Comments on: Windows virus worms onto some Apple iPods

A small number of the video media players have been shipped with the RavMonE virus, the company warns.

[iBuzz]

Stop watching porn on the assembly line

How else would a virus get on a manufacturing computer? And why the heck aren't they using Macs in the production of iPods?

[K.P.C.]

Why? Probably because . . .

iBuzz asked:
"And why the heck aren't they using Macs in the production of
iPods?"

Probably because the iPod & iTunes work not only with [Macs/OSX]
but also with [PC's/Windows].

You need to test the products on both platforms.

[igomersall]

proves that no one gives

HAHA, yea this is something that was bound to happen, their are to few mac users out there so in simple tearms they would rather hack a mac product to infect a PC, Its not that macs are safe cause they have no security holes, no no no its the other way around they have security holes its just there isn't enough of them out there for any programmer to want to creat a virus for them they would rather use their security holes to get a Windows based machines security holes, maybe this will bring about a trend of people who start to see that MACs real are the Fisher-Price MY first PC, and their slanderious advertizing was only true 15 years ago and isn't really true any more.

[tcardone05]

im a PC; im a ipod (nickname virus)

PCs may get more viruses, but my Zen Vision M sure doesn't have one.

[dotmike]

Actually, Creative did ship a virus in Japan

Heard it on an Engadget podcast about six months ago.

[dotmike]

Actually, Creative did ship a virus in Japan

Heard it on an Engadget podcast about six months ago.

It happens. Shouldn't happen, and what the hell is a factory PC
doing with non-standard software anyway, but it happens
nonetheless.

[a85]

amusing

I just find it funny that they use PCs to make Apple products. Classic. The irony is astounding.

[dotmike]

The Windows 95 logo was made with Freehand on a Mac

Boom cha!

[dotmike]

No, Apple, that's not the correct way to handle it

First, you admit the screwup and take responsibility for it and do
not blame your contractor. We buy iPods from you, not
Foxconn.

Second, you post detailed instructions on your web site on how
to check for any possible signs of the virus/worm.

Third, you provide a free download of a utility to scan and
remove said worm. Not everyone runs anti-virus software: if
someone uses Firefox and never downloads anything or collects
email, or doesn't even use the internet on their music computer
(maybe it's a home theater etc) there's little reason to.

Fourth, you do not take the opportunity to take a jibe at the
virus situation of Windows. Yes, we know Windows is targeted
by viruses, BECAUSE OVER 95% OF PEOPLE USE IT. If Mac ever
scraped into more than a miniscule marketshare, you'd get the
same situation. There are no Mac viruses because there is no
Mac market, so to speak.

Fifth, if anyone has received any data damage from your
negligence, prepare to open your checkbook... *cough* class
action lawsuit *cough*

[godam_registration]

I totally agree, dotmike!

There is a certain ettiquette for handling such embarassing screw-ups. By ignoring it, Apple displays an incredible arrogance and ignorance. Their response is in very bad taste!

[lmjohnso]

Poor Form on Apple's part

Apple ships some viruses to their customers and find it as a way to blame everybody but themselves. I know that Windows has it's virus problems as a result of being the TOP OS out there, but I don't hear anybody complaining about the shoddy IPODs that Apple sells for an outrageous amount of money considering that the things don't hold up anymore than a good year. I really hope ZUNE provides some good competition in this market so that Apple will stop with its monopolistic practices in this space.

[wbenton]

Apple learns to play Oops... (* GRIN *)

Apple learned to play Oops from Microsoft; the creator of the game call Oops. (* GRIN *)

Microsoft calls it "Oops" because it's purposeful, but they act as if it were an accident. (* ROFLOL *)

Walt

[skeptik]

mad scramble to toe the party line

It's extremely entertaining to watch the mac-heads dance on this one. Apple screwed up. Period. This isn't about how secure or insecure other OSs are, Apple shipped a product with a virus. There is no excuse for this that makes it acceptable behavior.
Saying it's Microsoft's fault for having an insecure OS is like running over an old lady making a legal street crossing and then saying it's her fault because she wasn't quick enough to get out of the way.
Apple is wrong. No two ways about it.
But you all keep shuffling your feet, averting your eyes and hemming and hawing, because it's turning out to be a very amusing day watching you.

[maceyblack]

Exactly

What's interesting here is that even though this is clearly Apple's mistake - as small as it is - there's this army of 1000 posters that are just *ready* to defend Apple and bash Microsoft over what is completely out of character for one and an almost non-issue for the other.

[mike.gw]

I knew the Apple haters would show up!

I thought to myself when the news broke last night, "let me check out the forums and see how many iPod/Apple haters are online like children screaming AHA"! You folks do not disappoint!

**** happens! During the manufacturing process, someone did something stupid and allowed a virus to get inside of what should be a clean room plant. It was bought to Apple's attention. They did the responsible thing. Acknowledged it, alerted the public, offered a solution for those affected, apologized and rectified the situation. Classic Public Relations 101! For a mishap, you simply can't handle it any better. They have a webpage pointing you to sources of free anti-virus software capable of removing the virus, and assured users that the virus is non-destructive.

MANY companies over the years have unwittingly introduced a virus into the public via manufacturing facilities. It's not as if Apple shipped infected code to the facility!

And it is an embarassment to Microsoft to have to hear that although Apple admitting wrongdoing, the virus only affects Windows users and not users of Apple's own products.

[Seaspray0]

More like Fanboys from both sides

I don't hate Mac, it's a nice computer. I hate the fanboys (and that includes windows fanboys as well) who spew absolute garbage as "fact" and can say nothing better than "your computer sux". Although Apple ultimately takes the responsibility for all of this, I believe they have taken the proper steps to correct it. I can say much less about Dell's handling of their customer support over the years. People should be placing the blame on the contractor as it was the source of the problem.

[godam_registration]

Own up to it apple!

Due to their negligence and poor quality control, a virus slips onto their products. What do they do? Blame MS for not manufacturing virus resistant OSs (I've never seen any of those except in Hollywood). This is lame. Own up to the responsibility! It's like running a red light and blaming the light manufacrturer for not making it visible enough - embarrasingly childish.

[cwsampson]

Intentional attack to differentiate Macs?

Anyone think this might have been intentional? Put a virus on iPods -- now loved by Mac users and Windows users -- and in doing so prove the superiority of Macs in protecting users from viruses thereby further encouraging the transition of Windows iPod users over to Mac OS.

[imacpwr]

pure coincidence..

most likely that's all it was.

[imacpwr]

Remember, headline reads: "WINDOW'S VIRUS"

Now for the real point, they're talking maybe ONLY 25 units were
infested. Get a life people, if you want to continue to use Microsoft
products that's your problem..
I'm just happy I don't have YOUR PROBLEMS..!!! :-)

[Vegaman_Dan]

You have your own set

Nope, you don't have the problems of the Windows world. You have your own set of problems to deal with.

Limited application availability.
Limited game availability.
OEM controlled hardware monopoly.
No upgrade paths without buying a new system.
Macintosh Zealots ruining the Macintosh user reputation.

Nope, you have all your own issues to deal with.

Glad I don't have YOUR problems!

Sad apple response

How pathetic. It's YOUR product, Apple. MS didnt put the virus there, your own stupidity did. Stop trying to shift the blame like a child, and take responsibility.

[airwalkery2k]

Apple and Microsoft are both at fault.

Windows and Mac OS sucks... so does linux and unix and computers in general! OMG!

I prefer the postal service and my abacus. You can't get a virus on those two! Well, unless the postal man gets a cold... and I suppose the abacus could lose a beed.

But my method is so much better and your method sucks! Hahahaha--you all suck because you use "computers".

[imacpwr]

Re: Apple and Microsoft are both..

You might get by with the abacus but avoid the Postal Worker at all
costs..!!
(very unstable)

http://www.disgruntledzone.com/

[jones_8099]

So what are you using right now?

I don't think your abacus can post a comment online. Anyway none
of the major OS suck. They are all good in their own respect, the
only thing that determines which a person likes better is personal
preference and what they have been exposed to.

[dragonfly8610]

MICROSOFT MY A**

Apple is so full of s**t. Apple isn't to blame, except where they tried to lay it off on Microsoft. And Microsoft isn't to blame either. Did they write the virus? Hell no!!!!!

Lay the blame where it belongs....on the low-life miscreants who think they are gonna land a big-buck job hacking other peoples' machines.

And shame on Apple....may the hackers soon start targeting you.

[mcepat]

we tried with vista to make it secure sorry

but after symantec and mcfee whined like little schoolgirls to get access to the kernel we lt them in.

sorry it will be same as usual now because of this, I sure wish we could be like apple and say fu to everyone when they built osx and broke everything that worked on os9 but hey for some reason they are apple and can do such things

[xxxmaxximusxxx]

MS crap

I'm at a point where i could care less what happens to MS users
and the things they buy or use. Better, safer and well known
alternatives are available should they choose to step up. As far as
Apple and Mac users embracing anything MS, well if you dance
freaky with MS you will get the equivalent of an STD, it's a given.

[mattumanu]

who's to blame?

Think about this for second. You have an automobile, right? Most people have an automobile these days. Anyway... You have an automobile with a standard gas cap, and one day you go out to start your car and for a bit it runs ok, then grinds and growls and quits. What happened? Someone put sugar in the gas tank.

Now, who's to blame here? 1) The car maker, who didn't put a lock cap on the tank to prevent people from tampering with your gas tank? 2) You? For not purchasing a car with a locking gas cap or even buying a locking gas cap yourself?

Or could it be the fault of the person who PUT THE SUGAR IN THE GAS TANK IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Do we actually lose sight of the fact that it's the fault of the virus writer for writing the virus in the first place? Let's lay the blame where it belongs, can we?

No? Nevermind.

[Andrew J Glina]

Try again

For your analogy to be even vaguely relevant the sugar needs to be in the tank before you buy it.

[Gunady]

In Line with Apple Advertisement

Hmm.. Actually, after watching some marketing material from Apple.com, especially with the sneezing one (PC keep sneezing and Mac is calm and not afraid to be affected). So with this incident, it likes Apple send viruses to his neighbour (PC) which it likes someone send anthrax out in the real world. Frankly said, I don't like kind of marketing material that attack directly to certain company. It's just not ethical in business competition.

[Akiba]

Are other companies releasing Windows players with this virus?

If not then its bogus to blame MS. If this doesn't point to an Apple mistake or a marketing prank, then this virus should be common among the releases of other Windows mp3 players. The timing is rather funny.

[rleon]

Who is to blame and who is reponsible.

First of all I like to say that I am a long time Mac loyalist... just
for you to know. And I am also a business man, so I can say that
even the contractor is the one to blame, Apple is responsible
because they are $elling the product in question. Yes, it does
not matter who is to blame. Apple can go and suit them, but
they should take responsibility with their customers. And I am
disappointed of Apple for making such stup¡d comment.
I think it was a BIG mistake. Anyone who buys Apple products
should be treated equally, regardless of their OS preference.
As I stated before, I am a long time Mac loyalist, but I also know
the difference between pride and arrogance. This time Apple
have being way to arrogant.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Unrelated issues

I must agree- it doesn't matter what the cause of the issue is, what operating system you choose to use, or if you like maple syrup on your pancakes or prefer jam.

The OEM here is Apple and that is what should be discussed- not Windows or Macintosh or anything else as they have no relevance to the story any more than Elvis is on Venus (I think he recently moved there from Mars, but that's another story). Apple needed to own up to the issue and say, hey- we are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it. This blame game doesn't help their reputation at all and only works to make people shake their head and wonder.

Somehow I get the impression that when the Zune comes out and it have some virus on it, the Macheads will be out in force blaming MS for it- and they should. But by using the logic I've seen in the comments here, then when the MS player has a virus on it, we should all blame Apple. I know it doesn't make any sense, but neither does the logic being shown here to blame anyone other than the seller of the iPod for the problem... on the iPod.