Since there are basically no Malware Specialists in Chat...may I suggest an announcement which refers guests to the Malware forum, should they have issues regarding viruses? Or include this in the current announcement?
The trick with this is: it needs some thought, on a case-by-case basis.
And that requires a thinking helper that is human - it can't be a solid line.
I suppose some malware questions might have answers that are not so involved, that they can be handled in a chat. But I see other posts here that indicate this is not the norm.
Then, we have the thing where the chat channel is a reflection on the Computerhope.com site. Here, in the site forum, malware problems are handled only by those that meet some qualification - this provides a measure of protection for the site's reputation and image.
Regarding the chat channel, we could just say: Hey.. you asked... it is your fault if you accepted bad advice.
But... do we really want to do that? ... I hope not.
On occasion, I do take the time to explain to a chat user, that the specialists here in the forum DO have some qualification, whereas whatever advice they get in the channel could be from someone that knows what he is talking about... or it might not. This makes it another reason to visit the forum.
Back to your original question - including in an annoucement. Right now, for example - you and I both have the link to evilfantasy's introductory post in a script, so that we post it easily when needed.
And THAT is the key. "when needed".
I agree that usually it is needed.
But the script is just a tool to use, after consideration of whatever the user presented.
Oz's database of info and links is just another tool. But this one , when Oz is repaired and back online, is available to everybody. And contains a lot more info and links.
Anyone and everyone can easily call up various links to point users to helpful pages.
