Disambiguation "autorun" in this context refers to a feature or property of Microsoft Windows and other operating systems, in general, that exhibit the behavior of automatically executing software on an inserted cdrom or media.
Some terminology relating to or sometimes used synonymously are Autoplay, Autorn, and Auto-insert notification.
Whenever inserting DVD's or CD's into a Windows computer you are usually prompted with a message asking what to do with the disc. This happens because of the AutoPlay/Auto Insert Notification functionality built into Windows. This can cause problems when burning discs using DVD/CD duplicators.
There are security implications involved with this behavior, such as the well known Sandisk U3 Flash Drive Virus and the more notorious Sony DRM Rootkit.
The autorun behavior can launch software without your consent and furthermore, actually install malware on your computer without your knowledge with full stealth proficiency.
Temporarily Disable Behavior
Hold down the SHIFT KEY when inserting a thumbdrive, cdrom disc, or other related media to prevent autorun.inf from launching.
Key Words: spyware , malware , trojan , crash , aries.sys , XCP technology