Expecting Rain

sometimes when i click on links in er (either to outside websites or to other er forums) the pages get blocked saying that there's a huge risk ill get a virus if i go there...has anyone else had this problem?

Yes, actually. In the "Music Jokes" thread in Off Topic, my computer claims that there's a big virus waiting for me on that page. Strange, it's the only time I've ever experienced anything like it here.

You even get it going to other ER forums? That's awfully weird. I don't recall ever having a problem with a link from the front page or posted by members in the forums.

Different users will have different experiences - depending on what anti-malware software they use. I've had warnings from McAfee when clicking on - very occasional - front page links, whereas people using other anti-malware programs had no warnings. If your anti-malware is worried, you should at least be cautious! Investigate before proceeding.

EDIT: McAfee is perfectly relaxed about the Music Jokes thread - McAfee obviously has no bad joke detection capability.

What the difference between malware/spyware and the like? Can someone define malware, spyware and viruses/trojans? What do they do? And why do some people take the time to create these stupid things?

because there is a large grouput there working to bring down the internet as it is right now.

This happened to me yesterday on here when I clicked on a link that was supposed to be a musical gift for another member that she could download if she wanted. I just got out of that site immediately as soon as I got the warning.

I'd like to figure this out too...In fact i'll make a new topic in Off Topic...