Well, yes and no. The virus in question is called the Perrun virus. It is viral code that is APPENDED to the end of the .jpg file on infected computers. But it can't execute (run) without another component, the executable, that runs the viral code. So if you receive an infected .JPG file from someone else, but you have not in the past (or future) been so unfortunate as to have also downloaded the executable (it would generally come in as an attachment to an e-mail), you're safe. This Perrun virus is like epoxy - it takes both Part A and Part B to be effective. (What it does is replace your default program for opening .jpg files with its own code, which then searches each .jpg you open for the viral load and then runs the code.) As with most Internet viruses, this one will only infect Windows computers (Mac, Unix, Linux are immune) and you need to have a certain Windows system file already installed or else the viral code does not extract. For more detailed information and late breaking news, visit either www.symantec.com or www.mcafee.com.

Many websites offer on-line classes on topics ranging from digital photography to Photoshop, where you can learn from the comfort of your own computer. Most are free, although they may have a "required" text for you to read or follow along in. Here's one site you may not have thought about: Hewlett-Packard, www.hplearningcenter.com. For a course catalog, click on the Course Catalog link in the "business center" section of the homepage. Another very popular learning place is www.barnesandnobleuniversity.com, which is scheduled to reopen this month with lots more classes. And it's all free.

Microsoft will be releasing (may already be out by the time you read this) a Service Pack for Windows XP that allows users to install non-Microsoft software to perform tasks such as Web browsing, e-mailing, and playing on-line music. This is in response to the anti-trust litigation that's still going on. You can check for the update -- indeed, any Windows updates -- at www.microsoft.com/windows, or by clicking on Start, Windows Update for versions after Windows 95 (for 95 users, use the URL).

It's generally a good idea to keep your computer's operating system up to date, and it's especially true with Windows. Most of the critical updates are in response to newly discovered security holes and other potential problems, and generally should be downloaded and installed when they are posted. Updates are also available for Microsoft Office products at http://office.microsoft.com. These updates are free for the downloading time. Some of the larger updates can be ordered on CD for the cost of shipping/handling, or you can have your friend with DSL or faster bandwidth download and burn a CD for you.