firefox started downloading stuff on its own?

Question

I was surfing in the internet watching videos on youtube and stuff, then my anti virus (norton) notify me that I downloaded bunch of files and that they were safe. it kept on so I had to ctrl alt del and end firefox from the process. Im using IE at the moment, can it be that my firefox was updating some addons? I remember downloading this addon named Cooliris a week ago but I haven't used it.

these are the files I got downloaded
cooliris.dll
npcoolirisplugin.dll
piclenshelper.exe
pixomatic.dll

Answer 1

"Chris..." is correct.

Auto update can be regulated somewhat, in FF> Tools> Options> Advanced> Update> (check what you want done automatic)> Close.



Also note that Microsoft installs (without your informed consent) Silverlight (and perhaps other garbage) which seriously degrades the security of Firefox.

It should be disabled because this allows scripted elements to run.

To counter-measure all scripting, "NoScript" should be installed which gives manual control over what 'runs'.

("Rogue" malware leverages this scripting to install many seriously f****ed up items).

Other items for improved security here:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collections/dunbar-pappy/dunbarpappy/

Also have this setting:

Tools> Options> Privacy> top drop menu set to "Firefox will use custom settings..."> Check 'Accept Cookies from sites'

►Un-Check 'Accept 3rd Party cookies'.

Answer 2

Well just to be safe delete the recently installed addons you think Firefox is updating. you need to make sure there is no virus on your system downloading these files without permission as well. Run a full scan with Norton and see what comes up. The .dll extension stands for direct library link, these sound safe. But try to run "piclenshelper.exe" in a safe environment since it is an executable file. other wise everything seems okay.



Daniel-

Answer 3

This is indeed Firefox automatically downloading updates to the Addins you've selected. You can turn off the auto-update - but it's safe (as lonk as the addins you've selected are safe!) Remember - not all of them are safe - and some are not tested or approved. The ones you've outlined here are safe.

Answer 4

Don't use IE, and get rid of Norton. But if it said it was safe, what's the problem? Updates occur all the time.

Answer 5

well, it looks like you have an addon in firefox called cooliris . uninstall it and everything should be fine