Hey gang, newbie here..not very computer literate...so, mp3's that i dl on limewire can actually be viruses? I was under the impression that mp3's were safe..of course I know nothing about this stuff..thanks for any advice.

Steve

theres a file limit? where (sorry have to spam) me, me your friend?... ha.. ha

you cannot get viruses from mp3 files. they are not executable. beware of files that are executable like .EXE, .COM, .VBS, .DLL, .SCR, etc..

small list of safe extensions:

.mp3
.wav
.mov
.zip / .rar / .tar/.gz (but beware of the contents inside archive)
.html (but beware of the contents. you never know what script could be hidden in one of these.)
.pdf
.ogg
.mpg ; .mpeg
.avi
.jpg ; .jpeg
.gif
.png
.bin/.cue (beware of contents inside archive)


-= Extensions I would never download unless im absolutely, positively sure that it was a clean file =-

.exe
.zip
.dll
.com
.wma
.wmv
.bat
.vbs
.html
.sys / .ini / .reg / .key (harmless really, but it could have a dangerous script inside)

-=-=-=-=-=-

i know i am missing alot of other extensions, but eh. basically you should limit your downloading to only media files and archives. and avoid .wma / .wmv files at all cost. and always keep your antivirus definitions up-to-date (if you dont have a virus scanner, i recommend AVG, get it for free here: (free.grisoft.com).

Hey Ultracross, thanks for the info...makes me feel better..

Steve

I really hope you guys have an anti virus protection program while downloading? Thats one of the first things you do before logging in to Gnutella.

desmoface, what i ment was that there are some people that have a file whether it be a .exe .cob or anyother than may have/be a virus. These people will change the file name to something like TuPac.mp3 making others believe it is an mp3.

asdfgh1224, sorry my mistake i was thinking of another p2p program i use at the time i posted that.


Sphinx, First things that get installed on my computers are the Anti-virus programs and anything else to do with security..
You can never be to sure if or when you'll get a virus/trojan or worm.

ultracross, Nice listing you put together..this may help those that are new to p2p programs and don't have a full understanding of which file extension are the ones that could possibly have a virus.

Guys

This is a sensible thread with some very good advice but, just looking around this forum, there are still loads of LW user that don't use an anti-virus app.

And guess what, they blame LW when their PCs get wrecked by viruses and Trojans.

Some people are definately weird .



UK Bob

Hi Crazy, thats what I was wondering..so I can download a file that says its an mp3 but it may infact be a virus? That's scary..

Thanks again for the information.

Steve

Thats because most new users dont take the time to read about P2P or use common sense first. If they browsed threw the threads like they should, they would find all kinds on useful info in them. Kinda peeves me when they scream/blame its Limewire's fault for giving them the virus though.


You can always tell if you take the time how to spot a virus before downloading and I have yet to get one in a MP3 file.

Illegal? LOL, find me one that gives a damn!
You know, we all use pirated software and LW is one of the best ways to get it and you know it.
If you are not using pirated software, well..... you must be a saint!!!

I know it can't be discussed here, for obvious reasons, and I do not promote nor condone piracy. But Sphinx, don't tell us: "good luck finding a crack or serial...", we always do!!!

And what about the music files? they don't need cracks or serial. Does that make them legal to download in the US? Huh, Granpa?
If it is illegal, then LW should shut down as 99.9% of the music going through it is illegal! So is the software.
So let's not talk about legalities. It's like trying to bullshit ourselves, LOL.