Authorities are alerting Internet users to the computer viruses known as "Kompu" and "Happytime," but have assured that damage will be limited, the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center said yesterday.

The center -- the only anti-virus products testing and certification center authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security -- raised the alert about the two viruses, which could start wreaking havoc on computer systems from today. 

The experts explained that the Wm_Kumpu virus originated in Estonia and generates messages on computer screens that read, "Mul on paha tuju!" and "Tahan kommi", which mean, "I am in bad mood" and "Give me some candy".

Vbs_Happytime, a virus that hides in e-mail attachments, can eliminate.exe and .dll files in hard drives.

Experts urge Internet users checking email or visiting chat rooms to be on the alert.

The center has advised computer system maintenance technicians to scrutinize their systems and upgrade anti-virus software.

The center has also assured users that the viruses would not damage entire hard drives in a short space of time. Any data lost should be recoverable with the use of the right software and tools.

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2006)