question about trojan files
 

i rescently found a little bugger of a trojan -- js.seeker -- on my computer...yes it was on windows but im thinkin even a linux only user should be able to relate. Firstly, it was in temporary internet files which leads me to beleive that I picked it up while browsing the net? I scan everything that i download no matter the source, it was when i did the whole system scan that i found it. the file is a .js, javascript. I know java iscompiled through a javamachine or something then yatta yatta...not real suer i guess. Can i open the js as text to look or will it re-run? just curious is all, thanks

There's a difference between Java and Javascript. Java is developed by Sun and is a really object-oriented language. True, it is "compiled" into Java byte code which is then interpreted, but it isn't a scripting language. Javascript, on the other hand, is a true scripting language which is interpreted on the fly, much like Bash scripts. There shouldn't be any harm opening it with vi or equivalent because if my understanding is corrent Javascript needs a browser to be executed (someone please, for the love of Dog, please correct me if I'm wrong :) ).

Java = High End Programming Language "Can be used in MANY ways".

JScript or JavaScript = Scripting Language used in web pages. JavaScript will not harm you. Java on the other hand can.

If you want to know about the trojan you were infected with visit http://securityresponse.symantec.com...js.seeker.html

If you want to learn about digital security related things try starting with these sites.

GRC
Insecure
AntiOnline
eEye
Astalavista

You want to see the source code? Why?

edit: Oh and by the way no viewing something as text won't execute it on Windows. You'll get a bunch of jibberish though, heh.

why see the source? same reason why i hack (or attempt to) my computer...information! Im planning on going into the computer feild as an admin and hope to NOT do what all the dumb ones are doing. further, i think viruses are fascinating. I have had a great many, including a deltree or two (they SUCK...SUCK!!) I like learning about things that get the better of me so to avoid a recurrence because of my own ignorance. in short...because it neat. :-)


ps - thanks for replying!