I don't want to get viruses or spyware, so I don't download Limewire. But I get friends to send me music through msn messenger. Will I get viruses?
2006-10-16 07:37:19 · 23 answers · asked by Jonas A 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Chances are you won't. Since the files have already been downloaded (and presumably played) by your friends, they will have confirmed that the files are in fact, mp3 files and not executables with a very long names that could easily be mistaken for songs when downloaded. You major concern with friends sending you music wouldn't be viruses, but possible legal trouble (since ISPs cooperate with the recording industry to curtail piracy).
As for viruses in MP3s, it's theoretically possible, but no actual case of this has ever been found. A security vulnerability exists in older versions of WinAmp (a popular music player) that allows mp3 files to carry viruses, but current versions of their software fixed that problem. The link to that article is below:
2006-10-16 08:01:33 · answer #1 · answered by C-Man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
After you download scan the file if infected then delete other than that I have never came across a mp3 with a virus but downloading software on limewire does have virus so watch out. Also sending music as an attachment wont give you a virus unless their computer is already infected.
2006-10-16 07:44:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No known virus attaches itself via MP3.
You can get viruses other ways using Limewire, but not from MP3's.
2006-10-16 07:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by Laquishacashaunette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anytime you recieve a file (music or whatever), DO NOT CLICK ON IT UNTIL you do this: first Rightclick the file and then click SCAN or SCAN FOR VIRUSES, if it says no viruses found, then, and ONLY THEN is it safe to click on it or open it or play it. Do this every time and you will never get a virus... good luck :-)
2006-10-16 08:21:59 · answer #4 · answered by Army Of Machines (Wi-Semper-Fi)! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can not get viruses through MP3 files..
as long as you are sure the file you are receiving is an MP3 file type, you can not get a virus from it.
Viruses are transmitted with file types of: SCR, EXE, DOC, XLS and a few others.
since MP3 is not executable, it can NOT be the host of a virus
2006-10-16 07:42:25 · answer #5 · answered by ifoam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To my experience you can not get any viruses from "MP3" Downloads: because there is no way programs (Trojans) can be carried by audio files; But WMA can defintly carry Trojans.
Be sure to check the Quality, and where it came from; you can also check and make sure the size of the file is reasonable to the other downloaded Mp3 files.
Hope this answered your question.
2006-10-16 07:42:36 · answer #6 · answered by tgiiif_2k6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its basically the same thing getting anything from anywhere on the net is takeing a chance just do a virus scan with your virus program you should be okay you can set up to have your virus program scan the music files being downloaded from limewire it should be doing this anyway. Your friends could have a virus and send it to you via msn just as easy as limewire.
2006-10-16 07:41:15 · answer #7 · answered by cameron b 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If they have already played them then they are clean. Limewire and similar downloads often have viruses disguised as music files. I.e. you run them, there is no music.
There are no music files containing viruses (at least not yet).
2006-10-16 07:39:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Any executable file such as an mp3 is capable of harbouring a virus. Always check any downloads with a good up to date virus checker. Remember, if u have a PC and they have a PC and u share files u are risking the integrity of your system!!
2006-10-16 07:41:09 · answer #9 · answered by Lee 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
let me put it this way. if your sharing files and you don't have spyware you could get a virus.
2006-10-16 07:43:07 · answer #10 · answered by Cynthia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋