BitTorrent files now require malware codecs?

[macfreek57]

Has anyone else noticed the increasing number of BitTorrent video files that require some stupid codec to play? This must be a new way for those jerks to infect computers with spyware and adware. I've been trying to download some video files, and I can't find one that doesn't come with a text file talking about where you can get the codec to play the file. It's so frustrating. They give you a link to some page that says something like, "New video advanced video codec for BitTorrent video files!" or, "Sign up for one of these FREE offers to get a password!"
I hate this crap!

 

[Eidorian]

What do you use beyond Perian, Flip4Mac, and VLC?

 

[tsu]

Porn?

If you are seeing malware, chances are you are downloading porn from a popular tracker. The bad news is that I just called you out for being a perv. The good news is that I am also a perv: try Porn Bits instead.

 

[macfreek57]

No...

It was not porn. It turns out that it was just one particular TV show I was trying to download episodes for. They all came with a text readme file saying that I had to follow some (different) link to download a codec I'd never heard of from sites who's whois registration pages looked suspicious (i.e. "iNtegrationMediaCorp's ShoppingSearch!® Software" etc.). And of course the codecs are all just some .exe file with a name consisting of some inscrutable string of characters. I have the usual codecs installed already, particularly the ones you listed Eidorian.

 

[Eidorian]

On the Windows side I've never used anything beyond VLC or even sometimes CCCP.

I don't see any reason to follow a suggestion to get some weird codec.

 

[nateco]

It's a trap....


Seriously.....don't get the codecs...just delete the file and find another one.