I just noticed that post attachments now carry a sort of warning/disclaimer, viz:

http://elsmar.com/jpg/attachment_disclaimer.jpg
What does "Scan the attachment..." mean?

I just noticed that post attachments now carry a sort of warning/disclaimer, viz:

http://elsmar.com/jpg/attachment_disclaimer.jpg
What does "Scan the attachment..." mean?

Jim,

Scanning the attachment for viruses and other malicious stuff.

Stijloor.

Jim,

Scanning the attachment for viruses and other malicious stuff.

Stijloor.

"Scan" can mean to briefly look it over, or to use a scanner and make a copy, or, as you say, scan for viruses before using. We have a lot of people here who aren't native English speakers, so I think it might be confusing.

"Scan" can mean to briefly look it over, or to use a scanner and make a copy, or, as you say, scan for viruses before using. We have a lot of people here who aren't native English speakers, so I think it might be confusing.

Jim,

Excellent point! Maybe Marc can "internationalize" the note.

Stijloor.

Also, "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is".:sarcasm:

There is a limited amount of text I can put there. As for the number of people who do not speak English who visit, there is no way I can 'internationalize' all the forum text which 'might' confuse someone who doesn't speak English.

I'll play with it some, but I do think that most people who visit here will 'catch the drift' of the warning.

It now reads: "Attached Files: 1. Scan for viruses before using, 2. Please report any 'bad' files by Reporting the post it is in, 3. Use at your Own Risk."

There is a limited amount of text I can put there. As for the number of people who do not speak English who visit, there is no way I can 'internationalize' all the forum text which 'might' confuse someone who doesn't speak English.

I'll play with it some, but I do think that most people who visit here will 'catch the drift' of the warning.

I think so too. It was just an observation. I think most people who use computers these days also know enough to scan stuff they've downloaded before opening/using it.

It now reads: "Attached Files: 1. Scan for viruses before using, 2. Please report any 'bad' files by Reporting the post it is in, 3. Use at your Own Risk."
I recognize you have limited space in the box, itself. Would it be worthwhile to consider a link to a FAQ post where we could provide much more info on doing the action of scanning for viruses?

I could put in links to FAQs in hundreds of places, Wes. The question becomes, at what point do I stop? If I try to address everything with a link to a FAQ, we'd have links everywhere and I have no doubt there would still be questions. I'm almost surprised you ask because if I put in a link to a FAQ everywhere it's possible I'd be 'spoon feeding' people :whip: , which we all know is a No-No... :notme:

At this point, in this case, I feel that it is sufficiently clarified that most people who use a computer will understand "Attached Files: 1. Scan for viruses before using, 2. Please report any 'bad' files by Reporting the post it is in, 3. Use at your Own Risk." For those who don't/can't use a computer, obviously the issue is moot. If someone doesn't know what 'scan for viruses' is about, in my opinion they shouldn't be using anything but a Mac or running Linux on a PC box because they probably already have a virus and are probably spreading it around. If I have to explain to visitors what scanning for viruses is about, they're really beyond FAQs here.

As to Jim pointing out the vague wording, it helps any time someone points out something they think is an issue. Sometimes I can do something about it. Other times I can within limits. Other times there's little or nothing I can do. When I can, if I think it makes sense I'll try to do something about it. When someone sees something they think is problematic, by all means point it out.

BTW - I changed the 'tag' from "Attachments" to the verbiage I have now because I've seen a lot of sites start putting in similar 'disclaimers' and think it is a good idea.