Chris W. Johnson at the University of Texas recently released an update to his free Gatekeeper antiviral utility, version 1.2.8. The new version is a maintenance release, and doesn't address new viruses, but all Gatekeeper users should obtain this update.

Some earlier versions of Gatekeeper may comment that they are out of date, and suggest that the user find an update. This feature is based on Chris's assumption that he'd release new versions from time to time. Before version 1.2.7 came out, owners of Gatekeeper 1.2.6 found that the software led them on a wild goose chase for a not-yet-released update. Since many users neglect to keep their antiviral utilities up to date, this feature can be a helpful reminder (and as it only appears every few days, it's not too much of a nuisance).

Gatekeeper provides specific protection against known viruses, and also acts as a reveal activity monitor, watching for operations or events that could indicate an unknown virus, or an unknown variant of an existing virus. On more than one occasion since its first release in 1989, Gatekeeper has been instrumental in discovering and tracking new viruses.

You can obtain an update from the master FTP archive at microlib.cc.utexas.edu (in the directory microlib/mac/virus), or from other FTP archives, online services, user groups, or dealers. Then, read the documentation, install and configure the software, and please don't forget to send the author a postcard thanking him:

Chris Johnson
4505-B Avenue H
Austin, TX 78751 USA

-- Information from:
Chris Johnson