Skype installing viruses.

The definition of a computer virus reads as such : "A computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computerwithout your knowledge and runs against your wishes."
I have elected to not recieve automatic updates to Skype. Multiple times in fact, after finding it had been mysteriously changed. I never got any notification that Skype would be updating. I started my PC today and found that Skype had updated to 7 against my wishes and without my knowledge.
Now I've seen some sort of fix to force it to never update by disabling access through your firewall. I think this is in no way a necessary step to stop Skype from forcing its update on me. I already elected multiple times to not receieve the update, why should I have to take more precaution to prevent an unwanted update?
So I ask you Skype, why have you given me a virus? And please tell me how to remove the virus (Skype 7.0).

There are various reasons why running the latest Skype version is important and why we are promoting the latest version to our users. Most importantly it's application and network stability and security which we need to maintain in order for you as users of Skype to enjoy a good Skype experience. Changes to the UI occur over the lifetime of a software and we are trying our best to make the transition as smooth as possible. Please continue to share your feedback so that the new Skype layout preserves the best of what you got to love on the old Skype.
Specifically to upgraing please also have a look at point 5.3 "Updates to the Software" of Skype's Terms of use: www.skype.com/en/legal/tou/#5
Follow the latest Skype Community News
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TS1702 I have an iPhone 3G and I had skype installed before it updated to v.4. Now, during a backup, iTunes tells me i can no longer run Skype on my iPhone because the latest version of Skype is not compatible. Is there any way I can install an older vers

I have an iPhone 3G and I had skype installed before it updated to v.4. Now, during a backup, iTunes tells me i can no longer run Skype on my iPhone because the latest version of Skype is not compatible. Is there any way I can install an older version?

How can I contact Viber support? When I go to their website there's no such thing as 'email us' or 'contact us'.
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When installing third party software, how do I temporarily turn off the factory installed virus sw and firewall?

when installing third party software, how do I temporarily turn off the factory installed virus sw and firewall? Is it necessary on a Mac to do so? I come from the Windows world and am still in the learning curve on the Mac.

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Thanks.

Skype installed. Icon in Apps folder. Login ok... Skype logo, my name with "logout" next to it. Stopped right there. "check network connections".Skype guy said firewall must allow but FW is not even turned on. Have Airport router.

Skype installed. Icon in Apps folder. Login ok... Skype logo, my name with "logout" next to it. Stopped right there. "check network connections". Skype guy said firewall must allow but firewall is not even turned on. Have Airport router.
How do I allow Skype to get past network?

You make no mention of which OS you are using. The following are Yosemite instructions:
System Preferences>Security & Privacy>Firewall>Unlock the padlock.
Click on the Firewall Options button.
Click the + (plus) button & do the necessary to add Skyp & to allow incoming connections. When done, click the OK button & lock the padlock.
Restart your computer. Report back the results.

Do I need to install virus protection for the windows portion of the partitioned hard drive on the MacBook Pro?

Do I need to install virus protection for the windows portion of the partitioned hard drive on the MacBook Pro?

You are running Windows, so yes. I like Microsoft's built in protection and how 8.1 is 'hardened' but I also install Malwarebytes. I will not use Kaspersky anymore. But you do need something. And 8.1 is more secure than prior versions definitely but there were some major zero-day security updates on this month's "Patch Tuesday."
The forum for you is "Boot Camp" and this if you look above: Communities / Desktop / Mac Pro is not for MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro
Boot Camp

Do I need to install virus protection software on my MacBook Air?

Do I need to install virus protection software on my MacBook Air?

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
You do not need to install additional security software. OS X already comes with security software to keep your Mac safe. See > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg
However, you should keep OS X and all your applications updated, and do not visit strange websites. Also, be careful with public networks, where your Mac is more vulnerable.
See > https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3030

Need help with Skype install problem.

skype install prolem
This post was transferred from its previous location to create its own new topic here; its subject and/or title has been edited to differentiate the post from other inquiries and to reflect the post's content. A link to this post appears where the post was originally added.

Hello Uwais96, and welcome to the Community,
Thanks for your inquiry. In order for the Skype Community to help you, some more information would be helpful:
- Hardware use (laptop/phone/tablet brand and model)
- Operating system (version and updates installed)
- Skype version used
- Internet connection used
- Error messages or other things that occur as you try to install Skype
Thanks in advance.
- Skype Community Moderation Team
Was your question answered? Please click on the Accept as a Solution link so everyone can quickly find what works! Like a post or want to say, "Thank You" - ?? Click on the Kudos button!
Trustworthy information: Brian Krebs: 3 Basic Rules for Online Safety and Consumer Reports: Guide to Internet Security Online Safety Tip: Change your passwords often!

Should I install virus protection on mac computer

should I install virus protection on my new mac

Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" (AV) software. The usual answer is "no." That answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the computer, or who has been able to take control of it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. AV software is not intended to, and does not, afford any protection against such attacks.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in sections 5, 6, and 10.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
☞ It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
☞ It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds of attack besides malware.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
☞ It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
☞ A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
☞ An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
Apple has taken far too long to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. Those lapses don't involve App Store products, however.
For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. Sandbox security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is effective against known threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, not machine behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
The best defense is always going to be your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "Trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and Internet criminals. If you're better informed than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
Software from an untrustworthy source
☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. A genuine alert that Flash is outdated and blocked is shown on this support page. Follow the instructions on the support page in that case. Otherwise, assume that the alert is fake and someone is trying to scam you into installing malware. If you see such alerts on more than one website, ask for instructions.
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission. All "YouTube downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious.
Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
Unexpected events
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.
Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it—not JavaScript—in your browsers.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a padlock icon in the address bar when visiting a secure site.
Stay within the safe harbor, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself.
7. Never install any commercial AV or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere. In order to meet that nonexistent threat, commercial AV software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
☞ By modifying the operating system, the software may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
An AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
10. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

Skype installed now have noise

Having set up the microphone and speakers for Skype I do not seem to have any way of turning off the annoying background noise which appears to be coming from the speakers. There is also some instability (screech) from feedback thorugh the system.
ProBook 4710s. Any help appreciated.

That's odd. If Skype installed correctly, you should be able to make adjustments to both audio and video (both allow you to choose camera and microphone you want to use if you have more than one on your system).
My recommendation would be to uninstall Skype, reinstall it, and go through the steps in the setup window (you can check speakers, microphone, and video there).
Everything should not be grayed out in Skype. The free features should be availabe (skype-to-skype calls, calling toll free numbers, Help, Tools, etc).

Skype spam virus

hello my skype account is sending spam messages, I've tried the solution in the following thread but the spam is not going away http://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-archive/Skype-spam-virus/m-p/1092492#M66501 I have changed my password and even uninstalled skype from the PC i used it most, ran several antivirus/malware scans but the spam just keeps going on, I don't know what else to do

Same thing happens to me. My Skype is sending out links with goog.le/.... adresses to my contacts. How can I fix this?

New skype install on Win 8.1 Crashes ALL the time

Hi,
OK - so I see that there are a few folk complaining of similar issues, so here is my specific problem :
1. New installation of Windows 8.1 (64) - Dell Laptop with 8G RAM and INTEL graphics
2. Before this - the m/c was running an older version of skype perfectly under Win7 Pro
3. Checked ALL drivers up-to-date.
4. All recommended/important Updates applied.
5. Installed Skype 6.22.64.104 had to reboot and re-log into skype before my contacts came up.
6. First test - call Echo - right pane goes grey, cursor spins, echo replies and I can record my voice. BUT no way to halt the call as right pane is still blank an GREY.
7. After a while - Skype bombs with an exception.
8. Exception and dxdiag both attached in zip.
NB My skype app on an iPad is still running - even on IOS 8.1.1.
Thanks - ever hopefully......
Solved!
Go to Solution.
Attachments:
SkypeCrash.zip ‏15 KB

OK - so I was wrong about the 64 bit I guess .
Just re-installed 6.22.64.106 after uninstalling the 6.14 test version.
Thanks for reminding me that my laptop also gas a GeForce graphics chip - bug****d if I know why I need this as I have NEVER played a game on this PC - and have no intention of doing so .
Anyway, your comment made me think - WHY is Skype trying to UNLOAD a driver .
So - I checked the device manager settings for the GeForce card and surprise - Windows tells me its up yo dat .
So I downloaded the GeForce Graphics tool 'GeForce Experience' and IT tells me that my GeForce driver is actuall out of date (by a YEAR) - thanks Microsoft .
So - I installed the newer version, uninstalled Skype, re-installed 6.22 and BINGO - it now BL***Y works !!!!.
So WHY is Skype even considering using some 'gaming graphics driver' ???. By the simple fact of switching it in or out - crashes Skype .
Anyhow - findgers crossed - its working WITH the latest Skype .
Hope that this might help some other poor S*D )
Graham

Un-installing Virus software

I need to un-install the Mac virus software on my iMac in order to install my IDSN. However, I can't seem to figure out how to do this and my IDSN won't override/install without me doing so. Any advice?

Hi alexandrinek
Welcome to Discussions.
The easiest way is to find the CD or installer package that you first used and run it again, choosing Uninstall, if such an option exists, but I'm confident it would have that.
If you don't have the Virus CD installation disk, but got it off the internet, you could download it again, and select Uninstall from it.
If you are having difficulties installing IDSN, could you not 'pause' or switch off this Virus program? You may need to go to your Account startup items and choose to deselect it from the list, then restart your computer.
There are some options for you.
regards roam

Problem with skype install in windows xp

Hello,
I have download "SkypeSetupFull.exe" from this site. When I start to install my programm, appears the following message "We are having problems connecting to the download server. To download an alternative installer for Skype, click the "Download" button.". After that, I downlad and this programm but nothing. The same message appears. What must I do?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

georgefillinger wrote:
I have Windows XP set for auto updates from Microsoft. Today the auto update attempted to install Skype 5.10 for Windows (KB2727727). The installation failed. I went to the download suggested in "Solution" - and the installation failed. The error message for the failure stated that I had another version installed. Which, of course, is the case whenever you have an update. Is there any way to install this update without completely removing Skype? I don't want to loose everything stored in the program and start over again.
George Fillinger
reinstall Skype with this link (Which is always the most recent version)
http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-full
Regards,
Tamim
Location - Dhaka | Bangladesh - Standard Time Zone: GMT/UTC + 06:00 hour
If one of my replies has adequately addressed your issue, please click on the “Accept as Solution” button. If you found a post useful then please "Give Kudos" at the bottom of my post, so that this information can benefit others.

Skype installed as external drive rather than application?

I realise that this is most likely something very basic but it remains beyond my abilities as someone not yet familiar with Macs. My wife installed Skype on our MacBook but it has appeared as an external drive - every time we turn the mac on Skype launches automatically. How can we switch this to a simple application that we can launch as and when we choose? Thanks for any help.

Start by opening Accounts preferences. Click on Login Items. Locate the Skype entry and delete it. Next check in the Applications folder for the Skype application. If it's not there then most likely you never installed it from the disc image download. Locate the .dmg file you downloaded with Skype then double-click on it to mount the disc image on the Desktop. If a window doesn't open automatically then double-click on the disk icon to open a Finder window. Drag the Skype application from that window to your Applications folder. Then unmount the disc image. You're done.

Mic stops working when Skype installed

Skype on my netbook (Acer Aspire One 522) has worked flawlessly for over a year and after several system formats. By last time I format it all and reinstalled windows, the microphone stoped working just after installing Skype, not prior to it since I used for some testings.
It is not a hardware or driver issue since the microphone is working and the system and drivers are updated, but when I install Skype it doesn´t work even if the mic is detected.
I did a clean reinstall of Windows 7 and the mic worked again, then I installed Skype and it just doesn´t work afterwards, as if it were mutted (sound is at 100% and the mic is detected by skype and the system) but doesn´t work (not on Skype or any other program like the windows utility microphone).
Should I just reformat my netbook and not install Skype to have my mic working?!
Any clues? Thanks for your help.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

That literally does not make an sense. I would have a tendency to believe your mic or rather onboard mic cable is failing or you have an issue with the audio driver package you are installing. There may be a windows update that could possibly affect your audio. There is nothing in Skype that modifies how your system audio/mic works. If Skype is installed and not running in the background, it will have no affect on your mic whatsoever.
The only time I have had a condition similar to yours is when I put a load on my onboard webcam using Skype. The onboard mic/webcam would work intermittently; usually once a reboot. Once I replaced that internal USB (data audio/video) cable, the problem went away completely. Think of the concept of a frayed wire, it may work, but use it for extended periods of time, or pass more current through it and it fails.
Try an external 3.5mm jack mic. If it works when Skype is installed, that points to the internal mic yet again. You can try plugging it in an out and see how it switches back and forth between your onboard and external mic. In any case, you can also try newer Conexant audio drivers from Acer for the Aspire One E1-421. It uses similar hardware and it's drivers are about 1 year newer than the ones for your model.

Skype installing viruses.

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