10-02-2010, 10:00 AM

Greetings,

While using our new MacBook Pro w/Safari to search "adult beverage" reviews
on Google, all was normal.

When we clicked on a Google search hit, a window would open to the site,
and we could check it out, then go back and click another one.

One of the Google search hits did not work this way, instead we got a quick
download and an empty window. In the download folder we saw a sub-folder
with the name of the site, which we trashed without opening it.

Then we "right"-clicked that same Google search hit, chose "open", got
the same result as above.

We are new to Safari, and don't know if this is normal.

Thanks for any info!

JR/NR

10-02-2010, 10:16 AM

We're not going to have a clue either without the link to the specific address. For all we know it could have been a simple pdf file with a recipe.

10-02-2010, 10:18 AM

Not normal. Could be a problem with that site. You could download another browser (like Firefox) and try it, and also try again with Safari if Firefox handles it. Then you'd know if it's the browser.

New MBP, so I assume OS 10.6.4 and Safari 5.0.2, but please verify.

Edit:
Even better suggestion above, as I was composing my post. And I see below, it led to the ultimate answer.

10-02-2010, 10:33 AM

Yes, New 13" MBP purchased 9-10-2010.

Searched Google for "bourbon reviews", site in question is "bourbon-central.com"

Just was thinking ahead to Winter, and stocking our "sippin" shelf.

Thanks!

JR/NR

10-02-2010, 05:46 PM

That site is attempting to give your computer a virus.

Isn't it great having a Mac?

10-03-2010, 03:55 PM

Thanks chas_m!

What would have happened if we just let that folder sit there?

What would have happened if we had opened that folder?

Would our MBP ask us what action to take?

Is there a Safari setting we can use to prevent unwanted downloading?

Thanks!

JR/NR

10-04-2010, 01:11 AM

I just tried downloading the file and opening it. Nothing happened. Whatever they were trying to install would not run on the Mac. That's one of the beauties of owning those Windows viruses just don't work on OS X.

10-04-2010, 06:28 PM

Earlier, before our OP, that site "bourbon-central" was linked to at another review site.

When we clicked the link, Safari went to it normally. So when in a subsequent google search we saw that site (bourbon-central) and we clicked on it, since we had already been there.

That is when we got the unwanted download instead of the site opening up.

Is there a way to prevent this type of unwanted download?

Or does it not matter, since they are only a nuisance and not harmful to OS X?

Thanks!

We are certainly happy Mac-ers that no harm was done

JR/NR

10-05-2010, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by GaZoom

Is there a way to prevent this type of unwanted download?

No, but this is because unwanted downloads generally never happen: you were tricked into agreeing to the download by clicking on a link that was not an http site.

Or does it not matter, since they are only a nuisance and not harmful to OS X?

Doesn't matter.

10-05-2010, 09:31 AM

Thanks for the help, and yes, it is great to finally have a Mac

JR/NR

10-05-2010, 10:00 PM

Just a couple of ideas: under Safari > Preferences > General > I would deselect open "safe" files after downloading. It's then up to you to decide.
Also check that your firewall is ON in System Preferences > Security > Firewall.
Have fun.

10-06-2010, 01:17 PM

Thanks!

JR/NR

10-08-2010, 03:02 AM

Originally Posted by torchy

Also check that your firewall is ON in System Preferences > Security > Firewall.
Have fun.

Incorrect. First of all, the software firewall is not needed for people using routers, which have hardware firewalls. You are just setting up potential for conflicts between the two.

Second, no firewall on earth would have even tried to stop this virus-infecting attempt. That's not what firewalls do.