dailytech.com- - Apple Computer has posted an article on its support site admitting that it has shipped a small number of fifth-generation Video iPods that contain, for your convenience, a pre-loaded Windows virus.

The iPods contain the Troj/Bdoor-DIJ trojan, which allows an attacker to access and control your system remotely. Apple has traced the source of the trojan to a single infected Windows machine at one of their manufacturers, and claims that "less than 1%" of the iPods shipped after September 12, 2006, are carrying the trojan.

Apple is apologetic, but evidently still not above taking potshots at rival Microsoft whenever the chance arises, writing "As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it."

To their credit, Apple does provide links to several free trials of anti-virus software, and gives simple instructions on cleaning the infected iPod via iTunes 7.

McDonalds of Japan suffered a similar, but larger setback when it was discovered that all 10,000 of the MP3 players they offered as prizes were infected with a trojan.