USERQBPP@SFU.BITNET (Robert Slade) (08/25/89)
Regarding the request for information on a virus that destroyed monitors: I have had confirmed that there is a command for certain types of monitor adapter cards for the IBM/ISA/MS-DOS world which will turn off the "scanning" of the display. This means that a line or point may "burn in" on the monitor and destroy the phosphors at that point. When used "properly" it may also cause the CRT itself to overheat and burn out. The cards susceptible to this are all older CGA type. As far as I am aware, this code has never been incorporated into a virus. It would not do ttoo mcuh damage in any case, as it is very machine specific.