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June 19, 2000
A new computer virus has hit several large corporations, including some here in Utah. It was continuing to spread relatively slowly on Monday.
The e-mail message contains "funny," "life stages" or "jokes" in the subject line. The text of the message reads "the male and female stages of life," with an attachment, "life_stages.txt" or "life_stages.txt.shs."
The virus does not permanently damage computer files but can clog e-mail systems. Like the "Love Bug" virus that struck earlier this year, this virus automatically sends copies to everyone listed in the Microsoft Outlook program's address book.
Both viruses can also spread through chat rooms.
Unlike Love Bug, the new virus uses a Windows feature called Shell Scrap Object to activate. The virus carries an ".shs" suffix, but Windows computers are generally configured to hide the suffix, making the file appear to contain only text.
Anti-virus companies have updated their software to catch the new virus. They encourage businesses to delete attachments with the ".shs" suffix.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story)
