Code Red. Is the cold war on again, now that the Internet is upon us? I can imagine that computer viruses came from a time when computers and computer networking were still exclusively military intelligence stuff. Within that context, viruses can be used to hinder enemy intelligence units from gathering necessary data. Viruses that "sneak" into computers and into networks, copying files, deleting, "waiting" for itself to be picked up or simply to "explode" within enemy computer hard drives is something scary outside of its wartime context.

I am not an expert on computers. But I am one of those whose lives have been -- fortunately or unfortunately -- hooked up with the gadget. While I can keep simple viruses from invading my computer through the judicious maintenance of the same, I can't say the same thing about Net viruses. With the rising cost of computer software, I can hardly keep up with their obsolescence rate.

The Rate of Obsolescence. Someone told me once that modern technology has a "built-in obsolescence." Aptly described I'd say. And it is directly proportionate to rising costs. "The higher the price; the faster it becomes obsolete" is the rule. So what is the connection with viruses? I opine: Sabotage. I destroy, so I can replace... with a price.