The threat of Y2K-related virus attacks would be far apart and minor, according to Malaysian Computer Emergency Response Team(MyCERT) project head Raja Azrina Raja Othman. However, she advised PC users to arm themselves with a copy of the latest anti-virus software or update what they had, just to be safe.

On the anti-virus checklist, she said PC owners should:

• MAKE sure your anti-virus program's auto protect option is on, so that it stays in memory to check for any virus activities in the background.
• BE sure you know what an e-mail-attachment is for before you open it. Most viruses originate from attachments;
• STAY informed-logon to your anti-virus vendor's websites, or to MyCERT (http://www.mycert.mimos.my) for the latest news; and
• DON'T panic Some widely-publicised viruses are just hoaxes, after all, she added.

PC users could visit MyCERT's website at http://www.mycert.mimos.my for its vendor list or drop by at Microsoft Corp's site at http://www.microsoft.com, said Raja Azrina. "Once you have the anti-virus program, make sure your system is fully scanned.'Companies should also make sure their network and gateways are well protected', she added.

Microsoft has formed agreements with several anti-virus vendors to extend these companies' trial periods from 30 days to 90 days in anticipation of a viral deluge at year-end. Experts have warned that hackers may take advantage of the Year 2000 computer glitch, also known as the Millennium Bug, to release many viruses via the Internet.

Raja Azrina advised users to visit MyCERT's website to check for any new alerts and also to inform MyCERT via e-mail () of any viral attacks they faced. MyCERT said it would open a 24-hour hotline at (03) 8996-1901 to handle any all queries related to Y2K viruses.

As a last resort, you may not want to turn on your PC on the rollover date as many viruses are designed to deliver he payload at the time, Raja Azrina said. Meanwhile, PC vendor PC Suria Malaysia Sdn Bhd will also host a 24-hour free hotline at (03) 4025-1536, through a joint effort with anti-viral maker AVP (South -East Asia).

According to PC Suria general manager of production, Azman Elis, the company would also have a three-man team to handle cases that can't be solved over the phone. However, the company will charge for this field service, which is limited to the Klang Valley.