Is this how they do this? Some viruses come pre-installed?

From iPods to navigation systems, some of today's hottest gadgets are landing on store shelves with some unwanted extras from the factory 鈥?pre-installed viruses that steal passwords, open doors for hackers and make computers spew spam.

Computer users have been warned for years about virus threats from downloading Internet porn and opening suspicious e-mail attachments. Now they run the risk of picking up a digital infection just by plugging a new gizmo into their PCs.

Recent cases reviewed by The Associated Press include some of the most widely used tech devices: Apple iPods, digital picture frames sold by Target and Best Buy stores and TomTom navigation gear.

In most cases, Chinese factories 鈥?where many companies have turned to keep prices low 鈥?are the source.

Is this how they do this? Some viruses come pre-installed?computers

All it takes is for one person to alter the master source code for the gadget and then all devices coming out are infected. That's why I don't trust anything made from China. They don't have strict standards yet... USA made does have strict standards and you're more likely to be safe with them.