This one spreads via email or ICQ's instant messaging and, according to at least one report, it disables several of the most popular computer security programs.

Of course (as usual) it only affects MS Windows users and just loves taking advantage of MS Outlook.

It usually arrives as an attachment (gone.scr) to an email that carries the subject line "Hi" and claims to be a screensaver.

Anyone stupid or naive enough to run the attachment will find themselves infected.

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However, perhaps the most worrying thing about this menace is that it disables a long list of products which are supposed to protect MS Windows machines from such dangers.

The virus installs a back-door program which your personal firewall won't detect or block -- because it will be disabled as part of the infection.

Reports indicate that this piece of malevolent code has already spread like wildfire -- so be on your guard -- and don't let your trust in anti-virus and firewall programs allow you to ignore basic email-handling safety:

• Do not open unsolicited attachments -- even if they appear to be from someone you know.
• Make sure you regularly check that your Windows and email software have all the available security and update patches applied

For just US$9.95 a month (less than the price of a single album on CD), you'll get access to more than 100,000 music tracks from a range of contemporary pop artists.

Sounds pretty good eh?

Well maybe -- but there are some significant limitations:

• You can't burn the music to CD -- so unless your PC sits in the living room and is connected to a decent stereo, the convenience and quality of the music is somewhat compromised. Likewise you won't be able to listen to the music in your car while stuck in a traffic jam on the way home from work.
• Although there are 100,000 tracks available -- you're only allowed to download 100 per month.
• If you cancel your subscription -- your right to listen to the music you've downloaded disappears -- remember, you're only renting the tracks.

Yeah, it will probably appeal to a large number of people who want legal access to a wide range of music that can be played on their computers.

I know that, as a programmer, I was always listening to music as I worked, and since I wore headphones, the PC-only playing restriction wouldn't matter at all.

What about you -- would you consider paying almost NZ$25 a month for such a service?

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