Well, we all knew a day would come when the Mac became a target for viruses and trojans, thankfully it isn’t nearly as bad as some other unnamed OS out there.

First, what is the Flashback Virus/Trojan well, Flashback is the name for a malicious software program discovered in September 2011 that tried to trick users into installing it by masquerading as an installer for Adobe Flash. (Antivirus vendor Intego believes Flashback was created by the same people behind the MacDefender attack that hit last year.) While the original version of Flashback and its initial variants relied on users to install them, this new form is what’s called in the security business a drive-by download: Rather than needing a user to install it, Flashback uses an unpatched Java vulnerability to install itself.

If you visit a malicious (or unwillingly infected) website hosting Flashback, the program attempts to display a specially crafted Java applet. (We don’t yet know how many websites host Flashback.) If you have a vulnerable version of Java installed and enabled in your Web browser, the malicious code will infect your system and then install a series of components. Since Apple did not release an update for that vulnerable version of Java until April 3rd, many users were and are still susceptible.

After initial infection, Flashback pops open a Software Update window to try and obtain your administrative password, but it does so only to embed itself more deeply into your Mac. Even if you aren’t fooled at this point, you are still infected.

Once it succeeds in infecting your Mac, Flashback inserts itself into Safari and (according to F-Secure) appears to harvest information from your Web browsing activities, including usernames and passwords. It then sends this information to command-and-control servers on the Internet.

The significant thing is that, unlike almost all other Mac malware we’ve seen, Flashback can insinuate itself into your system if you merely visit an infected webpage and are using vulnerable software. You do not need to enter your administrative password or to manually install anything.

So what can you do to prevent yourself from getting infected? Well first and foremost, ALWAYS stay up to date with Apple Software updates. Apple does their absolute best to release updates to patch holes that allow these exploits very quickly, so as long as you install your updates you will have a much smaller window to get an infection. Also, as is always a good rule of thumb, be careful browsing websites. If a website link looks suspicious, don’t go to it.

Now lets say you are worried you maybe did pick up the Flashback Trojan, the first thing you want to do is download the file below. It contains two AppleScripts that will detect if your computer is clean. Just click the link below and once it is downloaded, double-click on the file to unzip the folder and then double-click each of the files in the folder. If the popup window at the end of each one says “does not exists” you are in the clear and don’t need to worry about having it. If the windows say anything other than that, bring your machine into GatorTec and we will clean it all up and get you back in business asap.

Download Flashback check scripts by clicking here. 

Looking to get  a new iPod Touch, Nano or Shuffle? Swing by GatorTec for all your iPod needs. We have iPods along with some of the best accessories available for all the iPod lines, including slap bracelets for the nano, Nike + adapters, Skull Candy headphones and more.

That’s right folks, GatorTec is on TV…Cox Cable to be specific. We just started running our first commercial on Cox. Check it out below…

GatorTec has received their first shipment of Incase products. We got a lot of iPhone 4/4S cases, including the Slider Case, Pro Slider Case, Snap Case, Sports Armband and Combo Charger. For the Macs, we got some Perforated Hardshell Cases, and lots of colors of the Hard Shell Case along with Terra Sleeves and the Nylon Campus Backpack. We will continue to add more products, so if there is something you want specifically from Incase and we don’t have it, let us know and it will be on our next order!

After a short delay GatorTec is very excited to announce the arrival of the new AppleTV! We got plenty of them in-stock and we are ready to answer any AppleTV related (or other) questions. Only $99 – now featuring 1080p along with an amazing new interface.

We also are very excited to announce that we now carry what is soon to be one of the best accessories for the AppleTV – the H-Squared tvTray for mounting your AppleTV.

GatorTec is very excited to announce a new Trade-In program today that allows all of our customers the ability to trade-in any Mac, PC, iPad or iPhone for cash.

The program is very simple, you visit our trade-in site, select your machine and fill in some basic details about your device. You will receive a live quote for the value of your computer. If you agree to the estimated value, you fill out your shipping info and a box will arrive for your machine. Simply put your computer in the prepaid box and ship your machine off. Our Trade-In partner PowerOn will go over your machine and send you a formal agreement for the purchase. As soon as you agree to the purchase, you will receive a prepaid American Express card for the value of your computer. Couldn’t get much easier than that!

Please feel free to go to the trade-in F.A.Q. page or call us for more information.

Apple has just announced a new AppleTV. This new model has lots of amazing new features, but one of the biggest is that it is now 1080p! Along with the new AppleTV, Apple has also announced iCloud now supports movies, in 1080p. The new AppleTV also features a new “streamlined” user interface. It also has even better implementation of third party apps like MLB.tv. There are new screen savers, including National Geographic, Photo Stream, and more. Movies will also be recommended based on what you’ve watched previously. All this for only $99!

GatorTec is taking pre-orders today and we expect our first shipment of them to arrive next Friday! Call or stop by for more information!

GatorTec just keeps bringing the good news! We are pleased to announce that we just signed up to carry Incase’s amazing line of products. Our initial order is going in today and we will be stocking their products by the end of the week!

Just a reminder, we have a lot of great new product coming in this week, along with a full shipment of Apple computers and accessories.

GatorTec is pleased to announce that we now offer Adobe software at a significant discount to higher education students and faculty. The Adobe Creative Suite features Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat and much more. Please visit GatorTec to see what Adobe software we have to offer.

GatorTec is really excited to announce that we are now officially an Apple Authorized Reseller. Not only does this make us the premier location in North Central Florida for all your Apple needs, it also means was can provide even better service to our customers by having stock of all Apple products in the store for immediate pickup. If you need a Mac, iPod or AppleTV, just come on in and let GatorTec help you out. We are placing our initial stocking order now and expect to have a full line of Apple products in the next week.