Free USB keys & computer stuff - A WARNING

[Deleted User]

Hey guys, I've jut discovered this site and I'm learning loads so thanks!

Just wanted to warn people who may not know about some of the risks when getting free stuff for your computer such as USB sticks or CDs. It is possible that these can come with viruses or other malware on them that will install itself onto your computer when you plug it in. They can also use 'key-loggers' which record all the buttons you press on your keyboard, which means that they may be able to find out details like usernames, passwords, bank details etc.

I mention this here because it's more likely to happen with free stuff, especially if they're being handed out on the street as they're harder to trace. If you find something that is being given by a reputable company, then it's likely to be OK, but best to spend a few quid and be safe than risk it.

Happy freebie hunting!

Happy_shopper

Welcome! :wave: Thanks for the advice.

CBo

A lot of virus checkers are doing false postives. By all means beware of ones that have been used on a lot of PCs but some just report anything that autoruns via autorun.inf such as even Office Xp component as a virus. Don't always panic especially if you have Office XP.

Cymru_2

You guys with Windows need to switch to Mac

II_D2_II

^^ macs are still prone to viruses

tobybowes

Cymru wrote: »

You guys with Windows need to switch to Mac

I totally agree... so any idea where i can get a free one? :rotfl:

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J

cwp500

Deleted User wrote:

Hey guys, I've jut discovered this site and I'm learning loads so thanks!

Just wanted to warn people who may not know about some of the risks when getting free stuff for your computer such as USB sticks or CDs. It is possible that these can come with viruses or other malware on them that will install itself onto your computer when you plug it in.
Happy freebie hunting!

Best thing is to reformat ANY drives that you are given by anyone even friends or relatives. You dont know what they may have inadvertently passed over to you.

[Deleted User]

Even re-formatting requires that you plug the thing into your computer though, which means that by the time you re-format, any viruses have already been transferred. If you're getting one from a friend then I suppose you could ask them to re-format it and virus check it before they give it to you, I guess that would work.
Not all freebies are good value.

KPanton

Yes, I read recently about a batch of the digital photo frames which had a virus built in to steal CC information.

Like the guy on crimewatch, these things are very rare, so don't have nightmares...

But do be careful, and just use virus protection, firewalls, spyware protection etc, also maybe if something is stupidly cheap, ask yourself why.

(not to say that the bargains members here find are not fine!)

eripmav

Deleted User wrote:

Even re-formatting requires that you plug the thing into your computer though, which means that by the time you re-format, any viruses have already been transferred. If you're getting one from a friend then I suppose you could ask them to re-format it and virus check it before they give it to you, I guess that would work.
Not all freebies are good value.

Plugging a USB stick won't automatically run any software on it though, it'll prompt..

[Deleted User]

When you plug in a new device for the first time, Windows automatically installs software required for it to run, and in some cases this comes on the USB key itself. I've had it with commercial drives, not installing viruses, but installing their own software when I plug the key, without promts. I don't know if this works with Vista, but it can definitely be done with XP and below.