Digital "Flu" Hits The MP3 World

Hyundai HY-6611 MP3 Player - When it comes to an all-in-one MP3 player, the Hyundai HY-6611 MP3 Player definitely fits the bill. It comes at a decent price too. It plays both WMA and MP3 files and also works as a 1GB USB flash memory drive. It can also be used as a voice recorder and receive FM radio transmissions. It comes in a standard package that includes a good pair of ear buds, USB extension cable, neck strap, user manual, installation CD and an alkaline battery. Image Credit: Adrian's Rojak Pot - Hyundai

Digital "Flu" Hits The MP3 World

Just last month, I was at Fry's and choose to purchase one of these USB "stick" MP3 players. The form factor and size impressed me as well as the price.

I got home, opened the package, excited to get started with the experience of digital music, I placed the software CD-ROM disc in the drive - Good To Go!

BAM! - up pops a Trojan Horse Virus alert from my security software.

Man, what a bummer.

I took everything back for a full credit and purchased a known brand in the hopes of getting into the digital music game.

Box of Kleenex - Image Credit: binghamton.edu

It turns out that this just isn't a problem with lesser known or off brand products that are entering the marketplace.

This from CNET News -

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.
By Ina Fried - Staff Writer, CNET News.com (CNET News.com's Joris Evers contributed to this report.) - Published: October 17, 2006, 2:05 PM PDT - Last modified: October 17, 2006, 2:28 PM PDT

Apple Computer warned on Tuesday that some of its latest iPods have shipped with a Windows virus.

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.

The iPod Photo - Comes in two versions, a 40GB model which sells for $499 and a 60GB version that sells for $599. Both weigh 6.4 ounces, are 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.75 inches in size (slightly thicker and heavier than the regular 40GB iPod), and have a battery life of 15 hours (which is 25% better than the 4G iPod). Also comes with an AV cable for hooking up to a TV for slideshows. Image Credit: engadget.com

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.
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I purchased a SanDisk Sensa 140 c from COSTCO and it is a gem ... Oh!, and no viruses.