By Ina Fried, 18 October 2006 08:35
NEWS
Apple has warned video iPod users that some of its most recently shipped devices may include a Windows virus.
The company said a small number of video iPods made after 12 September included the RavMonE virus. It said it has seen fewer than 25 reports of the problem, which it said does not affect Macs or the player itself.
The Mac maker apologised on its website for the problem but also used the opportunity to hit out at Microsoft.
Apple said on its site: "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 VP Greg Joswiak said the virus was discovered last week and added 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.
The company said computers using up to date antivirus software should detect the virus, rated as a low risk. It is urging iPod users without such protection to install antivirus software.
CNET News.com's Joris Evers contributed to this report
Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com
Comments
There are 7 comments. Join the discussion
1. anonymous
will apple stop at nothing to get people to dump pcs for macs? ;o)
2. FJ
So they use windows Pcs to manufacture Apple ipods? Ha Ha
3. anonymous
Does this mean that apple will pull their lame commercials with a gen y guy claiming Apple is free from virus'?
4. JB
Hmmm..... A machine used during the manufacture of their products is actually CONNECTED to the internet ?
Brilliant idea there, guys !
Yeah, that's Microsoft's fault....... Right.......
God forbid people take responsibility for their own stupidity these days.... Just easier to blame it on somebody else, I suppose.
5. Sean Baggaley
"God forbid people take responsibility for their own stupidity these days.... Just easier to blame it on somebody else, I suppose."
The iPod is manufactured in China by the likes of Foxconn and Quanta. (MacBooks are made by Asus.)
Foxconn also make _PC_ motherboards. Quanta make a vast number of laptops, including many of those rebadged by the likes of Dell and HP.
These manufacturers also handle QA for their customers: it's part of their service.
One of these manufacturers is using _unsecured Windows PCs_ in key manufacturing processes. THAT is the real news story here.
In what way was any of this _Apple's_ fault?
(Ed note. Many people would suggest that an important part of running an outsourced business model is ensuring your partners provide the quality of service you demand. If it's Apple's name on the device and an Apple exec's signature on the outsourcing agreement then it's easy to see why some readers believe this is Apple's 'fault'.)
6. anonymous
Of course its Apple's fault. They did not show due diligence in investigating their subcontractor's manufacturing techniques.
Its like blaming Yale for a burglary because you forgot to lock the door.
7. Richard A
Re: ...A machine used during the manufacture of their products is actually CONNECTED to the internet ?...
Not necessarily, somebody could have infected it by plugging their iPod in...
;-)