passwords when downloading files

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Level 1

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passwords when downloading files

So I've already installed some programs on my macbook such as Microsoft Office and Roxio Toast 7 Titanium... in both these times, my macbook required me to type in my password... (which is totally fine by me)

But recently, I've been browsing around on the web such as blog (xanga) sites, and have noticed that when users have a song playing on their website, my macbook automatically downloads the song file as indicated by my 'downloads' window popping up indicating that my macbook just downloaded the song file, and the song file shows up on my desktop without my consent to wanting to download the song file in the 1st place.

So why does my macbook automatically download files without asking me for my password first?

Would this be a security issue? what if my macbook downloads a virus file, etc?

Where can I go to change the settings of what my macbook downloads? Can't I set up passwords or something before downloading files?

Macbook Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Aug 4, 2006 1:23 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

741,971 points

Aug 4, 2006 6:29 PM in response to theresax3o

So why does my macbook automatically download files without asking me for my password first?

Whether or not you're asked for a password depends on whether the account you're logged in as is regular, admin, or root, and where the installer needs to write files to.

Would this be a security issue?

No. Anything which creates or modifies files which are part of the core OS will require that an administrator password be entered when the account which is being used to run the process which wants to change the files is regular or admin. It is possible for software such as a trojan horse to wipe out your home folder without needing any password.

what if my macbook downloads a virus file, etc?

There are no Mac OS X viruses which can spread on their own.

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