tfarrell@lynx.northeastern.edu (12/11/90)
I have read several responses to my input on LZEXE, critical of what I had to say. I have three responses. 1. I recognize the fact that if you LZEXE'd a file that had already been infected it could hide the virus. This is another good argument for regular scanning. I have LZEXE'd almost all of my software, and feel safe about it, because I have had most of it for quite a while and the software I use has proven itself safe because of years of regular use and frequent virus scans with the most up to date software I can get my hands on. If you can feel as safe about your software before using LZEXE as I did, I personally believe that LZEXE can add some more security. 2. You're probably right about stealth viruses. I hadn't thought of that. Good idea. However, that doesn't rule out the possibility that it could help find or pervent non-stealth viruses. 3. LZEXE is not compatible with MS Windows programs (this is explicitly stated in the documentation) and is not usually compatible with programs that use overlays. However, I myself have only hit one program (excluding windows) that I could not successfully put through LZEXE, which was Telix, the shareware communications program. I apologize to those people who have requested LZEXE from me and have not yet gotten it. I just got a copy of UUENCODE and will be mailing LZEXE to everyone who requested it within the next day or two. Thank you all on the virus journal for your constructive comments. Tom Farrell