I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the program Filezilla contains a virus, though depending on the software installer, it’s possible that you may have installed additional ‘bloatware’.
I would, to be honest.
My new laptops windows 8.1, a week old. I didn’t install anything on it.
When I followed the link via the WordPress page and clicked on the filezilla download link, thats when the warnings/problems start.
I’m not seeking any advice on this.
You should be, because FileZilla itself is in no way a virus. I’d be a little more concerned about actually verifying the source of your virus problem.
When I followed the link via the WordPress page
Point us to the page that contains the download link you got it from, and let’s have a look.
I agree with @claytonjames and would like to add that FileZilla is not only open source but it is also the de facto standard in FTP clients. I’m very sure that it is not a ‘virus’. However, if you still think it is you should report the problem to FileZilla here: https://forum.filezilla-project.org/
I think what has probably happened, is that when following the FileZilla link on this page: http://codex.ww.wp.xz.cn/FTP_Clients, you downloaded the assisted “installer” package rather than the FileZilla executable itself. It has become an often common practice for many software providers (if you spend any time on sourceforge, download.com, cnet, etc… you’re probably already familiar with the issues) to distribute their software using an installer or “wrapper” that will also install (I’ll use a loose term or two here) crap-ware or adware if the user isn’t paying attention and just “clicks-through” the install process without declining to install the extra programs. A lot of these adware programs are identified as PUP’s by anti-virus programs.
From the FileZilla downloads landing page: “This installer may include bundled offers. Check below for more options.”
The list of downloads that statement refers to – “Show additional download options” – includes the FileZilla program without the wrapper that includes the adware.
So I suppose the real take-away here, might be to just be aware of what you’re installing and read the information at the point of download, as well as pay attention to the dialogs an installer presents during the install process.
Here is a short article that does a great job of discussing your concern with FileZilla specifically, if you’re interested. http://www.ghacks.net/2013/07/17/sourceforges-new-installer-bundles-program-downloads-with-adware/
So I suppose the real take-away here, might be to just be aware of what you’re installing and read the information at the point of download, as well as pay attention to the dialogs an installer presents during the install process.
Yes, and I have in the past used a zip utility to look inside those wrappers/installers and just pull out what I actually want to install.
