CNET Membership: Hot Topics Newsletter

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May 10, 2005

Dear CNET members,
Last week, many of you e-mailed me saying that ZabaSearch didn't apply to you, and I apologize for not stating it's a search within the United States only. I guess the ZabaSearch folks should really revisit their quote, "The #1 People Search on Earth."

Now let's talk about the scum of the earth: people who develop viruses. The recent release of the Sober.p virus has been driving me nuts for the past couple of weeks, flooding my e-mail box to the point of absolute frustration. While I'm thankful for my security protection, I'd really like to give one of these jokers a good flogging each time I receive an infected e-mail. Obviously, I'm joking, but the question remains: how can we stop (or at least slow down) these annoying viruses? Are the less tech-savvy to blame for infecting themselves and others? What motivates these guys to create this havoc: money or fame? Find out more about this topic in Senior Editor Robert Vamosi's article, "Why virus writers still do what they do." And if you have any opinions you'd like to share with the rest of us, TalkBack here. Be safe and be aware out there--only you can prevent the spread of viruses!

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community

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This week's hot topic:

Why virus writers still
do what they do
You had lots to say after reading the latest Security Watch column. What can be done to stop the ever-growing virus problem? Many of you had some interesting suggestions.

Change the protocols
CNET member pgh argues that as long as there's money to be made, new viruses will continue to be developed, no matter how strong the laws are against it. He suggests that we reexamine Internet protocols such as e-mail's POP to help combat viruses.
Read pgh's full post in CNET TalkBack

Make the corporations work harder
Tired of e-mail viruses flooding his Hotmail account, CNET member snharden has a different stance: demand that ISPs and software companies work harder to stop viruses before they ever make it to the end user.
Read snharden's full post in CNET TalkBack

An ounce of prevention...
CNET member jackintucson proudly states that he hasn't had a virus in more than five years. How does he do it? By suiting up his PC with powerful firewall and virus utilities and using good old common sense.
Read jackintucson's full post in CNET TalkBack

Speak Up!
Want to share your opinions about virus writers? Read "Why virus writers still do what they do," then speak up in the TalkBack section.

TalkBack about virus writers!

CNET security resources:
• Virus Center
  From CNET Reviews

• Virus & security alerts forum
  From CNET forums

• Antivirus applications compared
  From CNET Reviews

Quick Hits

Here are some great comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Keep the feedback coming!

• Making movies kid-friendly
   TalkBack posted in The Real Deal

• HP's new DLP HDTVs: sexier
  than Samsung's?
   TalkBack posted in Fully Equipped

• Lensbaby turns 2.0
   TalkBack posted in Get the Picture

Weigh in on this week's hot topic:

Has your computer ever been infected by a virus?

What's next?

Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.

• Fix your PC
• Spyware killers
• 3D card deathmatch

• AMD beats Intel
• Firefox hacks
• Hot Bluetooth phones

Hot Products
Besides discussing the war on viruses, CNET members had plenty of new tech products to talk about this week.

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M1
Most of you applauded Sony's first digital camera/video camera hybrid, giving it an overall rating of 7.9. The most common complaint is that the unit's still-photo quality could be better and that the bundled software is a bit underwhelming.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

Firefly
Most of you blasted the family-oriented Firefly, giving it a dismal overall rating of 4.1. Several parents chimed in, saying that while the phone's prepay plan was great for parents, the phone's lack of text messaging and other features won't please most Net-savvy kids.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

HP PSC 2355 all-in-one
Finally, a printer that can do a little bit of everything, the HP PSC 2355 passed your print standards, with an overall rating of 7.1. The feature you liked the most was the printer's versatility since the unit can scan, copy, and even churn out photo-quality prints.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

Portable One MX
Though it's still early in the voting process, you're giving the Portable One MX a rock solid seal of approval with an overall rating of 9.4. Several of you celebrated the laptop's magic mix of portability, power and battery life.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

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