The most common PC myths are Windows myths. One of the most common is about how Windows uses memory. They persist because they seem logical. Most are relatively harmless, but they cause people to waste time, energy and money.
The virus myth: "You get a computer virus when you download a file to your hard drive". Truth is, not really. Yes, it's like a land mine -- harmless if left alone, but deadly if activated. If you open or install the infected file, the virus will be activated. But it can't do any harm until then.
The preview pane in Outlook Express (or Outlook) provides the grain of truth that perpetuates the download myth. Simply viewing an email in the preview pane can activate malevolent content (a virus or worm). Downloading the message caused no harm -- it's the preview pane that uncorks the content.
The virus myth: "You get a computer virus when you download a file to your hard drive". Truth is, not really. Yes, it's like a land mine -- harmless if left alone, but deadly if activated. If you open or install the infected file, the virus will be activated. But it can't do any harm until then.
The preview pane in Outlook Express (or Outlook) provides the grain of truth that perpetuates the download myth. Simply viewing an email in the preview pane can activate malevolent content (a virus or worm). Downloading the message caused no harm -- it's the preview pane that uncorks the content.
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