I downloaded a bad file now I'm in trouble (MacBook)
 

I don't know what's going on. I'm a new user. On my first search, the results were overloaded with spam. I clicked on one, and downloaded an .exe file.

Ever since then, the computer has been really slow.

At first I thought the slowness was the result of having downloaded Limewire, or that the use of Limewire caused other functions to be slower.

But, I quit Limewire and the problem has continued.

I have a new MacBook and I was told that it was not susceptible to viruses.

Well, something is wrong, and I need help and advice to fix this, it's driving me crazy. Can someone advise me on how to solve this? Do I need to take the computer to a computer shop?

Did I download a virus from the search results?
 

I don't know what's going on. I'm a new user. On my first search, the results were overloaded with spam. I clicked on one, and downloaded an .exe file.

Ever since then, the computer has been really slow.

At first I thought the slowness was the result of having downloaded Limewire, or that the use of Limewire caused other functions to be slower.

But, I quit Limewire and the problem has continued.

I have a new MacBook and I was told that it was not susceptible to viruses.

Well, something is wrong, and I need help and advice to fix this, it's driving me crazy. Can someone advise me on how to solve this? Do I need to take the computer to a computer shop?

exe files often are viruses, especially if you are not trying to download a program. Sounds like it is a virus.

http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showthread.php?t=63993
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showthread.php?t=60590
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showthread.php?t=56904
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showth...threadid=37676

I didn't think Mac's got viruses or spyware...:confused:

No ? Whats this then, a Mac Mirage LOL
Gandolff Whats this ?

This may be a reason .....
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/genera...re-slowly.html

I, too, have heard that Macs are for the most part resistant to viruses (viruses generally target PCs since they're more common). There have been reports of some Mac viruses...

Mac virus author admits coding difficulties: News - Security - ZDNet Australia
Destructive OS X malware spies on Apple users: News - Security - ZDNet Australia
Viruses and the Mac FAQ

Hope this helps ;)

Dan

Guys

I am not a Mac expert, in fact only LOTR can talk about the Mac with real authority, but as been said before the Mac in general in not susceptible to viral or spyware attack. However, that will not be the case forever as hackers and criminals look for more computers to compromise and ensnare, thus making them part of their zombie network.

If Flipper_mcgee had a PC or laptop the advice would be to run anti-virus and anti-spyware apps as soon as possible (and probably follow that up with an anti-root kit app as well).

However, and unless a Mac expert says differently, I would suggest that Flipper_mcgee reformat and reinstall his Mac Book, so taking it back to the pristine condition he bought it in.



UK Bob