BKHADGE.RVW   930614

PickAxe Media
193 Bath Rd
Kirawee 2232
N.S.W.
Australia
Bruce Hodge    ccdbh@cc.newcastle.edu.au
"Rid me of this Virus" $15.00

At fifty-nine pages (including the glossary and a five page "chapter 1" which
describes it) this seems to be more of a pamphlet than a book.  Finding out
that the author works in technical support at a university seems to explain it. 
The work seems to be a very brief, "off the top" overview of the virus problem,
and some suggestions of how to avoid infection.

It is *very* brief.  A list of antiviral software is just that: a list of the
titles of thirteen programs, with no discussion of utility, price -- or even
contact information.  This terseness is a little odd, especially in view of the
fact that that six of the names are repeated three times, since there are
actually three lists: one for detection, one for prevention and one for
removal.

The informal tone of the book is certainly a change from some of the more
weighty tomes in this area, and the "down to basics" style is much more useful
for those who do not want to become virus experts, but simply want to protect
their own machines.  That said, there are some problems even in this area.  The
book is illustrated with cartoons.  Some are amusing (I particularly liked the
one about a software store "stocked" with viri), some are irrelevant, and some
are downright confusing.  Also, while the limitation on the topics is good,
the coverage is very uneven.

The advice is a bit uneven as well.  Page seven gets full marks for noting that
the common advice to completely isolate a computer renders the computer almost
useless.  However, page twenty states that you should "never let anyone else
use your computer", dubious advice at best in the usual office environment. 
(This same point uses "disk-swapping" as an example of "use by others":
dangerous, yes, but most people would not see the connection.)

Except for the price, this might be a handy pamphlet to give to large groups of
users (such as in a university or corporate enviroment) who do not need to be
"virus literate", but should have some understanding of the subject.  However,
those in support positions should be well aware of the shortcomings of the
book.  It might better be used as a handout and discussion piece for a virus
seminar for staff.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1993   BKHODGE.RVW   930614
 
======================
DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733
Author "Robert Slade's Guide to Computer Viruses" (Oct. '94) Springer-Verlag