From: TYETISER@ssw02.ab.umd.edu
Newsgroups: comp.virus
Subject: New Anti-viral Product Announcement
Date: 30 Mar 92 23:25:49 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University


        New Anti-viral Package Featuring Real Intelligence,
                         not Artificial

      with exceptional capability to handle "stealth" viruses as well
              as others that target PCs running MS/PC-DOS

   Description: VDS (Virus Detection System) 2.0 is an anti-viral
software package designed to contain the spread of computer viruses by
providing early detection and quick recovery. What distinguishes VDS
from other anti-viral products is that its operation is based on
analyzing viral behavior rather than just looking for known byte
sequences extracted from virus samples. Therefore, VDS does not
require frequent upgrades.
   VDS uses a proprietary triple-pass verification technique to catch
the most evasive "stealth" viruses even when they are active in
memory. Coupled with its blazing operational speed (thanks to its
optimized internal cache), VDS represents the strongest software
solution currently available.
   VDS generates a customized device driver during installation. The
device driver barely adds three seconds to bootup time and catches all
system infectors with ease. It can recover vital system areas such as
the master boot record and the partition boot record automatically,
and place a copy of the affected area in a file so that the user can
examine it later. The user is given an opportunity to embed his own
message inside the device driver. This message is displayed if a
possible infection is detected.  Businesses will find this feature
very useful since it can be used to prompt users to report any
incidents as instructed by the message. The device driver can also be
configured to freeze the computer after displaying the customized
message to ensure that it is not ignored.
   A unique feature of VDS is its decoy launching mechanism.
The decoys are used to lure any viruses active in memory and to
capture them in a POV (Prisoner Of VDS) file for examination.  The
captured intruders can speed up diagnosis process since you will know
which virus you are dealing with or whether it is a new virus.
   VDS documentation rivals many books on computer viruses not
only by its readability but also by its technical content. It offers
practical guidelines and a risk analysis test designed to evaluate the
vulnerability of your computers to viral attacks.
   The package includes a special utility program that helps users to
recover from all system infectors that target vital areas of hard
drives such as the master boot record. Another program in the package
allows users to search DOS-compatible (including network) drives for
known viruses.  This program sports an easy-to-use menu-driven user
interface as well as a spartan command-line mode for individuals who
do not mind remembering half a dozen options. It also has a mechanism
to add new virus patterns externally.
   Availability: VDS Advanced Research Group offers different
versions of VDS: trial, personal, academic, charity, business and
complimentary. Trial version is only $7 and can be ordered directly
from the developers. It is also available on several BBSes and can be
downloaded for free. Personal version sells for $25 (plus shipping)
and can be used on as many computers as the user personally owns.  If
the user chooses to become a registered user after ordering the trial
version, the $7 is credited towards the payment for the personal
version. Site licenses for businesses can be negotiated.  Business
version allows all employees of a company to use VDS on their home
computers at no extra charge.  What's more, site licenses need NOT be
renewed periodically!
   System Requirements: IBM PC/XT/AT/PS2 or compatible computer with
256K RAM, MS/PC-DOS 3.0 or higher, a hard drive and a floppy diskette
drive.
   How to Order: Phone orders can be placed by calling (410) 247-7117
and providing your name, address and the diskette size (of A: drive)
you need. You must pay by C.O.D. or request to make another
arrangement if your company policy does not permit C.O.D. purchases.
To order VDS by mail or if you have any questions, you can write to:

                 Attn: Tarkan Yetiser
                 VDS Advanced Research Group
                 P.O. Box  9393
                 Baltimore, MD 21228