From: tyetiser@umbc5.umbc.edu (Mr. Tarkan Yetiser)
Newsgroups: comp.virus
Subject: VDS Pro 1.0 Released (PC)
Date: 11 Nov 92 10:39:54 GMT


   Hello everyone,
   
   We are happy to announce the availability of VDS Pro 1.0, an
anti-viral package designed to help contain the spread of computer
viruses by providing early detection and quick recovery. VDS Pro
consists of various components, with an emphasis on integrity
checking. It includes a network compatible virus scanner featuring
both interactive and command line mode of operation with
context-sensitive help at the touch of a key, a low-level interactive
hard disk utility that simplifies dealing with boot sector viruses
safely, an integrity checker that implements a "semi-automatic" expert
system for detection of viral behavior, and a device driver to provide
robust system area integrity checks and recovery.

   The programs in the VDS Pro package require MS/PC-DOS 3.0+, and an
IBM compatible computer. The integrity checker is meant to be
installed on a local hard drive to control virus entry points in a LAN
environment or to provide a "fishing net" to detect viruses on
stand-alone machines. The integrity checker is a BIOS-level
implementation and in the current version does not support compressed
drives, or the ones that require a device driver to be able gain
access to the logical DOS partitions.

   We have found VDS Pro to be an excellent tool in containing the
spread of computer viruses with its advanced features such as the
decoy launching mechanism, self-healing capability, detailed audit
log, emergency disk, user-definable frequency of checks, and reliable
operation even when most stealth viruses are active in memory. It has
many convenient features to allow unexposed users to take advantage of
its powerful options without asking too many questions.

   Both VDSFSCAN (virus scanner) and VDS (integrity checker) support
an external virus signature file to simplify updates and immediate
response in the case of most unknown virus outbreaks. The integrity
checker includes a built-in scanner to search programs newly added to
hard drives for known viruses. It maintains a database of verification
information for programs and system areas. Certain directories can
also be excluded from checks for extra convenience in program
development environments. The scanner is designed to be usable by
anyone capable of reading English, and yet it is sophisticated enough
to provide centralized LAN server-based installation for
one-place-no-hassle updates. It can also be used on floppy-only
systems.  VDSFSCAN can be run in the background under Windows 3.1
enhanced mode, though it is not a Windows-specific application.

   VITALFIX is a powerful tool to remove boot sector viruses safely.
It also has many options to perform such operations as looking for a
relocated master or DOS boot record all over a hard disk,
zeroing/backup/restoration/ manipulation of any sector on the hard
disk, and construction of partition table and loader code.

   VDS package is priced reasonably enough not to put excessive burden
on shrinking budgets of MIS departments. A licensed version of the
package can be used indefinitely by the customer. New versions are
provided for a small percentage of the initial licensing fee.
Individual version costs $39, with a $10 optional printed manual (it
is provided on a diskette). For more detailed information on prices,
you can contact us at the following address:

                       VDS Advanced Research Group
                              P.O. Box 9393
                       Baltimore, MD 21228, U.S.A.
      e-mail:  tyetiser@umbc5.umbc.edu (info only, not for sales)   

   We also would like to say thanks to a few people who spared us some
of their valuable time to test all or parts of VDS Pro package, and
offered suggestions for improvement. Had these individuals not
cooperate, several bugs would not have been discovered. Especially,
Mike, Henri Delger, Paul Ferguson, Vesselin Bontchev, and Bill
Whittington have been most helpful.