autorun.inf - Demystified

     Some have mistaken this type of file as something harmful to their computer. Now lets demystify what an autorun  file is.
     INF of .inf files are setting and configuration files that are made up of a set of commands that tell Windows what executable file to execute, what icon to display and so on. These are commonly used on CDs and DVDs. Autoruns cannot actually contain malicious codes or scripts. However, they can be used on any removable storage device. With this, the contents of a removable device, such as flash drives, can be automatically played just like on CDs and DVDs; that which could be harmful.

     Most of viruses developed today make a copy of themselves and an autorun file on removable devices attached to their host computer. That autorun file executes the virus associated with it once their carrier device is played or opened. This is why some people mistake it as a virus.
     Though sometimes harmful, autorun files can provide good features for our devices. I won't be teaching you how to write autorun files but I'll be leaving a nice precaution for you guys: If ever you've seen an autorun file in your removable device without ever remembering you put one, then your device is most likely infected...