The New York Times, which has been slow to adapt its user technology to these newfangled "Mac" computers (not that any of us really wanted to use the PC-only Times Reader, but, you know, principles), learned yesterday that perhaps Macs are a good thing in one way.

The company memo from "News Technology"

All,

We had a breakout of a couple of computer viruses yesterday afternoon and evening. Several PCs were identified, among them only a handful in the newsroom, and virus protections were updated overnight. You may be prompted to reboot your PC today. The two specific viruses were identified as "trafficjam" and one that seemed fixated on Excel files.

Also, you can update your own shields at Programs - Utilities - Symantic (Norton) - Live Update, which takes a few seconds, here, at home, on your laptop. It's a good habit.

Basically, these viruses slow operations in the computer or may prompt the PC to shut down. If you notice symptoms, please call [redacted], so the call can get logged. They and pc technicians will be on the lookout for these issues today.

None of the reports yesterday involved Macintoshes.

There was also a Eudora problem last night, but it was unrelated to the virus problem.

Terry Schwadron

News Technology