forags@violet.berkeley.edu (08/12/89)
Networked Apple Laserwriters aren't really subject to permanent virus infestation, since a power-off cycle will clear their RAM. HOWEVER, a proficient Postscript programmer can deposit code in an LW's memory which can stay resident and affect other users' output until the power is cycled. These modifications can include re-defining standard Postscript operators to do different things (such as "showpage" could be extended to overprint the word "CLASSIFIED" on every page printed). PostScript has a password mechanism to prevent some alterations to persistent parameters (such as printing a start-up page), but many users leave the password un-set. Al Stangenberger Dept. of Forestry & Resource Mgt. forags@violet.berkeley.edu 145 Mulford Hall - Univ. of Calif. uucp: ucbvax!ucbviolet!forags Berkeley, CA 94720 BITNET: FORAGS AT UCBVIOLE (415) 642-4424