The computer viruses known as Lovgate and Netsky will attack China this week, but the damages will be limited, predicted the Tianjin-based National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center.

Experts at the center -- the only anti-virus products testing and certification center authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security -- warned that the viruses, which will be spread via email in form of computer worms, are capable of damaging certain system files and disabling Microsoft Windows operating systems' anti-virus functions.

Experts are asking computer users not to click on unfamiliar e- mail attachments as the viruses will be activated by a mouse click.

To prevent the viruses from spreading, the center suggests users shut down the Internet or the Local Area Network (LAN) if their computers become infected.

Experts are also advising computer users to keep their anti- virus software current and start their real-time computer virus monitoring functions when surfing the Internet to avoid the viruses.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2004)