The virus was first reported to affect Hong Kong, spreading through Microsoft Outlook e-mail systems. Users got an e-mail from someone they knew, asking them to check the attached file. The file was a simple Visual Basic script, which contained the virus payload. Due to a lack of knowledge on Internet security on the users' part, the "I Love You" viruses caused serious damage. If the users deleted the e-mail without opening the attachment, their computers would have been safe from harm. Once a computer is infected, the virus transmits itself through the e-mail system using the user's Outlook address book.
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1. How did "I Love You" virus affect the community?
2. Do you have any experience with computer viruses?
3. What would be your immediate reactions: a) feelings? b) thoughts? c) behaviour?
4. What can you do to protect yourself from a) computer virus infection? b) unwanted emails? c) junk mail (spam)?
5. Why do people create computer virus?
6. Do you think creating viruses as "a joke" is acceptable? Why or why not?
7. The creator of the "I Love You" virus was a computer student from the Philippines. In the Philippines, there is no law prohibiting the creation and distribution of computer viruses. The U.S. demanded legal action be taken against the creator, but no arrest has been made. Do you think that he should be taken to the U.S. and punished under U.S. law?