Welcome to VALERT-L! [ Last modified 30 June 1992 - Ken van Wyk ] What is VALERT-L? It is an electronic mail discussion forum for sharing urgent virus warnings among other computer users. Postings to VALERT-L are strictly limited to warnings about viruses (e.g., "We here at University/Company X just got hit by virus Y - what should we do?"). Followups to messages on VALERT-L should be done either by private e-mail or to VIRUS-L, a moderated, digested, virus discussion forum also available on this LISTSERV, LISTSERV@LEHIGH.EDU. Note that any message sent to VALERT-L will be cross-posted in the next VIRUS-L digest. To preserve the timely nature of such warnings and announcements, the list is moderated on demand (see posting instructions below for more information). What VALERT-L is *not*? A place to to anything other than announce virus infections or warn people about particular computer viruses (symptoms, type of machine which is vulnerable, etc.). How do I get on the mailing list? Well, if you are reading this, chances are *real good* that you are already on the list. However, perhaps this document was given to you by a friend or colleague... So, to get onto the VALERT-L mailing list, send a mail message to . In the body of the message, say nothing more than SUB VALERT-L your name. LISTSERV is a program which automates mailing lists such as VALERT-L. Within a short time, you will be placed on the mailing list, and you will get confirmation via e-mail. How do I get OFF of the list? If, in the unlikely event, you should happen to want to be removed from the VALERT-L list, just send mail to saying SIGNOFF VALERT-L. People, such as students, whose accounts are going to be closed (like over the summer...) - PLEASE signoff of the list before you leave. Also, be sure to send your signoff request to the LISTSERV and not to the list itself. How do I send a message to the list? VALERT-L is currently moderated on demand in order to reduce irrelevant traffic and to provide some means of validating warnings. Just send electronic mail to VALERT-L@LEHIGH.EDU. The message will be sent to the moderator's mail box. If the message is not urgent, it will be posted first thing on the next business day. If you feel that the message is urgent, then telephone the CERT/CC (Computer Emergency Response Team / Coordination Center) hotline at (412) 268-7090 and instruct the operator to page me, Ken van Wyk. I will then post the message as quickly as is humanly possible, though I may wish to contact the sender to validate any information. (Feedback on the "moderation on demand" mechanism is invited.) Why have posting guidelines? To keep the discussions on-track with what the list is intended to be; a vehicle for virus warnings and announcements. Due to this basic purpose, the list should remain as quiet as possible. Anyone wanting to discuss issues, etc., any further should do so on VIRUS-L. What are the guidelines? o Try to keep messages relatively short and to the point, but with all relevant information included. Be sure to enclose information about the machine type that can be infected, etc. o Try to make intelligent use of your subject line. The subject should tell the reader what the message is about in as clear a manner as possible. o As already stated, there will be no flames on the list. Anyone sending flames to the entire list must do so knowing that he/she will be removed from the list immediately. Thank-you for your time and for your adherence to these guidelines. Comments and suggestions, as always, are invited. Please address them to me, . Ken van Wyk