AT&T Tech Support 360
October 17, 2006 2:05 PM PDT
Windows virus worms onto some Apple iPods
Last modified: October 17, 2006 2:28 PM PDT
- Related Stories
-
Apple forges path to digital living room
September 12, 2006
The company said that a small number of video iPods made after Sept. 12 included the RavMonE virus. It said it has seen fewer than 25 reports of the problem, which it said does not affect other models of the media player, nor does it affect Macs.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company apologized on its Web site for the problem, but also used the opportunity to jab at Microsoft, its operating system rival.
"As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it," Apple said on its site.
Apple Vice President Greg Joswiak told CNET News.com that the virus was discovered last week and said the company has been working around the clock since then to discover the root cause of the problem. Joswiak said it was traced to a particular Windows machine in the manufacturing lines of a contract manufacturer that builds the iPods for Apple. The company declined to name the maker."It's more important to say we now have processes in place to make sure this won't happen again," Joswiak said. "Very few units actually went through that particular station, fortunately."
The company said that computers using a current antivirus software and with default settings should detect and remove RavMonE, as it is an identified virus. It is urging iPod users without such protection to install antivirus software.
Apple said that the video iPods now being made are virus-free. It introduced the latest generation of iPods last month.
Antivirus company McAfee listed the iPod threat as a low risk, but gave it the rating of "low/profiled," which the company said applies to viruses that "appear to be low risk, but warrant additional monitoring because they have attracted media interest."
Joswiak said the virus does not affect Macs or the iPod itself. As for Windows machines, Joswiak said the virus "does not cause data damage but can lower the security of the computer" and said it should be removed. Apple points to various antivirus firms' Web sites, including McAfee, Microsoft and Symantec, as places consumers can get antivirus software if they don't already have it.
Apple said that there was no intentional placement of the virus on the iPods. "You can rest assured of that," he said.
CNET News.com's Joris Evers contributed to this report.
See more CNET content tagged:
virus,
antivirus software,
Apple Computer,
Apple video iPod,
McAfee Inc.
Apple doesn't have any experience dealing with viruses, but they are going to have to learn:
When you lay down with dogs, you are going to get fleas.
probably some stupid Chinese factory worker trying to look up
porn. Apple has no control over what goes on in China.
Don't forget , they also chose to purchase those cheap self exploding SONY Li batteries, for use in their laptops !
So customer last, is Apple's mantra anyway!
virus on iPods" to "Windows virus worms onto some Apple iPods"..
That's right.. A lot of your community use Apple Products.. So stop
the propaganda or we will boycott your user driven site into the
ground...
Maybe apple should take after windows and fix there software exploits instead of releasing new version numbers with the exploits included for whatever insane cost.
An additional thought of mine is, why is apple using a manufacturer that has windows computers? I thought mac was so much better, seems the manufacturer did not think the same was true.
As for macs staying on for a year as is stated in a reply to this story, I find it incredibly stupid that this person would think that windows pc's always crash and macs stay on for years. There's a simple reason for this, normally when windows crashes, it's because of some memory leak in a program, when macs crash it's because some hardware device failed since there aren't too many pieces of software that apple doesn't make for macs. Don't think that this makes a case for apple making software, they honestly have a long way to go before they're a serious company in that market. They should learn that security fixes are free, not the next version of the product. Oh, did I mention the automatic deleting itunes songs with itunes 7?
Guess windows and macs have there issues. All operating systems do, however before throwing stones about one being better than the other, maybe they should both be used in real world environments. I can't think of an fortune 500 company that uses macs as there main PC's, can you?
their machine anyway!!!
Typical "vote for me because my opponent sux" attitude. I'm not buying it.... and it's the same message "buy Mac because security in the other OS sux." I have supported Mac as a good OS but I'm sick and tired of hearing macboy central with the same broken record. Never anything new, just the same post over and over again by Macboy central. Perhaps its time for a rebutal broken record...
You should buy Microsoft Windows because Mac will only run 2 out of the 20 top games. Once you try Windows, you'll never go back. Mac sux and everyone knows it.
Lame, huh? I think the same of the macboy one. Considering I've never had a virus on my Windows, I'd say the security is good and not nearly as bad as what the macboys make it out to be. I tried both, made my choice and I'm enjoying it. BTW, I am also enjoying all these cool games that are available.
Oh, but you have a good selection of games, right? Oh wait... also no. I know, lets all go play Cro-Mag Ralley and HaloPC!
Windows users to blame someone for this? Go ahead Windows
users and blame Apple, and Mac users can blame Microsoft. But
in the end companies do make mistakes. Apple isnt perfect and
acknowledges their mistakes. Microsoft makes tons of mistakes
too.
The main point here is that who ever gets blammed for it really
doesnt matter because it comes down to this single virus.
A virus that exists on Windows and Windows alone. So Windows
users can't really blame Apple for the fact that viruses exist on
their computers but Apple will say sorry this happened anyway.
Notice no Mac user is even remotely upset about this whole
ordeal. This is because in no way does this affect them. I am not
saying screw everyone else, but at least everyone else (Windows
users) should be open to something that won't screw you over
(the Mac).
Windows users should think about buying a computer that will
not have problems like this ever again. As a user of both in my
life I have truely discoverd the light of Apple and what makes
them superior. Do not fear the change and you will thankful in
the end.
of its marketshare. And it is exceeding 12 percent now by the way.
So it is definitly on the rise because people are seeing what they
are made of and all the old myths of Macs are fading away.
Besides, who gives a s*** if Apple is blaming Microsoft, does this
hurt your feelings? All I care is that I have a quality computer that
won't fail me. You obviously are upset about something...I wonder
I keep a closer eye on Apple's financial statements than their keynotes. My understanding is that Mac laptops are selling very well, but Mac desktops are not selling as well as years past.
I have a MacMini and 2 test machines, so I use both, but I still prefer the Windows platform for a vast majority of my work. Some people around here find that hard to believe, but it is a highly educated choice. FWIW, I work in IT, I also use Linux frequently and my first computer was an Apple IIe (which I still have).
The best chance for me to buy a Mac is if I can use a MacMini as a media hub and DVR for an HD system. Given the pre-announcement of the new HW product next year, there's a chance. Still, Vista's "Media Edition" functionality also looks very good.
-Mister Winky
need laptops and they are picking up the best ones, macbooks and
macbook pros. why? because they here good things, but the key for
them is they run windows and os x. when the students here they
run both systems they say "ok, i'll try it cause if i don't like it i still
have windows". most people end up liking it more than they
thought. Soon comes a need for a desktop down the road. where
do they go? to the imac.. apple is on the rise, we should be happy,
in fact, they did give us the mouse
for the list
Win XP SP1
Win XP SP2
Windows 2003 server
Windows xp 64 bit
Windows 2003 64bit
Windows media center editions 2004 and 2005
i think u know that xbox 360 runs on IBM processors and the operating system used is based on windows 2003. The XBOX development kits Microsoft supplied to the game developers are mac pro's with Microsoft operating system (i think) or just mac version of "direct X".
I think u had to know that current "Macos X" are based on open-bsd kernel and its open source. The top X layer is apple property. I don't think apple has resources to develop operating system from scratch in less that 2 years.
- sorry
-
by kallu_be
October 17, 2006 6:34 PM PDT
- actually i am replying to this comment
-
Reply to this comment
-
-
See all 186 Comments >>"Ok.. Port Windows to the IBM processor ... Get back to me in a million years when you finnish.. They did that in 2 months to x86..."
This is the first time i am posting ... will take care from the next time