Viruses from music files? (.mp3 .wma)

[Phalanx]

Hi, my friend reckons that downloading a song off the internet can give you virus, im pretty sure this isn't the case and hopefully from an expert posting, it will enforce it

[J1978]

I dont know if i am an expert but here is what i think.

IF it is a song then there is no prob.BUT it could be a virus disguised as an MP3 file.you should always scan any new file before opening it on your pc.

[scomac]

If you are downloading an MP3 LEGALLY from a site such as iTunes, MSN Music, etc... you have nothing to worry about. If you are discussing downloading from someplace like KAZAA, that is ILLEGAL and won't be discussed in the forums.


Scomac

[Statica]

An mp3 file itself is not executed, it is merely read from, and as such cannot be a vector. There are a few hoax emails about that - here's an example of one: http://www.f-secure.com/hoaxes/mp3vir.shtml
Again, it is important with any file to look at the ENTIRE filename, not just partial views. That is the whole concept of the Anna Kournikova bug that made its way. People took the file for images image.jpg and not what it really was image.jpg.vbs

[glc]

Windows defaults to hiding extensions for known file types - everyone should UNCHECK that in their folder options. It's on the View tab. Learn what extensions mean, don't just look at the pretty pictures on the icons.

[RayH]

In some places, such as Canada, P2P downloading is entirely legal. But anyone hanging around a P2P should assume the worst in everything!