Conference hydra::amiga_v1

    Nope, won't happen. No way, no how.
    
    The two machines are not any way compatable as far as software goes.

    
      >						    It's true that by using
      > my Amiga the only thing I appear unable to do is get a 132-column
      > screen,
    
    If you use Handshake, you can get a very readable 132 column display on
    your Amiga.  Handshake is  a shareware VT220 emulator that is available
    on the net here.
    
    Ed.

    I too don't feel there is any danger. We are at a point where dec
    has elected to sell,and network the I** clones. If a danger exsisted
    this would be a very big problem. It is possible someone could upload
    some sort of virus,but it would have to be written for the Vax,and
    then entered into the system. Of course this could happen on the
    inside without any other system involved. that is why we have
    protection in the form of passwords etc. The only real danger would
    be in someone letting others acsess their accounts.Of course this
    would be a problem even if they were using a VT.
    								bill

>  >						    It's true that by using
>  > my Amiga the only thing I appear unable to do is get a 132-column
>  > screen,
    
    I use VLTjr in 132 column mode all the time.  I like the multi color
    support for rev/bold test too.
   
    ...Rich

    Re .0:
    
    I'm not going to enter a lengthy dissertation on the differences among
    "viruses", "worms", "Trojan Horses", et al.  Instead, I'll recommend
    "safe computing" as the way to avoid all of the above.
    
    We in the computer security business talk about "integrity" as the
    property whereby a system, user, or object (program/file/volume ...) is
    free of all such infection.  That is, an object is/does precisely what
    it claims to be/do.
    
    A system that has been initialized using distribution media is
    considered to have "high" integrity.  The libraries on your local
    bulletin board must be assumed to have very "low" integrity.  Your
    system CAN become a carrier (even if not itself infected) if you
    transfer executable files through it from that come from questionable
    sources.
    
    It is up to you to ASSURE the integrity of whatever you transfer to
    your systems at home and at work.  The easiest way is to KNOW YOUR
    SOURCES.  Conversely, know when you're exposing yourself to a risk.  If
    you get something from a questionable source, ASSUME IT IS INFECTED
    until you've proven otherwise.  Keep it in isolation while you check it
    out and DON'T PASS IT ON UNTIL YOU'RE CERTAIN that it's safe.
            

    re: .5
    
    Huh?  The original note asked if an Amiga could introduce a virus to a
    VMS system.  I would assume that this is impossible unless one were to
    upload a VMS executable or a .COM file.  The first case seems to me
    quite unlikely for a personal computer user to want to do.  In the
    second case, it's only prudent to either  a) have confidence in the
    source of the material, or b) understand the contents.
    
    As for Bill's comment,
    > ...The libraries on your local
    > bulletin board must be assumed to have very "low" integrity.
    
    From a theoretical point of view this may be true, but the lack of
    Amiga noters reporting this problem leads me to believe that there are
    many "clean" public sources of software.  By "clean" I mean that a
    particular BBS is highly unlikely to carry infected software, so that
    for all practical purposes an Amiga owner need not worry.  Certainly
    the worst problem seen with stuff available on the Easynet is that a
    few programs won't work on some hardware configurations.
    
    But I can speculate all day.  Do more avid BBSers than myself run into
    contaminated software very often?  Do you know of BBS operators who are
    lax about 'vetting' new uploads?  (You get extra credit for first hand
    experience and naming names of problem software and BBSes.)
    
    Wes

    I suspect it's a case of "why bother".  Somebody intent of trying to
    infect a VMS system would be a lot more likely to spend time doing
    it for an ibmpc instead of an amiga.  And even more likely, would 
    develop/test/release it from a VMS system.  Are there BBSes with
    VMS software?
    
                 Dave

    I agree that the risk is low but it is important that users understand
    where the risk is. For a virus to work it must be executed. This also
    includes command procedures or raw data that may direct an application
    to do something you don't want it to.  As long as you are just copying
    data and not using it the risk is very low but  probably not zero as
    these guys are clever. 

    A mechanism that would cause a problem is to receive a utility that
    compliments one on you use on your AMIGA. If you copy it up and use it
    there could be a virus in it. If you have minimal privileges there is
    much less risk as VMS systems have security features that protect the
    system and other unprivileged user. 

    Just remember that don't use anything that you're not sure of unless
    you are ready for the results.

	

    I was being purposefully vague about "viruses" in my original note
    in order to see what responses I'd get and Bill in .5 was quite
    right to note that there are many types of (for want of a better
    generic term) "infestation".
    
    The purpose of the note was to determine whether anyone was aware
    of the possibility of *direct* infestation from an Amiga to a VAX.
    
    From the replies I think I can take it - for the moment - that the
    answer is no.
    
    As for running unknown software on a VAX, I am fully aware of the
    possible implications. 
    
    Thanks to all for your thoughts and advice.
    
    David.