define the various types of computer viruses, trace their origins, and outline their destructive consequences. They point out such interesting aspects as direct and indirect costs of viruses in an illustrated and easy-to-understand form. Additionally the charts and graphs are logical and free of "computerese." Prior to Chapter 10, one gets the impression of being hopelessly at the mercy of computer viruses. In the final chapter, however, McAfee and Haynes reassure readers that there is a cure, although somewhat costly and difficult to achieve. They emphasize that prevention is the key to computer health, and suggest several useful steps for avoiding computer disease. They also review anti-viral software and make recommendations for specific computers. For those whose computers are already infected with a virus, step-by-step instructions are included for purging the computer so that it can function again. All in all, McAfee and Haynes do a commendable job of making the subject matter interesting and informative. --Floyd H. Hancock, Jr., Shell Oil Co., Houston
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

McAfee, chairman of the Computer Virus Industry Association, and Haynes, a reporter who has written about technology and business management for the New York Times , The Times of London, and the Economist , have written an eye-opening book about computer viruses, discussing their definition, history, types, and destructive aspects, as well as how to prevent, detect, and recover from virus infections. Other computer pests, such as worms, trojan horses, and logic bombs, are briefly discussed and compared with these viruses. In addition, there is a chapter examining computer hackers' personalities and motives for tampering with computer systems. The glossary of computer terms will be helpful for lay readers. Ralf Burger's Computer Viruses: A High-tech Disease (Abacus, 1988) is an alternative for serious readers seeking an in-depth knowledge of the viruses and their computer codes. Recommended for public and academic libraries.
- May Rathbone, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ. Lib., Blacksburg
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.