U3 _is_ a virus because ScanDisk allows it to INSTALL without first ASKING the user if they want it. Software that modifies your system without your permission is a virus. You plug in the new flash drive, and it auto-installs. No where on the product or packaging was any mention of auto-installing propritary software that would add a virtual cd drive letter and impact system performance, which it did. U3 software will conflict with other popular software such as all varieties of CD/DVD burning software. This is somewhat like the Sony DRM Rootkit which got that company into a great deal of hot water. I have been looking for a group that is interested in seeking civil litigation against Sandisk. Companies that pull this sort of stunt do need to be held accountable.