I do not accept attachments for
homework assignment for several reasons.
First of all, some of the new computer viruses
automatically send infected files
to individuals listed in your e-mail address book or they are macro
viruses that target Microsoft Word or Excel. In the real world, I know
that many individuals and
organizations do not keep their anti-virus programs up-to-date. Maybe
you do ... maybe you don't. It is safer for me to assume that you don't.
To reduce the possibility that you will
accidentally infect my PC with a virus,
do
not attach any homework files to your e-mail messages. If you
prepare your answers in a word processor or Notepad, that's OK. But then
cut-and-paste your answers into the body of your e-mail message.
Since I will
not open any attachments, your assignment will simply not get graded and
you will lose points for not following the procedure. If you resubmit the
assignment after the prescribed deadline, you may also lose additional
points.
I will consider looking at attachments provided
that you give me a brief explanation of what the attachment represents.
Don't simply say "Check this out" since that is what some of
the virus infected files do. Let me know that it is coming from a real
human ... not just some computer generated message.
The other reason for not accepting
attachments is that it takes me more time to grade your assignment. There
is no reason why I have to open and close another application just to view
your assignment. I want to be able to preview all of the new submissions
directly within my e-mail client.
I check for updated anti-virus DAT files
daily. But
there is always the possibility that your system has just become
infected with a brand new virus. If you have ever had a PC crash due to
a virus, you will understand why this safety precaution is necessary.
