Apple says shipped iPods carrying computer virus

NEW YORK, Oct 18 (Reuters) Some of Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod digital music players shipped in the past month carry a computer virus, according to a posting on Apple's technical support Web site.

Apple said since Sept. 12, less than 1 percent of Video iPods -- pocket-sized devices that can play music files and video clips -- left its contract manufacturer carrying the virus RavMonE.exe, which affects computers running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.

''So far we have seen less than 25 reports concerning this problem. The iPod nano, iPod shuffle and Mac OS X are not affected, and all Video iPods now shipping are virus free,'' the company said on the site.

Apple said the virus can be detected and removed using many popular anti-virus software programs.

Representatives for Apple and Microsoft were not available to comment further on Wednesday morning.

REUTERS DKS HS1948