Computer hoaxes range from chain letters and pyramid schemes to financial fraud and attempts to get you to harm your own computer.  At a minimum, hoaxes waste time and bandwidth; at worst, they can make your computer nonfunctional (if you believe them and follow their instructions).  They all expect you to forward them to someone else.  Before forwarding anything, whether it came from a stranger or your mother, check to see if it's a hoax first. 

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Information courtesy of Sophos, a major provider of enterprise and small business antivirus solutions.  Visit http://www.sophos.com for more information.