The virus warning message which is being circulated on the net reads thus: “Please send this to every one on your contact list!” A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive ever. This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon by McAfee.

This virus simply destroys Sector Zero from the hard disk where vital information for its functioning are stored. “This virus acts in the fol lowing manner: It sends itself automatically to all contacts on your list with the title: “A Card for You”. “As soon as the supposed virtual card is opened the computer freezes so that the user has to reboot. When the ctrl+alt+ del keys or the reset button are pressed the virus destroys Sector Zero thus permanently destroying the hard disk. Yesterday in just a few hours this virus caused panic in New York according to news broadcast by CNN. “This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself. ” So don’t open any mails with subject: “A Virtual Card for You.” “As soon as you get the mail delete it! Even if you know the sender! “Please pass this mail to all of your friends.” Laughing it off Tariq said: “This is a hoax or rather a false warning going all over the internet. Such e mails have been circulating since 2001 in fact!” “In general email warnings and alerts about viruses are very ineffective at pre venting infection. The best way is to always install a reputed antivirus software and keep it updated — period.