Chinese experts have warned the country's computer users to be wary of blessings sent through the Internet as Christmas Eve draws near.

"They sometimes contain a vicious virus within," warned Liang Hong, director of the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center.

"Our suggestion is to carefully screen e-mails containing blessing words like 'Merry Christmas', 'Happy New Year' and 'A gift for you'," Liang said.

Liang said a virus called "MSNMSG.A", which was first found in OICQ software, should also be closely monitored as it can also infect through MSN, the on-line communication software developed by Microsoft.

The computer virus center advises computer users to update anti-virus software and start real-time computer virus monitoring functions when surfing the Internet.

Other viruses on the center's "closely monitored" list also include "W97M_TNT.B", "PE_Kriz.4029" and "WM_BIBDOT.A", which will change people's computer data or encrypt Word documents with unwarranted pin numbers.

(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2003)